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Being gay in Poland is like being a Michael Bolton fan at a metal concert: it's looked down on, not something you announce in a crowd of skinheads, and might get you beaten up. But then, outside of the most liberal European and American metropolises, it's difficult to be gay in most of the world. However, living in a deeply Roman Catholic country can make things more arduous for anyone with an alternative lifestyle.
Historically, unlike in many other Central and Eastern European countries, homosexuality was never punished by law in Poland - but to say it was tolerated is a stretch. During the Communist years, homosexuality wasn't a problem, because according to the government it didn't exist. Until 1991, homosexuality was listed as a disease. Today, legally homosexuality is allowed, and the age of consent for gay (or straight) sex is 15 years. Gay and lesbian couples do not need to register their partnership, but adoption by gay or lesbian couples is not permitted. Prostitution, however, is legal. Meanwhile, Article 32 of the Polish constitution prohibits discrimination against Polish citizens for any reason, though it seems the average Polish citizen finds that article as optional as speed limit signs on the highway.
Above: A look at 2007's Tolerance March shows that not everyone is for tolerating others...
Even in larger cities like Krakow or Warsaw, abuse against homosexuals is not uncommon, whether verbal or physical. Reporting cases of violence to police is rarely beneficial as well, as often the case occurs that the police themselves will ridicule or simply ignore the individual - which explains why more than 85% of cases of violence go unreported. According to statistics from a report by the Campaign Against Homophobia, slightly under 20% of homosexuals surveyed had experienced some level of violence, with a slightly larger percentage for men than women; however, this is down from over 22% in 2000. The majority of physical violence is pushing or kicking, but many have reported being punched or beaten up as well. In addition to physical violence, psychological violence like taunting, mocking, threats, etc., is almost if not as harmful as physical violence, and so common that sometimes it goes completely unnoticed. Sadly, it's not uncommon to hear derogatory names used for homosexuals in Poland even today.
But the picture isn't completely bleak. Granted, Poland's homosexual community has two major factors working against them: Poland's strong Roman Catholic heritage, preserved even today in 95% of the population; and the fact that Poland (like all of former Eastern Bloc Europe) never had a sexual revolution in the 60s-70s like in the U.S. or UK. The latter factor also works against feminism in Poland, though acceptance of the equality of women has taken root more so than the acceptance of homosexuals (which is still not saying much).
However, in the years since its independence from the Soviet Union Poland has made remarkable progress, if you consider that countries like the U.S. have had gay rights movements since the 60s, and yet there are places in the South that are far more dangerous for homosexuals than anywhere in Poland. But residue from 45 years of Communist anti-homosexual propaganda does not wash off that easily, and just as the Communist government condemned homosexuality, the current one, led by a centre-right coalition, does so with perhaps even more ferver - at least when the extreme-right members of the League of Polish Families have anything to do with it. Recently, in addition to banning books by Polish writers that were written by anti-nationalists or homosexuals, the Minister of Education, Roman Giertych, has called for the ban of teaching anything that involves "the promotion of homosexuality," including tolerance education. Any teacher who violates the law can be fired, fined, and even imprisoned - and you can forget about being homosexual and being a teacher in Giertych's regime. Luckily, while Poland is a member of the European Union, it is still subject to the Union's regulations, including the respect of human rights for all and the protection against unequal treatment on the basis of a person's sexual orientation. Since Giertych's new policies were announced, the European Parliament has asked Poland to stop public leaders inciting discrimination against homosexuals. But sadly, it's not just the propaganda of a few extremists in the government; many older Poles still view homosexuality as a disease that should be 'cured' by prayer and repenting or counselling. Homophobia is deeply ingrained in the Polish psyche, and the government and the Church are only worsening the situation.
But for a country as homophobic as Poland, the gay rights movement is surprisingly strong and well-organized, especially in recent years. While in 2004 and 2005 the "Equality Parade" in Warsaw was banned by the then Mayor of Warsaw and today the President of Poland, Lech Kaczynski, it has proceeded in the past two years with fewer and fewer incidents of violence. Also, recently Kaczynski's move was ruled as illegal by the Court of Human Rights. In Krakow, which has a reputation of being the more liberal big city in Poland, when the parades were banned in Warsaw and Poznan, they were allowed in the city, though the first few years they were marred by many incidences of violence and protests. The Tolerance March, which was met with violence and throwing of eggs, rocks, and faeces resulting in several injuries in 2006, went off with very little conflict in 2007. Granted, the fact that there were as many counter-marchers as marchers, largely led by the LPR's young soldiers in the All-Polish Youth, demonstrates that our city still has a long way to go before the Tolerance March becomes a Pride March.
