Colourful flags waved past the gray buildings of Warsaw this past rainy Saturday, as the 8th annual Tolerance March took place along central Marszalkowska street. Up to one thousand members of the city's LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, along with supporters, friends, and family, marched through the city centre carrying banners and balloons, and calling out for an end to homophobia.
Strongly Catholic Poland continues to struggle to accept homosexual relationships, which is one explanation for the relatively small numbers participating, considering the city's large population. Many potential marchers continue to be afraid of publicly stating their sexuality, fearing not only the reaction from their friends and family, but also of their employers. Because of this, the participants of the Tolerance March this year called out for more neutral education, free of negative ideas and homophobic statements.
Thankfully despite the small group of counter-demonstrators, the march remained peaceful with police protection throughout the entire march.
Another boost for the country's LGBT community will be the EuroPride event, set to take place in Warsaw in 2010. Cultural and educational events will bring visitors from across the globe during EuroPride, which culminates in a large parade on its final day. This surely will be one of Poland's largest LGBT events in history.
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