Andrei, a gay 20-year-old law student, hopes this month’s referendum to enshrine Moldova’s European ambitions in the constitution will enable the ex-Soviet republic to “finally move into the 21st century” when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. “Everyone around me talks about the economic benefits of joining (the European Union), but honestly, I’m more excited about what could happen socially to Moldova if the ‘yes’ vote is successful,” said Andrei, who asked that only his first name be used because of the sensitivity of the subject.