So what's the reality? To say that the homosexual visitor should be terrified and constantly hide his or her identity is as preposterous as advising one to make out with their partner in a room full of All-Polish Youth members. Caution should always be observed, of course, but in general younger people, especially in Krakow, are more tolerant and friendly. We've compiled a list of gay-oriented and gay-friendly venues below where one will always feel welcome regardless of orientation. In addition, there are dozens of laid-back and tolerant bars and cafes, particularly in the hipper Kazimierz district where Krakow's more alternative youth tends to gather.
We also compiled a list of websites of GLBT organizations and different portals where Poland's homosexual community communicates on the web, and are good starting points for meeting people before coming to Krakow. While at the moment the major organizations for promoting gay rights in Poland are The Culture for Tolerance Foundation and Campaign Against Homophobia, gay rights groups are growing in strength and in number every year, and the sheer number of gay-oriented Polish websites is a sign of the coming change. So if you're a gay visitor to Krakow, we welcome you, and hope you'll only experience the positive side of life in Krakow.
Cracow's gay and gay-friendly venues:
Bars and Clubs
Kitsch:
ul. Wielopole 15/4
Perhaps the most well-known "gay club" in Krakow is Kitsch, though in recent years it's become more of an after-party place for straight partiers than gay and lesbian revellers. Luckily, you can always count on grabbing a drink here at 4 in the morning, and the dance floor is always packed, and always tolerant - even if it's not quite gay.
Klub 7:
ul. Sw. Filipa 7
Cracow's most long-standing gay club, and considered the best by many in the gay community. NOW CLOSED.
Club Coco:
ul. Gazowa 21
What used to be Cocon Music Club has re-opened as Club Coco. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, Coco is the place for dancing through the night while bathed in a sea of coloured lights.
Blue Bar Club:
ul. Dietla 85
Newly-opened discreet gay haven between the Old Town and Kazimierz.
Plastic:
ul. Berka Joselewicza 21c
From the creators of Kitsch comes a club as gay as Kitsch used to be!
Ciemnia Club:
ul. Krowoderska 31
Hidden discreet club for men only.
Pozytywka:
ul. Bozego Ciala 10
Gay-friendly cafe with an underground dance floor.
Accommodation and Tours
Friends Guest House:
ul. Bozego Ciala 10
+48 601243444
gay.pl/friendscracow
At the moment, this is the only gay-friendly hostel in Krakow, offering central location and gay staff who will point you to the best spots in town. In general, however, as hostels tend to be laid-back and tolerant by definition, other hostels in Krakow welcome gay and lesbian guests as well.
2nd Floor:
+48 (12) 2945699
2ndfloor.queer.pl
2nd Floor is an exclusively gay guest house, offering simply furnished but comfortable and stylish apartments and rooms.
Polish GLBT Organizations and Websites:
The Culture for Tolerance Foundation organizes the Tolerance Festival every year, which is the largest queer festival in this part of Europe and the March of Tolerance is only one of 30-40 events they provide every year. The 5th anniversary edition of the festival will take place from the 23rd to 27th of April 2008. The Culture for Tolerance Foundation also holds weekly meetings 'Pro: kreacje', every Wednesday at Teatr Nowy (ul. Gazowa 21).
The Culture for Tolerance Foundation: www.tolerancja.org.pl
Campaign Against Homophobia: www.kampania.org.pl
Poland's gay portal: www.gay.pl
Lesbian and feminist portal: www.lesbijka.net
GLBT portal, events: www.innastrona.pl
Lesbian Coalition (LBT): www.porozumienie.lesbijek.org
Positively homosexual portal: www.homiki.pl
Women for Women: www.kobiety-kobietom.com
Independent lesbian and bisexual portal: www.lesbijka.org
GayGuide Cracow: www.cracow.gayguide.net - A guide specially catering to the gay or lesbian traveller. Also available for Warsaw, Prague, Sofia, and Budapest.
