Ukrainian singer gets political with her art

Montreal has long been known as one of the most progressive cities in the world when it comes to LGBT rights.

Nine years ago, as the host city for International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, the conference produced the Declaration of Montreal, which outlines a rights and freedoms for LGBT people that should be universally guaranteed.

The borough of Ville-Marie was the first city in the world to adopt the declaration in August 2006, cementing Montreal’s place as a city known for accepting everyone.

As someone who frequently speaks out about LGBT rights in her music, Ukrainian singer and political activist Kristina Karo would like to visit Montreal, but as a recent immigrant to the U.S, she’s trapped by her current immigration status.

“I have never been to Canada because I still don’t have my green card and can’t leave the US,” she said.

Karo channels her frustration about immigration rights and anti-LGBT rhetoric from governments into her music.

In her most recent music video, titled “Give Me Green Card,” talks about her hazy legal status and her desire to become a US citizen. As a current citizen of Ukraine, she said that people’s attitudes toward LGBT rights in her home country and throughout eastern Europe make her ashamed.

“I wish we shouldn’t have to raise awareness about a matter that doesn’t hurt anyone,” she said. “I feel like even after the progress society achieved in the last 50 years regarding the LGBT community, we still hear too many dark incidents against gays from people and governments.”

Karo grew up in the small rural village of Berezhnytsia, in north-west Ukraine.

“We had a chicken farm and I had to wake up every day at 3 am to pick up eggs,” she said, but added that growing up on the farm taught her how to work hard and stay humble.

Living in a poor village, Karo said that sneaking off to watch MTV on the on only television set in the village was what eventually inspired her to pursue a career as an artist.

“I remember one night particularly when they were showing the song Barbie Girl and I start singing with the TV,” she said. “After few seconds of singing and hearing myself I realized I can totally do it too, and may I humbly say that I can even do it better.”

“There and then I knew my calling.”

After growing up and eventually saving up enough money to come to North America, Karo got on the plane and never looked back.

As she tries to make her way in the music world and raise awareness about political issues that are close to her heart, she said that the advice her grandma gave her is what keeps her inspired.

“She said: ‘My little one, the best thing for you in Bereznitsa is the road that will take you out of here,’” Karo said. “It was a defining moment for me and a month before my flight to LA, she passed away.”