More information
Description
This project responds to the problem of transphobia and queerphobia that is present in the Polish mainstream media. In the report ''Social Situation of LGBTA Persons in Poland (2019-202)'', the Campaign Against Homophobia describes the dramatic situation faced by transgender people. 69% of them have been the victims of violence, 1 in 5 have experienced unequal treatment in the workplace and 1 in 4 in access to healthcare. Rhetoric that excludes gender diverse people, including transgender and non-binary people, is becoming increasingly popular. Advocates of a view known as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminism) believe that transgender and non-binary people are a threat to women''s rights. This narrative, which is quite common in the media and public institutions, has a direct impact on the social and legal situation of transgender people. In this project, we strive to de-escalate the public debate about gender diversity and inclusive language, while providing journalists with reliable knowledge on the subject. We analyse the challenges of the so called TERFism, which is widespread in Poland and in partner countries (Iceland and Norway). We are developing a positive social campaign, responding to the needs of transgender and non-binary people, which will increase their visibility and knowledge about them in society. We are addressing the project to both gender diverse people and their relatives in Poland, as well as other actors who are affected by anti-transgender rhetoric. Our project activities also involve the journalistic community, which has a significant impact on shaping public opinion about gender diverse people.
Summary of project results
The project focused on counteracting discrimination and exclusionary rhetoric towards transgender and non-binary people in Poland, who struggle with serious social, legal and health problems. The current situation of this group is extremely difficult - most experience violence, inequality in employment and limited access to health care. It is made worse by increasing exclusionary narratives in the media, at universities and in public spaces. Transphobic content, including feminism that excludes transgender people, negatively affects the social and legal situation of this group, which translates into public policies.
Examples from other countries, such as the UK, show that restrictions on the rights of transgender people lead to serious consequences, such as the deterioration of the mental health of young people without access to gender-affirming medical care. In Poland, the growing wave of transphobia carries a similar risk, which is why it is crucial to take preventive actions to prevent further deterioration of the situation of gender diverse people.
So far, the activities of organizations supporting LGBTQ people in Poland have been limited and have not brought systemic changes. The project assumed the creation of a comprehensive analysis of the problem and the implementation of a wide-range social campaign. Its goal is to change negative discourse, increase social awareness and improve the well-being of transgender people, especially young people who struggle with access to affirming health care. The project''s activities respond to the significant social and legal needs of this group and strengthen advocacy organizations working for transgender people in Poland.
As part of the project, activities were undertaken to increase awareness and improve the representation of gender diversity in Poland. A data search on gender diversity was conducted, including media reports, reports on the situation of LGBTQIA people and the history of legislative changes. The results are presented in a detailed report analyzing the situation of transgender and non-binary people. The report was prepared graphically, translated into English and printed in both versions. The publications were made available online and sent to institutions, media and non-governmental organizations.
A working group of several dozen people was established, including media workers, influencers, experts and transgender and non-binary people. The group developed standards and good practices regarding language and narratives related to gender diversity. Three meetings were also organized for media workers, aimed at increasing their sensitivity to the needs of transgender and non-binary people.
During the workshop, a creative brief for a social campaign was developed. The campaign, carried out in cooperation with a creative agency and a media house, had a nationwide scope and was conducted online and in urban space. It reached at least 100,000 people.
Two mid-project conferences were organized. The first one accompanied the premiere of the report, and the second one promoted the social campaign, increasing its visibility. Both conferences gathered renowned experts. The project was also promoted on social media and through sponsored articles.
Thanks to cooperation with partners from Norway and Iceland, study visits were carried out, which enabled the exchange of experiences and learning effective strategies for counteracting negative narratives. Documents containing recommendations for implementation in Poland were developed. As a result of the project, among others, a discourse analysis report, gender diversity representation standards, a de-radicalization manual and a social campaign.
The project brought significant results that increased social awareness, improved the quality of public discourse and strengthened the positive image of transgender and non-binary people. The beneficiaries were both participants of the project activities and a broader social group that received the effects of the campaign.
Journalists, direct recipients of the activities, gained knowledge and tools to create a more inclusive discourse. Meetings and webinars increased their sensitivity to the needs of gender diverse people, and the developed good practices and deradicalization manual provided tips on how to disarm negative narratives. Media workers involved in the project increased their competences in representing gender diversity.
The indirect beneficiaries were members of the gender diverse community and their loved ones who observed changes in public narratives, which influenced their sense of acceptance and visibility. The social campaign, which reached at least 100,000 people, built a more positive image of transgender and non-binary people, reducing prejudice and stigmatization.
An important result of the project were reports from research and study visits, which allowed for the analysis of good practices from Norway and Iceland and the development of recommendations for implementation in Poland. These documents will serve as tools for gender diversity organizations and institutions.
The project also had an impact on the "moveable middle" group, people with undefined beliefs about gender diversity. Educational activities and a social campaign contributed to changing their attitudes to more accepting and inclusive ones, which has a long-term impact on improving the situation of gender diverse people in Poland.
Summary of bilateral results
Cooperation with partners from Donor Countries – FRI, PKI and Samtokin ''78 – was crucial for the implementation of the project. Thanks to the organization of study visits to Norway and Iceland, project participants were able to learn about strategies for counteracting negative narratives towards transgender and non-binary people and advocacy activities for their rights, which are effectively used in these countries. Meetings with local experts, public non-cisgender people experiencing hate, media representatives and organizations dealing with hate speech were a source of valuable information and inspiration. Each visit lasted a week and four people from the Polish side participated in them, which allowed for direct exchange of experiences and building a network of contacts. Based on the documentation and conclusions from the study visits, good practices and recommendations were developed that can be implemented in Poland. These results became the foundation for the development of tools and strategies for counteracting hate speech and supporting gender diversity in the country. It is planned to continue cooperation with foreign partners in order to further exchange experiences and develop joint activities.