Despite some progress, Poland remains behind in protecting LGBT rights. In the capital of Warsaw, there is a high school that is a beacon of hope for LGBT students. Known as Sniadek School, it has implemented a safe schools scheme, where students themselves rate their schools. The school also hosts Rainbow Friday, an initiative aimed at promoting diversity and acceptance.
LGBT people in Poland have faced years of hostile rhetoric from senior politicians, and the country consistently ranks at the bottom of the EU when it comes to protecting LGBT rights. However, the last election has given some hope. If an opposition coalition takes over, LGBT activists anticipate a change in both tone and policy.
In contrast, the town of Skierniewice presents a different reality. In 2019, the local council passed a resolution “in defense of marriage and the family”, which included protecting children against “depravity”. The resolution also spoke out against LGBT pride marches and same-sex marriage.
LGBT activist Mateusz, who lives in Skierniewice, expresses his fear and disappointment at the council’s decision. He believes that these resolutions contribute to a growing “wave of hatred” and implores the European Union to maintain its values of tolerance and freedom.
Activists have been working tirelessly to combat these discriminatory practices. They have created an online “Atlas of Hate” to publicly “exclude” councils that have adopted these resolutions and have lobbied to withdraw EU funding for breaches of equality laws.
Although some progress has been made, much work remains to be done. LGBT lawyer and social activist Marek Urbaniak believes a change in government could lead to positive developments, but warns against too high expectations.
Transgender people in Poland face significant obstacles, including the requirement to sue their parents to change their legal gender. Activists continue to push for improvements in this area, as well as for the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption.
Meanwhile, LGBT activists have proposed a “rescue package” of measures that could immediately improve the lives of LGBT people in Poland. These include ending hate speech on television and classifying attacks against people because of their sexual orientation as a specific hate crime.
A focus on mental health education and support for LGBT youth is also a key component of the proposed measures. By fostering a new, more open and educated generation, activists hope to create a brighter future for the LGBT community in Poland.
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