Warsaw: Not So Gay

In the wake of last week's EuroPride 2010, I was able to prod the Poles I know on their opinions and views.  One Pole actually marched in the parade; another Pole warned me beforehand not to be 'converted'; but most Poles afterward were rather ambivalent.  Many discussed how they didn't hate gay people, stating that they were OK around gays and thought they should have equal rights (sometimes, including marriage.)  Most, were rather skeptical of the gay-pride parade, wondering why anyone would "be proud to have sex with another man."  (I, playing devil's advocate, pointed out St. Patrick's Day parades and why anyone would be proud of being Irish.)  The whole point of the parade was called into question and there were calls for the gays to "go back to Berlin."  (I also pointed out that the Love Parade was not a gay-pride parade.)  Almost to a T, they all stated that gays ought not to be able to adopt children, claiming that two daddies would confuse the child and that it was unnatural.
So it is, Warsaw (and Poland) really isn't that gay or that welcoming to gays.  Sure, there are a few gay clubs (it was news to me too) and probably plenty of gays living in Warsaw, but many gays have left Poland for places like the UK, Germany, and Norway (where many Poles go anyway to get educated and for work.)  Even sponsorship of the parade was mostly muted.
Now, don't get the wrong idea, Warsaw isn't the most open city towards GLBT, but they aren't the most closed (maybe Moscow takes that trophy.)  Many Poles are tolerable and probably couldn't care less; it's more of the whole marriage/adoption thing they oppose.  They may be put off by drag queens dancing to samba music, or by the sight of two fellows necking, but to most, it doesn't exactly stir feelings of hatred or anger.
As for the future, I say things are probably going to change and loosen up a little.  Deeper contact with the EU and the exchange of ideas will change the society bit by bit.  Let's see what happens in twenty years.

(NOTE:  My own opinions are kept under wraps.  I am only putting what others said to me into context.)

Warsaw Is Totally Gay!!!

This weekend has brought the climax of EuroPride 2010 to Warsaw.  Today's parade kicked off at Plac Bankowy and ended up at Plac Konstytucji, after making a detour.  The watchers and paraders braved scorching heat (I felt sorry for all those police in their heavy black uniforms) to light up the streets of Warsaw with a bit of fabulousness.  Now, I didn't catch the whole thing, but I was able to watch it right by Swietokrzyska.
All and all, it was much smaller and tame than most gay-pride parades.  Sure, there were a few drag queens dancing, a few others were dressed in skimpy costumes, and one fellow dressed like a devil in front of a banner saying "Catholics we love you"[sic] (plus a who line of sailors.)  But, there weren't hordes of leather daddies, performers simulating sex acts, or any symbols that were overtly sexual.  (For something funny, I would recommend The Onion article on this.)  Most walkers were clothed, giving the impression of being normal members of society and not sexual deviants.  Something like that can be hard in a place like Poland, which—although make long strides—is still a relatively conservative country.  Lech Kaczynski shut down Warsaw's gay pride parade in 2005 as the mayor.  (NOTE:  While Poland may not be the most welcoming place for gays and lesbians, Russia is even worse.  Last I heard, the Moscow gay-pride parade was broken up violently by police.  Also, I, the author, know several gay and lesbian Poles who live in Poland (even outside of Warsaw) openly and unmolested.)

A parader leads the pack as a modern-day gay hussar.

There were so many policje there, I was hoping that criminals were taking the day off to watch the parade.  Riot police in full riot gear stood in clumps right near Centrum (I felt bad for them; they must have been dying of the heat.)  The police had to call up extras, who seemed to be volunteers, who wore street clothes with a fluorescent Policja jacket and looked like they had never even driven past a police academy.  I am sure without the police presence, the scene could have spiraled out of control.  As it was, some people had to be arrested for attacking some of the marchers and throwing bottles and eggs at them.

       

Groups of police watch over the parade.

The parade was flanked on both sides with policemen for its entire length.

Riot police in the hot, hot sun.

Say what you want about gays, but they know how to get down and party.  The Irish endorse heavy alcohol consumption every 17th of March, and the gays dancing to techno music so loud it makes your eyeballs bleed.  Also, they endorse looking fashionable and fabulous, condoms, and having sex with those of your own sex.  With dance music blaring from speakers to keep the crowd and the marchers in party mood (it does make you move) the parade rolled down Marszalkowska until the intersection with Aleje Jerozolimskie.  Many of the marchers held the annoying vuvuzelas which they honked endlessly like car alarms during a lightning storm.  I was unable to enjoy The Village People's greatest hits because at any one time twenty people within earshot were blowing into the horrible plastic tubes.  Oh, FIFA South Africa 2010, what have you wrought upon the world?

Not everyone was glad for the EuroPride2010

They are just begging for conflict with this one.

The London Gay Men's Chorus.

Drag queens show off their stuff.

All the way from the Big Apple.

For the rest of the weekend it's one party after another.  Most of the events have run their course, but the final party showdown must also happen to close out EuroPride 2010.  It was a fun time had by most, but enough with those fucking vuvuzelas.

Warsaw's Gay!!!

That's right: gay, gay, gay, gay, gay.

Actually, on the 17th of July, there will be the EuroPride2010 parade in Warsaw.  A few years back, Lech Kaczynski quashed what would have been Poland's gay pride parade, but these days, the gayness is in full swing.  The gay festival has actually been in full swing since the beginning of July (NOTE:  I haven't been around much this July, so I haven't noticed it much.)
There has already been a large exhibit at the Museum Narodowe on Homo Erotica.  There was a big film festival, and after the parade it's party, party, party throughout the weekend.  Seriously.  It looks like it's going to be nuts.  Check out the calendar of events.