These reports, which came to light last week, are distressing to say the least.

These acts of brutality must be condemned. For when communities are silenced, it gives rise to prejudice and intolerance. When groups are denied recognition, it reinforces the notion of inequality. When LGBTI people are made invisible, wherever they are in the world, it impacts our global march of progress.

The campaign against gay men in Chechnya is particularly alarming for the message it sends. From these acts, people worldwide are told that it is acceptable to vilify marginalised communities and that LGBTI people are inferior. There is no denying this will galvanise homophobic forces, particularly in parts of the world where LGBTI people most need support.

The events in Chechnya are at one end of a spectrum of challenges facing our communities around the world. From the fight for equal marriage and gaining legal protections to reducing stigma, these campaigns all seek the same outcomes in their pursuits: freedom, visibility and equality. But for gay Chechens, and many others across the world, they are simply fighting to live.

Rightly, these appalling accounts of violence in Chechnya have drawn international condemnation with the United Nation, the United States and the European Union calling on the Russian government to intervene. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop expressed concern, telling Fairfax Media: "The Australian government is concerned at reports of mass arrests of individuals in the Republic of Chechnya in the Russian Federation due to their perceived or actual sexual orientation. We have raised our concerns directly with the Russian government. We are seeking advice from the Russian government on whether any Australians are involved so that we can offer appropriate consular assistance"