Poland opened first LGBTQ museum on Friday, amid the bustling trams and vibrant energy of Warsaw’s busiest street, marking a significant milestone for a community still striving for equal rights in the country.
Nestled inconspicuously between a kebab shop and a second-hand clothing store, the museum houses nearly 150 artefacts chronicling the LGBTQ movement’s long fight for recognition in Poland.
The minimalist interior emphasizes the significance of its exhibits, creating a stark yet poignant atmosphere.
Established by the nonprofit rights group Lambda, the museum is the first of its kind in post-communist Europe.
Its director, Krzysztof Kliszczynski, expressed immense joy at its realization. “Overjoyed” by the achievement, Kliszczynski highlighted its historical and cultural importance.
The museum’s collection tells the stories of LGBTQ individuals in Poland, tracing their experiences as far back as the 16th century.
Through letters, photographs, and covert activism materials, the exhibits unveil a history often obscured by fear of persecution.
Preserving a Hidden Past
The museum’s opening drew a gathering of LGBTQ advocates, including trailblazers who have dedicated decades to advancing equal rights in Poland. Among them was Andrzej Selerowicz, who launched Poland’s first newsletter for gay men in 1983.
Standing before a glass case, Selerowicz reflected on a personal photograph from 45 years ago, “This is a photo of me and my partner to the present moment,” the 76-year-old author and translator shared.
Ryszard Kisiel, another early activist, also attended the ceremony. Kisiel, now 76, received applause as he entered the museum.
He modestly acknowledged his contributions to the museum’s inaugural display. “I take some credit for that,” he remarked, chuckling. His donations include a nearly 40-year-old safe-sex leaflet he designed.
Researchers have faced significant challenges in collecting artefacts documenting the LGBTQ movement, as much of the history remains deeply private and is often destroyed.
Piotr Laskowski, a historian from the University of Warsaw, noted, “A huge part of this queer history is also very private… and very often destroyed after the death of these people, and often deliberately so.”
One notable item on display is a handcrafted magazine from 1956, previously unknown to researchers, which only recently came to light.
Kliszczynski emphasized the museum’s role in preserving such stories, “That is also why this museum is here… so that memory is never thrown away again — the memory of us that often ended up in the rubbish heaps.”
The museum’s creation was hailed as a historic step, but attendees acknowledged ongoing struggles. Despite promises from the ruling party to legalize civil unions, same-sex couples in Poland still lack the right to marry or formally register their partnerships in the predominantly Catholic nation.
Last week, a UN expert urged the government to strengthen protections for LGBTQ individuals, decrying delays in enacting reforms.
Selerowicz expressed frustration at Poland’s lagging progress, “I can’t comprehend why Poland is at the tail end of the whole of Europe, when even in quite conservative southern European countries civil unions are already introduced.”
Despite the challenges, advocates remain resolute. Kliszczynski dismissed fears of homophobic attacks on the museum, asserting, “Enough of being afraid… We can no longer be afraid.” Determined to maintain the museum’s presence, he added, “And if someone sprays our shop window, I will personally remove the paint.”
