WARSAW (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Poles are expected to march through the streets of Warsaw on Saturday demanding equal rights for LGBTQ people as the community eyes elections in October or November where gay rights could play out Important role.
Poland’s ruling nationalist Law and Justice Party (PiS) has been focused on opposing what it calls “LGBT ideology” in previous election campaigns and looks tense with the election , activists expect it to use issues like same-sex marriage or teach LGBTQ issues in schools to mobilize socially conservative voters.
Herda, one of the organizers of the Equality March in Warsaw. “But I’m not too worried because we’re a very strong community and we’re not going to stop doing our pride (march) easily because it’s okay to be who we are.”
PiS said it would The extension of marriage and adoption to gay couples threatens traditional family structures and is harmful to children. It also said that teaching LGBTQ issues in schools led to the sexualization of children.
“Children should not be exposed to practices that are sure to be harmful to them and may lead to psychological changes that negatively affect them PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski at 5 However, critics say the government is trying to win votes by stoking prejudice against minorities who already face widespread discrimination.
For Herda, some conservative concerns about LGBTQ rights are Unsubstantiated. “We don’t want to hurt anyone,” she said. “We just want to be treated equally. “
In her opinion, education about LGBTQ issues is beneficial.
“It’s not like someone is going to see a rainbow and say ‘oh, now I It’s gay’,” she said. “What’s more, you’re gay inside, and you know it. Acting out just makes it easier to come out and be who we are instead of being ashamed of ourselves. ”
