Ukraine's 'unicorn' LGBTQ soldiers head for war

Territorial Defence member Antonina Romanova, 37, shows a unicorn insignia on their uniform symbolising the LGBTQ community, on the day of his departure to the frontline, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, at home in Kyiv, Ukraine May 25, 2022. Picture taken May 25, 2022. REUTERS/Edgar Su

As volunteer fighters Oleksandr Zhuhan and Antonina Romanova pack for a return to active duty, they contemplate the unicorn insignia that gives their uniform a rare distinction - a symbol of their status as an LGBTQ couple who are Ukrainian soldiers.

Members of Ukraine's LGBTQ community who sign up for the war have taken to sewing the image of the mythical beast into their standard-issue epaulettes just below the national flag.