Pride of Poland

In a country where 97% of its population is Catholic, how does the LGBTQ community reconcile their dual identities, of being gay, queer, or trans, and having a relationship with the Catholic church, God, or religion. According to Rainbow Europe, an organization funded by the European Union (EU), Poland is the second worst country to live in regarding anti-discrimination policies, marriage equality, hate crimes, and asylum based on sexual orientation if you are part of the LGBTQ community. Most of the pressure on Poland to change their policies and attitudes does not necessarily come from their constituents, but from the EU itself. Poland’s governing party is against granting equal rights regardless of orientation and has instead favored open hostility toward the LGBTQ community and tightening the Catholic church’s hold on sex education. According to the University of Warsaw, Over two-thirds of people identifying as LGBT suffered from psychological or physical violence, while 70 percent of teens from the group have had suicidal thoughts. 

My own reflection on Pride in Poland consists of these points:

1. There is not an older generation participating in Pride. The oldest average age group I saw were in their 40’s, and they were very scarce at that. I was reminded that in the past, Polish people were living under a system of oppressive communism at the time, and unable to freely conduct themselves. Had they wanted to pursue relationships or participate in LGBTQ culture, it simply would not have been possible. Perhaps anyone who had these inclinations emigrated or live(d) in closeted denial at risk of their lives and livelihoods. 
2. There is a heavy, heavy, heavy, police presence around Pride. The police were outfitted in full riot gear, as a warning to any would-be protestors. These officers were not friendly as opposed to police presence I’ve seen at other Pride events and it really made me wonder how they felt to be surrounded and nearly included in this rainbow event. 
3. Pride is good everywhere. This event was wholesome and it warmed my heart to see young people freely expressing themselves, wanting to see change in the world around them. I interacted with many people, making photos and asking questions. Everyone was happy to get their portraits done. Coming away from this event, it made me realize what a large safe space it was for people, to congregate and speak freely. People were able to kiss and hold hands in the streets, acts that in everyday life might make them uncomfortable and garner strange looks.

Having events like Pride is important because it reminds individuals to have pride in their identities. Not everyone has the luxury to be proud of their sexual or gender orientation, escaping sentiments of shame from external and internalized homophobia. It’s out of ignorance and lack of exposure that people harbor negative attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. Pride, when done right, creates visibility, promoting humanity and love.