If you know of other particularly gay-friendly places in Cracow, please let us know; and feel free to post your comments about gay Cracow on this page below. We encourage different viewpoints and want to hear your thoughts about the gay cause in Cracow (though we won't tolerate abusive or hateful comments). For more information about pro-gay organisations and events in Poland, visit www.tolerancja.org.pl. You can also download a PDF of the Campaign Against Homophobia's "Situation of Bisexual and Homosexual Persons in Poland - 2005 and 2006 Report" here. We've included a few Poland-specific GLBT websites above, though many are only in Polish. We hope they'll be a helpful resource; if you know of any other helpful websites, let us know as well! | | | |
 | | "My bf and me are visiting in March and love to meet others and have fun im btm my bf is top" | steve
United Kingdom
Feb.20.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hot French guy visiting Krakow in April. Interested in meeting young top guys. Love long hard ass pounding." | Hot French
France
Feb.18.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm in Krakow for 3 days, and I would like to see a nice place tomorrow evening : where to go on saturday night? ;) I'm 30 and hope to see a nice guy... :) See you : boulenoire@hotmail.fr" | Boule
France
Feb.05.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "You should give your email so we could talk!" | jimy
Poland
Feb.02.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "My BF and I are travelling to Kracow in early Feb for a city break. We'd also like to check out one or two gay bars/clubs for some fun and are looking for up to date info on where to go? Suggestions welcome." | David
United Kingdom
Jan.11.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Fit, attractive Welsh couple looking for some norty fun from Sun 06th, any offers?" | Smiles
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey.. I am planning to travel to Cracow sometimes in Feb.. would like to make some friend and who can show me around.. give me a shout at koson.te@gmail.com so we can chat :) I am Thai but study in UK, swimmer for uni :) give me a shout if ur interested" | TE
United Kingdom
Dec.02.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi
I'm visiting Krakow from Nov 19th -22nd and would like to hook up with some friendly masculine guys for fun times and just hanging out basically. I'm, tall, handome and in good shape. Get in touch, cheers. " | Desmond
Ireland
Nov.13.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "im visiting krakow from 11 to 15 december. Maybe i meet someone, lol. Give me a chat or mail......" | Antoon
Netherlands
Nov.09.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Ooops, see note below...it helps to put in my email address: mountainstopper@yahoo.com" | mountainstopper
United States
Nov.07.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Visiting Krakow from Nov 7-11th and would like to meet a nice guy. I'm very muscular, athletic, and handsome. A picture would be appreciated with email. Will send mine in return. Please email if interested." | Mountainstopper
United States
Nov.07.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Good looking athletic American guy visiting Krakow from 02NOV-06NOV. I am looking to meet and hang out with some cool Polish guys. Send me a messege if your interested: chancensd@yahoo.com" | Chance
United States
Nov.02.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We're now talking about Cracow and other big cities in Central Europe. I feel poor because a lot of Polish gays are livin' in small cities fulled of skinheads and homophobic (includling catholics) people! I'm the one of gays living like that! It's horrible! I hope that in nearly future everthing will be change! I'm going to study in Cracow :) Situation in Poland is getting better. I have to say - I'm very happy when I'm looking at pages like that and see comments of people from around the world who trying to help and are very friendly for us, more than local living people! Thank you very much people! You're great! We can make local world better - I belive in this. Not merely for homosexual people - for everyone. ALL DIFFERENT ALL EQUAL." | Yeti
Poland
Oct.31.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Two nice, goodlooking and straight-acting Italian guys visiting Krakow from 6 to 10 November. Looking for friends to hang out with ;-) email us at: svartkallen@yahoo.com" | Svartkallen
Italy
Oct.30.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi..
Im a Portuguese 25 years in Krakow until 29 of October.
