Thousands marched through central Warsaw on Saturday in an ‘equality parade’, amid what activists say has been a growing wave of homophobia in Poland during the last years.
LGBT rights have become a central part of a broader struggle in the country between liberals, who stress the need for a more tolerant and inclusive society, and religious conservatives, who decry what they say is an attempt to subvert values traditions in the predominantly Catholic nation.
Amid a sea of rainbow flags, marchers gathered outside the imposing neo-Gothic Palace of Culture and Science in central Warsaw, while a DJ played dance music on a stage before the start of the march.
“The Equality Parade is a celebration of LGBT people and all those who have to fight for their rights,” said 22-year-old restaurateur Sylwester Cimochowski.
“Homophobia is a huge problem in Poland… there are a lot of people who can’t deal with it, they kill themselves. The situation of LGBT people in Poland is tragic and that’s why I’m here – to support them.
Politicians and clergy have been accused of stoking homophobia in Poland. Some conservatives say they have nothing against gay people but oppose what they call “LGBT ideology”.
Meanwhile, in Hungary, the nationalist government of Viktor Orbán, which is allied with the Polish Law and Justice Party (PiS), has introduced a law banning the “display and promotion of homosexuality” among those under 18.
“It’s getting harder and harder…but at the same time there’s more and more resistance,” said Marta Borkowska, a 37-year-old business consultant, referring to the situation of LGBT people in the center and is. Europe.
When asked what she would say to people who oppose the march, she replied: “I would say ‘don’t be afraid’.”
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