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Description
There are over 50 000 rainbow families in Poland, but they do not have any legal protection. The legal vacuum related to marital inequality affects not only LGBT+ people who are already in relationship, but also their children, parents, siblings and young LGBT+ people who are just entering adulthood. Despite the unfavorable attitude of the rulers in Poland, there is a growing acceptance of same-sex relationships (more than two-thirds of Poles believe that same-sex couples raising a child together are a family), but there are no legal regulations recognizing LGBT + families.The project addresses the problem of marital inequality in Poland.As part of the project, a nationwide social campaign dedicated to marital equality will be conducted, which will reach 1 million recipients. There will be a plan of cooperation with new political partners, a manual for politicians, and a set of tips on how to talk to potential allies. The project will also create a nationwide network of 20 ambassadors-advocates for marital equality, in which local groups and organizations will develop communication and advocacy skills.As a result, a new positive narrative will be permanently introduced into the public debate, leading to an increase in support for marital equality, a network of spokesmen and female advocates will develop, and new political allies will emerge on the introduction of same-sex marriage in Poland. The campaign conducted as part of the project will reach 1 million recipients. 20 people form local LGBT+ organisations will be trained in advocacy activities aimed at introducing marital equality in Poland.
Summary of project results
The project responds to the problem of discrimination and lack of legal protection for rainbow families in Poland. The legal vacuum associated with lack of marriage equality affects not only LGBT+ adults, but also their children, parents, young LGBT+ people. As the experience of other countries shows, equality for rainbow families leads to increased acceptance for the entire LGBT+ community. Unfortunately, the ruling majority and its affiliated fundamentalist organizations conduct political and media hate campaigns. Examples of such actions include the homophobic 2020 presidential campaign or the massive establishment of so-called "LGBT-free zones" by local governments. Despite the hostility of those in power and acquiescence to homophobia, there is a growing acceptance of same-sex relationships in Poland. There has also been an unprecedented self-organization and increased visibility of the LGBT+ community.
The project conducted a nationwide public campaign for marriage equality. The campaign consisted of two outdoor campaigns (billboards and city lights), social media communication, promotion at local and mass events. The Project Promoter managed to collect more than 22,000 signatures for an appeal to introduce marriage equality in Poland. 24 people from 17 organizations and groups across the country completed ambassador training. Also developed was the "Activist''s Handbook. How to talk to politicians about marriage equality, about civil unions, about rainbow families." 31 MPs and deputies signed a "Declaration of Cooperation of Politician and Politician with the LGBT+ Community," pledging, among other things, to respond to misinformation, ensure high quality legislative projects, and consult with community organizations on projects affecting the LGBT+ community. The Project Promoter also developed a guide for politicians and policy makers on marriage equality, civil unions and rainbow families.
The project influenced the visibility of the topic of rainbow families in the public debate and increased public awareness of the real socio-legal situation of these families. The positive narrative contributed to a further increase in support for marriage equality. Cooperation was established with political allies on the issue of introducing same-sex marriage in Poland. Activists increased their knowledge of the law and jurisprudence, political statements and narratives, and advocacy efforts at the local and central levels.