If someone is interested in go out or something else, just say :)
a__andre@hotmail.com" | A|Andrew
Portugal
Oct.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Regular masculine irish gay guy 35 yrs visiting Krakow for the first time, staying at the Sheraton Oct 30 to Nov 01. Appreciate any advice on where to go to meet bears/masculine Polish gay blokes. Email me at gmail. My user name is ruck1234. Thanks." | Dave
United Kingdom
Oct.26.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "London Gay bottom for nice Polish man. call me when u need me...I can accom in SW London. matgg@yahoo.co.uk" | Bumm Boi
United Kingdom
Oct.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey! few of us over for the week. Looking to check out the gay scene here in krakow. Where oh where to go?? :)" | Geoffrey
Ireland
Oct.12.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "49 bear like dark husky hot looking for buddies while in krakow oct 4-10.
jjk272@aol.com" | John
United States
Oct.01.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi ya!!! I just arrived in Krakow from Australia!!! Im here for 6 days and am wondering where the best places are to go out!!! Cheers everyone. " | Mykel
Australia
Oct.01.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi, i shall be in krakow from 5. - 10. october, 55 years, masculine guy. i like to meet locals or visitors (i like hairy, not to slim, rather like a bear)" | bernd
Germany
Sep.22.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "love lads of chzeck republic. how and where
is poland for young boys?" | mr.buggerer
United Kingdom
Sep.21.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Going to Krakow for a couple of nights.
Any saunas or places to hang out,safe?
" | Edgar
United States
Sep.19.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Great to know there is places to go, but the question is: when are the open? Are any open on week days, or is only weekend Venues?
Thank you...." | Alberto
United Kingdom
Sep.12.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Blue Bar has to have the rudest doorman in Krakow. Literally he snatches your entrance fee out of your hand. He's such as miserable bugger. The American barman isn't much better; the language might be different but the attitude's the same." | Robbie
Poland
Sep.05.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I'm at Ciemna right now - and not happy - rude smug bartender - and I speak Polish. I've worked in sex clubs and I'm much friendlier!" | pawel
United States
Sep.01.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Ciemnia is the best gay club in Krakow !
Lots of fun !" | Justin
United Kingdom
Aug.22.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Friends Guest House in Cracow closed, but Friends Guest House in Warsaw is still open." | Jean
Poland
Aug.14.2009
rates this page 2/5 |
| | "i fell in love with a polish girl from Krakow. i lived there with her for four months. we couldn't tell everyone about our relationship because her family is very religious . but the people we did tell were happy for us. polish people are a really cool group, all the younger generation can speak english, although they might be shy and tell you there english is bad,, but once they've had a few drinks the conversation will flow . i recommend everyone to visit krakow. it's a great place, with heaps of cool bars. " | kellie
Australia
Aug.11.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "My partner and I are visiting Krakow from June 8-11... I am so scared to go now!!! I know she is willing to pass as a guy if she needs to, but if she doesn't than I don't know how safe we will be! If anyone has advice please feel free to email me. Thanks!" | Lauren
United States
Jun.07.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Kitsch is a popular safe bar, worth checkin out" | Sam
United States
May.28.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hey, I saw that there a couple of people are interested of meeting with "locals".
Well, I live here for a year now and if you're interested in meeting:
endymion-@hotmail.de (email/msn)
eratorpheus (gayromeo)
We also have a guestroom available for friendly people, in case you're still looking for something.
C ya,
Soren..." | Soren
Germany
May.14.2009
rates this page 2/5 |
| | "hello
me going there with a friend, from the 21-24 may,,anybody there to show us a bit around and give some tips? would apreciate it...
