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2024 was an impactful year for LGBT+ rights in Poland, especially because of the game-changing elections in 2023. It was a year of progress, advocacy, and collaboration across politics, law, community support, and business. Here is our look back at what happened! Politics Amendments to the Criminal Code Reached Parliament KPH, together with other organizations working for LGBT+ people, met with Adam Bodnar and Krzysztof Śmiszek to talk about the need for changes to the Criminal Code regarding crimes and hate speech. Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar apologized to the LGBT+ community for the harm done by the country. The...

The new report by Open for Business, titled “The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in Poland” shows that including LGBT+ individuals can serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, while discrimination against them carries both social and financial costs. Discover the key findings of the study and read the full publication. Key Findings Skilled workers are leaving Poland for more inclusive societies Poland is grappling with a “brain drain” crisis as skilled professionals migrate to more open countries. Data from the World Bank and LinkedIn highlight this trend, showing that employees in Poland are moving to nations with more...

On January 11–12:Warsaw became the venue for a unique event that brought together representatives from 13 organizations, groups, and associations from across Poland participating in the “Wspólnymi Siłami” grant fund. The event served as a platform for sharing experiences, building collaborative networks, and co-creating innovative ideas for the future. During two days, participants engaged in creative workshops designed to help them develop innovative initiatives within their groups. The sessions were filled with inspiring discussions about successes, challenges, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. The event also provided ample opportunities for networking and strengthening connections among participants. Attendees shared their experiences, forged...

Polish law still does not provide effective protection against hate crimes and hate speech — anyone can become a victim, and the lack of appropriate regulations amounts to tacit approval of violence and discrimination. After years of tolerating homophobia and transphobia, supported by the previous government and public media, amending the Criminal Code is necessary to ensure the safety of LGBT+ individuals and restore basic legal standards in Poland. On December 19, during a press conference in the Sejm, a joint statement on this matter was presented by 37 civil society organizations — acting as the Coalition for Equal Opportunities...

On November 29-30, 2024, the Zlot Obrończyń i Obrońców Praw Człowieka (Human Rights Defenders’ Gathering) took place – one of Poland’s largest events for civil society, providing a platform for representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from diverse fields to come together. During the event, Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH) led a panel focused on EU funding in the context of LGBT+ rights in Poland. The Zlot for the third time was organized by Ogólnopolska Federacja Organizacji Pozarządowych, Inicjatywa „Nasz Rzecznik”, Sieć Obywatelska Watchdog Polska, Fundusz Obywatelski im. Ludwiki i Henryka Wujców, and Helsińska Fundacja Praw Człowieka. Discussions during the event addressed...

The UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, called on the Government in Poland to take swift and decisive steps to combat discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) people. “It is imperative that the Parliament take action on necessary legal reforms on equality in Poland, to address human rights violations,” Reid said in a statement at the end of his 10-day visit to the country. “LGBT individuals are negatively affected by the lack of adequate protections,” he said. The expert said the slow pace of...