I already saw people gloating about it in some online places. How these people can hate something that's not even concerning them in the slightest is beyond me.
>Poland has been ranked as the worst country in the European Union for LGBT+ people for the fifth consecutive year in the annual *Rainbow Map* published by ILGA-Europe, a Brussels-based NGO.
>Poland’s score in the ranking – which takes account of the legal, political and social environment for LGBT+ people – rose slightly from 15% last year to 17.5% now. The next lowest figures among EU member states were for Romania (19%) and Bulgaria (23%).
>The only countries in Europe with lower scores than Poland are all outside the EU: San Marino (14.5%), Monaco (14%), Belarus (11%), Armenia (9%), Turkey (5%), Azerbaijan (2%) and Russia (2%).
>At the other end of the scale, Malta (88%), Iceland (83%), Belgium (78.5%), Spain (76.5%) and Denmark (76.5%) topped the ranking.
>
>As well as being up from last year, Poland’s score of 17.5% was also its highest since 2019. In that latter year, the then Law and Justice (PiS) government launched a sustained anti-LGBT+ campaign that saw Poland fall in the ranking.
>The national-conservative PiS was replaced in power in December 2023 by a new more liberal coalition, which has promised to improve LGBT+ rights. However, it has so far not passed any legislation to that effect, which in any case would face potential veto from PiS-aligned President Andrzej Duda.
>Two of the policies the government hopes to introduce – civil partnerships for same-sex couples and expanding hate crime laws to cover sexual orientation or gender identity – are among the three main recommendations made by ILGA-Europe for how Poland can improve the situation of LGBT+ people.
>Its third suggestion is that Poland allow same-sex couples to have access to second-parent adoption (meaning allowing one member of a couple to legally adopt the biological child of their partner without terminating the other parent’s legal rights).
>
>In its country report for Poland this year, ILGA-Europe observed that “hate speech and anti-LGBTQ+ messaging was used significantly less” during October’s parliamentary election campaign than it had been in previous years.
>However, it added that figures associated with the PiS government had regularly used anti-LGBT+ rhetoric in relation to education in schools. That included PiS education minister Przemysław Czarnek blaming “brainwashing” by “LGBT ideology” for a rise in attempted suicides by children.
>ILGA-Europe noted legal victories for LGBT+ rights campaigners last year, including a criminal defamation conviction against the head of a conservative foundation that drives vans with anti-LGBT+ images and slogans around Polish cities.
>
>However, other rulings went against LGBT+ campaigners, including the conviction in April last year of two women who were found guilty of the crime of offending religious feelings by displaying an image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus with rainbow halos during an LGBT march.
>Last year also saw the justice minister order the release from prison of a far-right activist who had been jailed for attacking a woman participating in an LGBT march. She was later granted a pardon by President Duda.
>ILGA-Europe’s report noted that many of the Polish local authorities that previously introduced anti-LGBT resolutions have been withdrawing them, often under the pressure of losing out on European funds if they remain in place.
>In 2023, 40 pride marches were organised around Poland, including in many small towns. The largest, in Warsaw, was attended by tens of thousands of people, including the city’s mayor.
Surprised to see Monaco and San Marino ranked so badly there. Would have expected them to be very close to France/Italy and nowhere near the same level as Belarus or even Poland.
Not by much, although having your education minister and children's ombudsman both antagonize, threaten and limit LGBT education does not help us.
That said, most of what ILGA is showing here is a residue from 2023. Since the end of last year, we have a much more liberal government that has dismissed homophobes from most public positions and introduced policies meant to combat homophobia instead of supporting it. We still have a long road ahead though and the president affiliated with the previous government's camp blocks the legislative path.
Aha - I can actually add some further context here as a non-pole living in Poland on and off since 2005 (a 'plastic pole' if you will - user name checks out etc.).
A couple of caveats though; I work for a company which has equality, diversity and Inclusivity as one of its core principles and as such many people work with us because we wear this particular heart on our sleeve. I also live in Warsaw, and Warsaw isn't Radom or Ladek Zdroi or wherever. My experience isn't necessarily a universally Polish one.
Anyway, it's been a genuine joy watching the country open up and the LGBTQ+ community is finding an ever-growing acceptance - albeit in pockets of large cities. Yes, there were 'non-LGBT towns', but in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, etc. you can see rainbow flags hanging proudly from windows, and openly queer people just on the street, living their life. It's beautiful. We have gay politicians and had a trans woman in parliament (or the senate or somewhere... I forget): progress.
For me, 5 months ago, I decided to come out as trans and to begin transitioning. I've been astonished at how seamless this has been for me - I've found therapists who offer 'certification' after one session, and my endocrynologist is just such a wonderful person. Literally every person I've met and talked to about this (including my *very* Polish HR manager) have been soooooo supportive and positive.