Mike" | Mike
Netherlands
Apr.09.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I will be in krakow on 4th June for 4 nights 2009, can any body recomend a nice place to Visit a gay bar ,or where io can find a nice guy to show me around " | mark
United Kingdom
Mar.26.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi..goin to krakow 29 jan for 3 nights.. is there anywhere afe to meet other guys" | ed
Ireland
Jan.21.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi will be in karkow on 26june 4 3 days travelin alone looking 2 meet some1 2 help me around ta
eddiecolgan
2yahoo.ie" | edd
Ireland
Jan.08.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Will visit Krakow January 08-10, 2008" | Maxym
Ukraine
Jan.05.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I was visit Krakow with my boyfriend at decembre 2008. Krakow is one of the most famost city, but for gay is not friendly. You cant take your partner hands in public and there are not gay friendly pubs. Im very sorry my polish friends, but in our city (Ostrava CZ - 140 km from Krakow) is situation better. The "gay friendy" atmosphere in Czech republic is absolutely better then in Poland. I want visit Krakow at spring 2009, I hope for better experience. " | Vladim
Czech Republic
Dec.27.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi im a surfer from hawaii coming to cracow/zakopane to go snowboarding in january 09...would like to meet a hot blonde polish boy to show me around as a tour guide and friend..would be good if you could ski or snowboard too...pls e me thanks" | matt
United States
Nov.29.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "To anthony from london and Dom , e mail me and we keep in touch... ill be in kracow on saturday morning...everybody is welcome...x" | David x
United Kingdom
Oct.29.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey ill be in kracow from the first till the 5th of nov. Still did not get a hotel, im spanish and live in england , im 31 and if anyone like to meet up send me an e mail to: daji26@hotmail.com and mention Kracof on the subjet or email would go to junk folder...waiting for responses, come on lets meet up there...x" | David x
United Kingdom
Oct.29.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm from Rome and I'll be in Krakow the night of the 5th and the 6th of Dec. Coming from Italy, namely a full Roman Catolic country, I know, by experience, that this is an ideal condition for very buisy "in the closet" activities to take advantage of, absolutely great, but where in Krakow? Parks and parking lots ar not reccommanded in december, cinemas? Don't be shy, let me know!" | MAD EVA
Italy
Oct.24.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey
I'm gonna be in krakow in early november too...we should all meet up at a bar somewhere!" | dom
United Kingdom
Oct.02.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "by the way!! could anybody give me some tips on nice and cheap place to stay in kracov, something in the center and a gay hotel would be cool. Please if you know of any could you give me there websites? thanks to all of you for your coments as it gives me an idea of what to expect.I have also feel a bit dissapointed as i did not know that polish people were against homosexuality. But i still would like to go and enjoy myself there...im sure the city is amazing and lots of history to learn and explore. thanks x" | David x
United States
Sep.16.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi anthony, irish guy this is my e facebook nick name: david marpe getin touch with me there and we can arrange something out... what do you think?" | David x
United Kingdom
Sep.16.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Interesting and informative....to David, Spanish guy going to Krakow in early Nov...īMe Irish living in London and goinh to Krakow Nov 1-4..fancy meeting up? Anthony" | Anthony
United Kingdom
Sep.07.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi my name is David , im spanish but live in england, im going to Cracow in the beggioning of november and i would like to go to the gay area, im not much in the scene but hey, if you go to poland you got to visit the polish gay area... its any of you going at the same time? still did not buy my ticket, doing some research...say something...we can exchange e mails? thanks x" | David x
United Kingdom
Sep.06.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi - Thanks for the article and gay guide to Krakow - it is very helpful.
We - a gay couples in their 40s are planning to visit Poland at the beginning of Oct 2008 and definitely Krakow will be one of our stops." | Peter
Canada
Sep.04.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "For the first time visiting Krakow in november we wonder if there is anybody to guide us. We are a couple since many years, and love to be this. We bouth drive mc in Sweden - but likes exploring new places. We have already boked our hotel (Hotel Wielopole) and we will stay in Poland for four days. We both are not very young - we like to walk. " | mike
Sweden
Aug.30.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, 2 gay couples from Germany here, ages from mid-20 to somewhere-at-the-end-of-thirty visiting tropical Krakow for the first time. We are / will have been staying at basic but lovely, very cozy and very central (15 Minutes by foot or some minutes by tram or about 12 Zloty by taxicab) 2nd floor.
Having explored some of plethora of the cultural highlights of beautiful Krakow we are considering visiting Krakow again, maybe especially for Gay Pride. Since we have been involved in Gay Rights movement and HIV work at home for quite some years (we wouldn't how long exactly since it would reveal our real age :-) we don't feel like leaving our sisters and brothers alone, especially since we have some friends from Krakow at home.
We have been quite "polite" in the catholic sense to avoid problems in a country we don't know yet.
So we looked forward to visit some gay or gay-friendly pubs or clubs tonight (Friday) where we hoped to find ourselfes in a more relaxed situation among friends.
