Activists stand up for Polish LGBTQ+ rights in this defiant portrait series

Marek (he/him), 28, Poland

“It's really touching that people who aren’t Polish came to the Embassy – so great and inspiring and nice to know people care about my community. Even if they aren’t Polish they recognise that we are one LGBT family.”

Amedeo (he/him), 22, Italy

“The situation for LGBT+ people in Poland was so important to me because I felt it was a direct attack on rights right on our doorstep, seeing that Poland is an EU member actively violating human rights was utterly horrifying. Alongside this, living in London, many of us know and love many people from Poland and, in particular, I am very close to many people from the LGBTQ+ community who are also of Polish origin. I believe people need to stand up for each other against oppression. I saw a quote by Adam Eli that perfectly sums up this, ‘Queer people anywhere are responsible for queer people everywhere. After all, wouldn’t you want someone to fight for you?’”

Marcin (he/him), 26, Poland

“People are being more vocal about their rights and really stopping putting up with the bullshit, so there is obviously a big backlash from the right and the fake allies policing us how to express our anger. But it is heartwarming to see huge solidarity and this is actually the first time in our history when Polish LGBTQIA+ people have started referring to themselves as sisters and brothers. So all that hate and violence is bringing us closer together. However, I do not see the legal or cultural situation improving anytime soon, it could actually get worse. A friend of mine, Weronika, who organised a solidarity protest in Bristol with me, found out that her hometown declared itself an LGBT-free zone. In her speech, she made an amazing metaphor that it felt as if somebody had changed the locks in her house without telling her about it.”

Sonia Tibacov (she/her), 31, Transylvania
“Human rights cannot be taken for granted. This is a reminder that your rights can be taken from you and you need to be aware and protect them. LGBTQ+ rights are invaluable in their own right, of course, but if they are taken away, up next will be women's rights. What will be next after that? Discrimination based on ethnicity or background or income, it can go on and on. And you should also not take it for granted that abuse of power happens only in faraway third world countries, it can happen to you, in your city, in your country. It's happening right now ‘close to home’, so to speak, in Poland.”

Pavol Gabaj (he/him), 33, Slovakia
“I am appalled and actually outraged by the current situation in Poland. I especially am worried for eastern Europe as I do originally come from Slovakia. I am scared this is likely to spread to other countries like a domino effect. I have been attending protests here in London to raise more awareness. I have also taken initiative in fundraising for anarcho-queer Polish organisation Stopbzdurom with Queefy Cabaret and Slav4you Cabaret here in London. I have painted a painting called ‘Stop Heteronormative Fascism in Poland’ that's a satire and serves as a mirror to the absurd situation. 

“The events have been very successful and I think a lot of people are aware of the situation. People are tweeting, sharing news on Instagram, and Facebook etc. I think that people, especially the young generation, are well-aware and supportive, globally. More and more people are getting involved, especially now that Poland has tried to legalise a ban on abortion.”

Rica (she/her) 23, Germany

“The world is a scary place right now, but it will not get better by looking the other way. If you are queer and in a more privileged position, see what you can do to help the Polish members of your community and do it. If you are not queer, chances are you know and appreciate somebody who is, whether you know it or not. Do it for them.

“Doing whatever you can is the most important thing. Sign a petition. Educate yourself on the situation. Demand the European Union and the United Kingdom condemn and sanction LGBTQ+ free zones properly. Call out the Prime Minister for openly congratulating President Duda on his win achieved on the back of a disgusting campaign of hatred and misinformation. Raise awareness if you have a platform. Communicate with others, even if they don’t agree with you. There is no use in shouting down the opposition, we must make people understand the importance of individual happiness and dignity. Have conversations with your friends, even if they’re uncomfortable. Support Polish Rainbow UK or any of the organisations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Poland.”