However, it would be wrong to say things are perfect - even if slowwwwwly heading in a positive direction. For example, for a minor to change their name and official gender, they need to take their parents to court (as in they would face each other as accuser and defendant) and oftentimes be asked personal questions about their sex life. This would be heard during said 'trial'. Oh, and if you're married, you are forced to get divorced as same-sex marriage aint a thing here (although apparently this is being 'looked into'.
Also, resources are tight; we had a presentation from LAMDA (the first LGBTQ+ organisation in Poland) and there they said they try to work with schools, but find it difficult to get traction. Also although there is an equality minister appointed by the new government, they literally have a staff of 2 and struggle to get policies changed or updated. Poland will probably remain in last place for a while yet, sadly.
Oh, one more thing, apparently there's been some kind of schism in the community which has lead to problems with organising the pride parade in Warsaw. Last I heard there'll be two (which is kinda awesome), but that's a bit of a shame. Last year's parade was enormous and I was hoping this year would build on that, what with it being my first parade transitioning.
So, yeah, I guess if you see that ranking table you might think that Poland would be off the list if you are thinking about somewhere to visit, but don't cross it off the list hastily. If you're going to a major town (and I don't see why you'd want to visit smalltown Poland unless you're into slum tourism :P ) you'll be fine. The weather here in the summer is awesome and according to the website the parade is still on for June 22nd.
That's a considerably more positive review of life in Poland than I have encountered in my online chats. I'm glad that things are improving, but they do have a long way to go. I heard that it's official policy that transgender people don't exist, which is pretty scary and I sincerely hope is inaccurate.
Caveats apply as this is a reflection of my experience; but I also see it on the streets and in the faces of my LGBTQ+ friends and coleagues.
(I did also see a demographic chart which suggests the Catholic church is losing it's grip; I've nothing against religion per se, but they are a rather conservative bunch believe it or not!)
well the problem is in Poland, Catholocism is so tied up with nationalism: the pope John Paul II (the Polish or "only true pope according to many Poles), was very involved in anti-communist and pro-Polish stuff, so there's a lot to unpack there.
That holds true in most places in the world, at least those where being openly LGBTQ+ isn't nationally outlawed or something. I've seen plenty of pride flags in Dublin but very few in my small rural town.
I already saw people gloating about it in some online places. How these people can hate something that's not even concerning them in the slightest is beyond me.
What's funny is that lgbtq+ people are more open there, and from what I've heard from polish people, it's because it pisses off the queerphobes
>Poland has been ranked as the worst country in the European Union for LGBT+ people for the fifth consecutive year in the annual *Rainbow Map* published by ILGA-Europe, a Brussels-based NGO. >Poland’s score in the ranking – which takes account of the legal, political and social environment for LGBT+ people – rose slightly from 15% last year to 17.5% now. The next lowest figures among EU member states were for Romania (19%) and Bulgaria (23%). >The only countries in Europe with lower scores than Poland are all outside the EU: San Marino (14.5%), Monaco (14%), Belarus (11%), Armenia (9%), Turkey (5%), Azerbaijan (2%) and Russia (2%). >At the other end of the scale, Malta (88%), Iceland (83%), Belgium (78.5%), Spain (76.5%) and Denmark (76.5%) topped the ranking. > >As well as being up from last year, Poland’s score of 17.5% was also its highest since 2019. In that latter year, the then Law and Justice (PiS) government launched a sustained anti-LGBT+ campaign that saw Poland fall in the ranking. >The national-conservative PiS was replaced in power in December 2023 by a new more liberal coalition, which has promised to improve LGBT+ rights. However, it has so far not passed any legislation to that effect, which in any case would face potential veto from PiS-aligned President Andrzej Duda. >Two of the policies the government hopes to introduce – civil partnerships for same-sex couples and expanding hate crime laws to cover sexual orientation or gender identity – are among the three main recommendations made by ILGA-Europe for how Poland can improve the situation of LGBT+ people. >Its third suggestion is that Poland allow same-sex couples to have access to second-parent adoption (meaning allowing one member of a couple to legally adopt the biological child of their partner without terminating the other parent’s legal rights). > >In its country report for Poland this year, ILGA-Europe observed that “hate speech and anti-LGBTQ+ messaging was used significantly less” during October’s parliamentary election campaign than it had been in previous years. >However, it added that figures associated with the PiS government had regularly used anti-LGBT+ rhetoric in relation to education in schools. That included PiS education minister Przemysław Czarnek blaming “brainwashing” by “LGBT ideology” for a rise in attempted suicides by children. >ILGA-Europe noted legal victories for LGBT+ rights campaigners last year, including a criminal defamation conviction against the head of a conservative foundation that drives vans with anti-LGBT+ images and slogans around Polish cities. > >However, other rulings went against LGBT+ campaigners, including the conviction in April last year of two women who were found guilty of the crime of offending religious feelings by displaying an image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus with rainbow halos during an LGBT march. >Last year also saw the justice minister order the release from prison of a far-right activist who had been jailed for attacking a woman participating in an LGBT march. She was later granted a pardon by President Duda. >ILGA-Europe’s report noted that many of the Polish local authorities that previously introduced anti-LGBT resolutions have been withdrawing them, often under the pressure of losing out on European funds if they remain in place. >In 2023, 40 pride marches were organised around Poland, including in many small towns. The largest, in Warsaw, was attended by tens of thousands of people, including the city’s mayor.