After walking through the rainy night for quite some time we didn't find "Plastic People" but only a hostel, we were not allowed to enter "Kitsch" which looked quite interesting (the doormen were not willing to give us a hint in English or German what we did wrong) and were told that Pozytywka was full (of course the next guy fit in.).
Yes we are tourists, so we have an umbrella when it's raining and a small backpack with our camera and travel-guide and touristy survival-stuff to leave at the wardrobe and yes, our style of the season may differ from yours.
In conclusion I must say that we did feel even less welcome in the so called gay or gay-friendly scene than in a church with a "Radio Marya" logo on the door.
" | chris
Germany
Jul.04.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "hi black, you should definitely come visit! especially as it's the middle of the tourist season here, the streets of krakow are filled with many races. of course it'll be obvious that you're a foreigner, but you shouldn't have any problems if you stick to the tourist areas of the city." | Ania
Poland
Jul.04.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, i'm black gay guy living in Amsterdam and i want to visit Cracow
next week, but i undersand that Polish people don't like black's. It's true?
black Ams" | black
Netherlands
Jul.04.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "GAY KRAKOW ROCKS !!!
COME VISIT !" | Rob
United Kingdom
May.17.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi Every body,I have been falling love with a polish guy for one year ,He is surrounds all my love life,still crazy about him,love Poland and love him" | gabriel
Slovak Republic
May.09.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I definitely don't agree with Martin from the Czech Rep. and there are fewer gay bars in Prague than in Warsaw or Krakow. With regard to homophobia it exists but it is not more visible than in other countries of the region. And actually it is necessary to come here and spend money in gay friendly bars and gay places because in this way you actually help the gay community here and fight homophobia." | Ron
United Kingdom
May.06.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I work in Poland and I can say - Poland is very dangerous for gay people.Polish people hate gay people and when you spent your money in Krakow you help homophobic Poland." | Martin
Czech Republic
Apr.26.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I have been to Cracow at least 4 times now and LOVED it! I am gay but probably not obvious but have never had a problem the people are very helpful and at least to me very friendly, I will go again and would advise anyone else who is thinking of taking a trip to Poland to go! It is beautiful as are its people." | Bob
United States
Apr.07.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Am going to Krakow shortly, so all these comments are useful. The most noticeable thing is that the British visitors generally felt the most unwelcome, while people of other nationalities had a good time. Especially the Germans, who, historically, were unpopular in Poland long before World War II. A point worth noting ...
British travellers are their own worst enemy. This is evident in Europe and elsewhere. Rarely do they make the least effort to speak any language other than their own. If you don't speak the language you'll never understand the culture at any level.
I've travelled a fair amount in Central & Eastern Europe and speak a number of the languages. Where I don't, I use German, French or Italian. I wouldn't dream of speaking English outside Britain. Apart from anything else, it marks you out for justly-deserved scorn, the same as the Americans.
Okay, I'm lucky, I'm a linguist. But there are plenty of excellent phrase books, why not buy one and have the courtesy to at least say a few words to your hosts in their language.
Despite what the British may think, they no longer have an empire. And when in Poland it's worth remembering that without the Poles the British wouldn't have had much of an army or an air force in 1939-45.
Jeszcze Polska nie zginela!
