After 20 years, Mirka Makuchowska says goodbye to KPH

At the end of the year, Mirosława Makuchowska is leaving the Campaign Against Homophobia – director, long-time member and co-founder of our organization. This is a symbolic moment – ​​one of the most important eras in the history of KPH is ending. It is hard to imagine our organization without Mirka, but it is thanks to her that we are where we are.

Mirka began her journey in 2005 as a local activist in Wrocław. She quickly became a leader who not only inspired others, but also built structures supporting LGBT+ people throughout Poland. As a coordinator of a local branch, and then responsible for the development of local communities, she created a network of 12 KPH branches in various cities, reaching out with help and support where it had previously been lacking.

In the following years, she took on the role of advocacy manager, and in recent years, director of the entire organization. She has always had one goal – to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in Poland. She was the voice of the community in the media, the Sejm, but also on the European and global forums. Throughout this time, she did not lose touch with the movement – she remained a part of it, listening, reacting, supporting.

At the end of the year, I am leaving KPH, but my faith in this organization and its mission remains deep and unwavering. For 20 years, I have had the honor of being part of this journey – from grassroots activities to responsibility for the entire organization. KPH is a unique place created by extraordinary people who work every day with passion and determination for equality for the LGBT+ community. I thank everyone with whom I had the privilege of working – for strength, solidarity and shared dreams. I believe that KPH will continue to boldly bring change. Hope is in people – and KPH is its best example – says Mirka Makuchowska.

Mirka was and is not only a leader, but also a mentor, trainer and inspiration for hundreds of activists. She trained thousands of people in schools, companies and institutions, prepared educational programs, campaigns and research. She fought for a safe life for all of us.

Mirka is a leader who has always listened to the community. Thanks to her, the voice of LGBT+ people was heard and KPH was strong and independent. She introduced changes that were fundamental to our strength as an organization, but also to the entire movement – says Miko Czerwiński, co-chair of the KPH board.

Mirka – first a girl warrior, then a woman leader – trod the path of Polish activism at a time when there were no structures, textbooks or authorities to refer to. For me, she is my personal heroine, one of the first girls fighting for the rights of LGBT+ people. Stubborn, seeing more than others, with a plan for the future, certain of her reasons. Sometimes tired, frustrated and wanting to escape. An inspiration to rest and then return to the fight. We will miss you very much, but what you leave is a solid foundation on which KPH will grow – adds Urszula Jakubowska, treasurer of the KPH board.

Mirka is a true leader – committed, down-to-earth, clearly defining the direction of action. At the same time, she is an extremely empathetic, supportive person, always open to discussion and a different point of view. Mirka is a person who gives space to act and fulfill professionally – says Monika Weryszko, PR and Communication Manager. For me personally, Mirka is also a model of how to efficiently manage an organization and a team despite various turbulences, without losing sobriety and the set goal – she adds.

Mirka – thank you for your enormous work, for all the campaigns, speeches, articles and trainings. For your commitment, persistence and belief that Poland can be a country of equal rights. For building KPH throughout all these years not only as an institution, but above all as a community. Your achievements remain with us.

KPH Management Board and Team