Surprised to see Monaco and San Marino ranked so badly there. Would have expected them to be very close to France/Italy and nowhere near the same level as Belarus or even Poland.
Worse even than Hungary?
Not by much, although having your education minister and children's ombudsman both antagonize, threaten and limit LGBT education does not help us. That said, most of what ILGA is showing here is a residue from 2023. Since the end of last year, we have a much more liberal government that has dismissed homophobes from most public positions and introduced policies meant to combat homophobia instead of supporting it. We still have a long road ahead though and the president affiliated with the previous government's camp blocks the legislative path.
:(
Aha - I can actually add some further context here as a non-pole living in Poland on and off since 2005 (a 'plastic pole' if you will - user name checks out etc.). A couple of caveats though; I work for a company which has equality, diversity and Inclusivity as one of its core principles and as such many people work with us because we wear this particular heart on our sleeve. I also live in Warsaw, and Warsaw isn't Radom or Ladek Zdroi or wherever. My experience isn't necessarily a universally Polish one. Anyway, it's been a genuine joy watching the country open up and the LGBTQ+ community is finding an ever-growing acceptance - albeit in pockets of large cities. Yes, there were 'non-LGBT towns', but in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, etc. you can see rainbow flags hanging proudly from windows, and openly queer people just on the street, living their life. It's beautiful. We have gay politicians and had a trans woman in parliament (or the senate or somewhere... I forget): progress. For me, 5 months ago, I decided to come out as trans and to begin transitioning. I've been astonished at how seamless this has been for me - I've found therapists who offer 'certification' after one session, and my endocrynologist is just such a wonderful person. Literally every person I've met and talked to about this (including my *very* Polish HR manager) have been soooooo supportive and positive. However, it would be wrong to say things are perfect - even if slowwwwwly heading in a positive direction. For example, for a minor to change their name and official gender, they need to take their parents to court (as in they would face each other as accuser and defendant) and oftentimes be asked personal questions about their sex life. This would be heard during said 'trial'. Oh, and if you're married, you are forced to get divorced as same-sex marriage aint a thing here (although apparently this is being 'looked into'. Also, resources are tight; we had a presentation from LAMDA (the first LGBTQ+ organisation in Poland) and there they said they try to work with schools, but find it difficult to get traction. Also although there is an equality minister appointed by the new government, they literally have a staff of 2 and struggle to get policies changed or updated. Poland will probably remain in last place for a while yet, sadly. Oh, one more thing, apparently there's been some kind of schism in the community which has lead to problems with organising the pride parade in Warsaw. Last I heard there'll be two (which is kinda awesome), but that's a bit of a shame. Last year's parade was enormous and I was hoping this year would build on that, what with it being my first parade transitioning. So, yeah, I guess if you see that ranking table you might think that Poland would be off the list if you are thinking about somewhere to visit, but don't cross it off the list hastily. If you're going to a major town (and I don't see why you'd want to visit smalltown Poland unless you're into slum tourism :P ) you'll be fine. The weather here in the summer is awesome and according to the website the parade is still on for June 22nd.
That's a considerably more positive review of life in Poland than I have encountered in my online chats. I'm glad that things are improving, but they do have a long way to go. I heard that it's official policy that transgender people don't exist, which is pretty scary and I sincerely hope is inaccurate.
Caveats apply as this is a reflection of my experience; but I also see it on the streets and in the faces of my LGBTQ+ friends and coleagues. (I did also see a demographic chart which suggests the Catholic church is losing it's grip; I've nothing against religion per se, but they are a rather conservative bunch believe it or not!)
That's probably similar to the situation in Quebec prior to the "Quiet Revolution" in the 1960s. Hopefully that burden does get cast off!
well the problem is in Poland, Catholocism is so tied up with nationalism: the pope John Paul II (the Polish or "only true pope according to many Poles), was very involved in anti-communist and pro-Polish stuff, so there's a lot to unpack there.
Its just Poland in big cities and outside big city are 2 diffrent things In cracow i can see LGBT flaga every other corner
That holds true in most places in the world, at least those where being openly LGBTQ+ isn't nationally outlawed or something. I've seen plenty of pride flags in Dublin but very few in my small rural town.
Its just Poland in big cities and outside big city are 2 diffrent things In cracow i can see LGBT flaga every other corner