" | Christopher
United Kingdom
Apr.05.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Reading the comment below from Mark would have put me off going to poland as a gay man, had I not recently returned from a trip in Feb, my partner and I stayed in Kracow and we are going back middle of April, yes I reluctantly have to agree that there were times when I felt almost the same way as Mark and actually felt slightly intimidated nothing I could put my finger on but yes there was something, I raised this with a very friendly welcoming Str8 Polish barman whose English was impecable and he hit the nail on the head for me, British Stag parties, generally being Stags disrespectfull, causing trouble, messing in the street, we have all seen, and that the locals rightly or wrongly have lumped (us) all together, and so are wary and defensive when they hear British accents, so I would put this forward as a good reason behind my own and possibly Marks feelings, especially as he stated that he was not overt in his appearance. Equiped with this knowledge and on reflection it was a really great holiday, I would recommend a visit to Kracow There was too much to see last trip we couldnt manage it all. C-life has given good advice on its web site(thanks)and it should be followed wherever (We) go as LGBT visitors
be carefull,
be respectfull,
be tolerant of those who are intolerant
and your holiday should go with a swing." | william
United Kingdom
Apr.03.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "my partner and i have just arrived home from kracov where we spent five days.it has to be said ,its a very beutiful place.however we did feel very unwelcome at times.neither of us are perticularly obvious in our appearance or our mannerisms but i for one have come home with a complex.we both experienced hostility on a number of occasions,nothing we couldnt handle but i wondered how other gay people might cope if they were unaware that this kind of thing was pretty much to be expected in poland.maybe if we hadnt have gone as a couple we may have escaped unnoticed.this is certainly not the place for the more out there type of gay man.i had to go back to the hotel one day to get my act together but after a few hours decided to brave it again.we didnt go for clubs pubs and sex,just to experience the city and relax.its a lovely place and perhaps if you hang out in gay bars your whole stay it might be a different story,but that wasnt for us and im afraid neither was kracov.after two days we,d pretty much covered everything.if poland wants a piece of whats for the taking then they need to think hospitality not hostility." | mark
United Kingdom
Mar.15.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We visit Cracow very often, is not far from Austria, cheap prices, Beautiful open People and lots of turists from around the world makes this Place ideal for Gay people. At least there is one place in poland with such a big gay community" | astro
Austria
Aug.25.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Polish people are the most Beautiful in the world. Boys , girls you name it.
been there lots of times, had great time and loking for to come again" | mimo
Spain
Aug.25.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Never ever had any problems in Poland
I do agree with cuty.
Love Poles" | roger
Germany
Aug.25.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "there is 2 mln gay people in poland
we have benn there few times and never had any prblems with locals. I have heard that the problem lies when is a demonstration and it draw right wing parties to send there youth chavs to make it looks bad.
shame bad for poland and its nice people" | cuty
United Kingdom
Aug.25.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Mike, just remember that governments often do things that aren't supported by a lot (sometimes even most) of the population - just look at American politics as a prime example. Just because the politicians are assholes, doesn't mean that everybody in that country is. The majority of the homophobic statements have been made by the ultra-right wing League of Polish Families (LPR) party, most of whose members have been kicked out recently of the cabinet by the prime minister. Krakow itself, and especially the young people here, are very tolerant and liberal, and as long as you avoid the skinhead bars (which you should do no matter what cos they have the most terrible music) you'll be welcomed here. Warsaw is also quiet tolerant, and actually has a lot more gay bars than Krakow does. It would be a shame that you would miss experiencing the beauty and culture of Poland just because some politicians are doucheb@gs." | Dagny
Poland
Aug.17.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I was looking forward to visiting Poland but after recent articles in the Gay press about institutionalisd homophobia though I would look further into this before booking. It is incredibly sad that in a nation that is home to the Ultimate memorial in intolerance at Auschwitz that, in the 21st century, senior politicians have not learnt from past mistakes. I work very hard for my money and look forward to regular visist to Eastern Europe. Saddly Poland is firmly off the list. I will not allow any of my cash to go in tax revenue to a Government that openly encourages homophobia. " | Mike
United Kingdom
Aug.16.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Great page!" | tamara
United States
Aug.14.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi Tony, Several of the websites mentioned above, like gay.pl or homiki.pl, have their own personals, though they're mostly in Polish." | Cracow Life Team
Poland
Jul.23.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Please give us the addresses for Polish gay personal ads - I am looking for a cute Polish boyfriend to share life with and help work in my business with me." | tony
United Kingdom
Jul.21.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "My girlfriend and I recently visited Krakow - we felt free to openly identify as what we are, felt no animosity from local people, were able to drink wherever we chose. discreet yes, but we spent the complete holiday free to walk around holding hands. OK so politically unacceptable maybe, but at street level people are tolerant and friendly normal human beings! Go to Krakow and enjoy the hospitality of Poland!" | wolfcub
United Kingdom
Jun.29.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "swietny tekst, dziekuje bardzo za informacje" | jola
United Kingdom
Jun.26.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "thank you for all of this information - it's very helpful and kind of sad at the same time. hopefully when my partner and i visit krakow we have a good time. greetings to the polish community from germany!" | Helge
Germany
Jun.22.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
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