It's almost impossible to ignore the recent trend of homophobic violence in Poland—which, according to the State Department, has the distinction of being one of the Top Ten Worst Countries for Gays. (But let's not even talk this country or even Secretary Rice's record on gays.) Let's introduce you to one of the most influential leaders in Poland's fight for gay equality:
Krystian Legierski is a Polish-born black gay activist. He is 27 years old and the owner of Le Madame, the influential Warsaw club that was recently shut down by the government. From a recent article in The Gully: "In addition to being the hub of Poland's queer culture, offering plays, music and performance art, Le Madame hosted a wide array of other counter-cultural, avant-garde, and political events. The Warsaw Green Party, for example, had its offices on the club's first floor."
Legierski is also one of the leaders of the Greens and has been targeted by a relentless hate campaign based upon his skin color, such as leaflets at one march that read "Krystian Legierski: fag and nigger. How much worse can you get?" Poland's current president—the very homophobic Lech Kaczynski—was formerly the mayor of Warsaw and refused to meet with the activist and used a few choice slurs to describe Legierski.
We first came across Krystian Legierski via Doug Ireland's informative Warsaw dispatches in the Gay City News. It's amazing that Krystian is fighting for gay equality in a country where so many of his compatriots even refuse to recognize him as a fellow Polish citizen. (Read comments here.) Just to imagine what his daily life must be like ... wow, it almost makes our life over here seem like a cakewalk.
A Polish Stonewall? (Gay City News)
Police Attack Le Madame, Expel Occupants (DIreland)
Top 10 Worst Countries For Gays (Queerty)
Warsaw's "Le Madame" Shut Down (The Gully)
Warsaw, Poland, Police Shut Gay Club (Free Republic)
Violence Erupts at Krakow March (Towleroad)
Wow, this is fascinating. I had no idea that there were black peopel in Poland let alone one of their top gay leaders was black. Way to go!
Posted by: Pieter | 17 May 2006 at 08:13
Yes, WE--black people and gay people--truly are everywhere.
I wish there was a way to help this brotha. He has my support in spirit.
Posted by: Bernie | 17 May 2006 at 08:53
Work it out boy! We are everywhere and will fight for our rights.
Kinda cute, ain't he?
Posted by: greg | 17 May 2006 at 09:30
I found this fascinating inteview with Krystian Legierski in the hilariously named on-line magazine, The Enlargement Times. (No, the mag is not what you think. It's devoted to the expansion of the European union.)
Apparently, Mr. Legierski is quite the politico.
Posted by: Jim | 17 May 2006 at 10:09
This is a very fitting post in light of the fact that today, May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia!
Posted by: Mad Professah | 17 May 2006 at 12:47
Thanks, Rod, for providing this information to me!
Posted by: Mel Smith | 17 May 2006 at 22:18
This is exactly why I come ehre twice a day. To find out news about our CULTURE and COMMUNITY that NO ONE ELSE PUBLISHES.
We are everywhere and proud. Thank you.
Posted by: patrick s | 18 May 2006 at 00:59
I don't know about his family background but during 1970's there were many links between communist Poland and third world countries in afcrica and especially the middle east.
if you want to help fight homophobia in Poland then bombing the president with emails can't do any harm. Here's his web site:
http://www.president.pl/x.node?id=479
Posted by: beatroot | 20 May 2006 at 05:13
Hello all!
My name is Maggie and I'm a journalist working in Canada. I am currently producing a documentary on homosexuality in Poland and the insane obstacles that you face. I will be flying to Warsaw in mid Decemeber and I would love to speak to whoever may be interested in sharing their story. Please email me directly at mrppolska@gmail.com if interested! Let's get the word out!
WAY TO GO KRYSTIAN - STAY STRONG!
All the very best to you all,
mag
Posted by: Maggie | 17 November 2006 at 13:27