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2. In the face of anti-gay protesters
When I first arrived at Plac Wolnica, the starting point for Marsz Tolerancji, I was surprised to see so many police officers positioned in the square. Since this was my first time taking part in a parade in Poland, at first I couldn't quite understand why they would need so many. But once the march started, it all became clear.
※A long line of police officers positioned at the starting point.
Unfortunately, in Poland there are no enclaves or areas for LGBT people like Tokyo's Nichome. In addition, homophobia is rampant among the populace and, as a whole, the country has been recognized for its reluctance to accept the existence of homosexuality.
On the day of the parade, just as soon as posters advertising the event went up, posters protesting it were immediately visible alongside them. Every year, people belonging to anti-gay groups gather before the start of the march for the express purpose of preventing the march from entering the old city.
※Every year neo-Nazis and anti-gay groups try to interfere in the march and attack participants.
Since it is legal for citizens to hold a gay parade in Poland, the police exercise their duty to keep anti-gay protesters off to the sides and arrest anyone who resists violently. This is why 500 or more police officers had been present from the beginning.
※Roughly 500 police officers were assigned to this year's march in order to prevent counter-protesters from interfering in the parade.
There were about 200 or 300 anti-gay protesters at this year's march, many of whom were easily recognizable in black clothes carrying black and red flags. Every year anti-gay protesters try to provoke participants by throwing eggs, bottles and stones. This year was no exception and, in fact, was worse then previous years since some protesters actually threw potted plants and chairs as well.
In the end, 15 anti-gay protesters, including several who had tried to stop the march from entering the city, were arrested by the police.
I was walking with marchers for the duration of the March of Tolerance and couldn't help but note the extreme contrast between the colorfully-decorated, high-spirited march participants and the skinheads in red and black yelling and lashing out. What was really disappointing was the fact that some of the local and national media featured and focused more on the anti-gay protesters than the LGBT marchers.
Even still, it was both exhilarating and satisfying for me to be able to step out into the city and express myself during the march, albeit surrounded by chaos. I hope that more and more Poles take to the streets in the coming years to participate in the parade and show their solidarity in the face of anti-gay protests. I wish for nothing more than to see a change in the way people think so that discrimination against LGBT people eventually disappears in Poland. I also want the many LGBT people of Poland to know that we are with them!
※Everyone releases balloons after the parade.
※A sign that says “My teacher is a lesbian”.
※A sign that says “I am Polish and a lesbian”.
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Translated by Kumiko Matsumoto
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