This project addresses the problem of discrimination and hate speech towards LGBT people. Polish Criminal Code does not mention gender identity and sexual orientation grounds as characteristics protected by law, while the government recently declared a provision protecting LGBT people and others against discrimination with respect to access to services as unconstitutional. A political and media hate campaign has been conducted since 2018 – many local government authorities have adopted homophobic resolutions, and the state apparatus uses repressive methods against LGBT activists. Society is becoming increasingly polarized. 41% of the public believe that LGBT persons “flaunt” their orientation, and 27% consider them a threat to the family. On the other hand, LGBT people are becoming more visible publicly, and acceptance for them is increasing.

The Project Promoter will conduct a media campaign featuring articles, graphic materials, films, podcasts and debates. The series ‘LGBT friendly zones’ will consist of information about initiatives to help LGBT people. The Project Promoter will monitor statements made by politicians and the government’s and media activities in terms of prejudice and discrimination. The series ‘Get to know LGBT people’ will feature LGBT people’s stories. The Project Promoter will also take action to review statements made by public figures and debunk myths. A series of regular nationwide polls on how LGBT people are perceived will be a major element of the project.

250 people will take an active part in the project, while the materials will reach up to one million people. The aim of the project is to increase public awareness of the situation of LGBT people in Poland, and provide more information about their daily lives to a broader range of readers, while involving them in the subject of LGBT people’s rights. In the long term, the project could help to improve the well-being of non-heteronormative people in living in Poland.