As an Azerbaijani expat and anthropologist, I experienced and observed the dynamic of this war from a distance, which provides space for me to cultivate a different point of view. From my perspective, the fighting ignited an unholy mix of toxic propaganda and nationalism on social media, polluting both the Armenian and Azerbaijani populations and threatening the peacebuilding efforts and cross border relationships that existed before the September war.

Gulshan, a 69-year-old woman, was living alone during the lockdown - her family was afraid not to infect her with the virus and kept a distance, so did her neighbours and other visitors. Over the months of isolation, she decided to reach out to her loved ones virtually.

Azerbaijan is the worst country in Europe for people who identify as LGBTIQ+, according to ILGA Europe. Homophobic attacks and bullying against the community are common in the country. This is the story of one member of that community. The life of our hero (who we will not name) reflects the experiences of many members of the Azerbaijani queer community.

An attack in a queer-friendly neighborhood in Baku causes a group of friends to question their safety in even so-called progressive communities.