Interview with Bart Staszewski, an LGBTQ+ Polish troublemaker
President Duda called him an “aggressive and radical” activist. The previous prime minister called him a “fake news maker” who was attacking Poles. Here is my interview with Bart Staszewski.
The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, once called Staszewski an “aggressive and radical” activist on public television. The previous prime minister called him a “fake news maker” who was attacking Poles and Poland. These are seals of approval for the effectiveness of his activism. To start the second week of Pride 2024 on an inspiring note, I asked Bart Staszewski what he is up to and his views on the future of his community in the country.
Fabrice Houdart: Bart, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. You’ve done incredible work using your talents as an activist and videographer, including founding the Basta Foundation. What motivated you to start this organization, and what challenges have you faced?
Bart Stazewski: The Basta Foundation was founded to combat the pervasive hate speech in Polish media and provide a concrete response to the rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment when the Law and Justice (PiS) party, infamous for backing anti-LGBTQ+ zones, was in power*. One of the significant challenges the movement faces in the country is securing consistent funding and grants. Growing the organization requires resources, and sometimes, the support isn't readily available due to the political climate in Poland. However, our commitment remains unwavering as we see the positive impact and need for our efforts.
*NDLR: PiS and its allies lost power in Poland at the end of 2023 after eight years in government; read Bart’s reaction here.
Fabrice: Poland has had a tumultuous relationship with LGBTQ+ rights. Could you elaborate on the current situation and what changes you hope to see with the new government?
Bart: The recent political shift offers a glimmer of hope after the past eight years, which has taken a massive toll on the well-being and mental health of our community. The new government has introduced proposals to criminalize hate speech against LGBTQ+ individuals, which is a significant step forward. However, challenges remain, particularly with achieving marriage equality and broader legal recognition. In addition, the PiS period unleashed persistent homophobia and transphobia, which will be hard to curb. We are cautiously optimistic but know that sustained advocacy is necessary to ensure these proposals become law and are effectively implemented and public attitudes continue to evolve.
Fabrice: You are working on two personal visions: memorializing the homosexual victims of Nazi Germany in Poland and creating an LGBTQ+ center. Can you tell us more about why this is your focus?
Bart: Yes, these are projects close to my heart. There are currently no monuments in Poland for the homosexual victims of the Holocaust, and I believe it’s crucial to remember and educate about this part of our history. In many ways, the PiS period showed that we learned little from history 80 years after D-Day, or maybe we just forgot. On the other project, creating an LGBTQ+ center would serve as a hub for our community, providing education, support, and a space to honor our past while shaping a more inclusive future. These initiatives ensure our history is remembered and serve as a foundation for future generations.
Fabrice: Your activism has led you to challenge authority, including a memorable encounter with the Polish president. Can you tell us the story? How do you stay motivated in the face of such adversity?
Bart: In 2020, I met with Duda and brought photos of young LGBTQ+ people from Poland who had died by suicide, as well as a book about the gay people who had been incarcerated in Auschwitz and laid them out on a table in front of him. I eventually ended the meeting when he shared his belief that “[we] started the culture war.” Advocacy in a hostile environment can be daunting, but my motivation stems from a deep sense of responsibility and hope for a better future. The support from my family and the community has also kept me going. The liberation I felt after coming out fuels my passion for ensuring others don’t have to face the same struggles. It’s about fighting for a future where everyone can live freely and authentically.
Fabrice: Finally, what support do you need to achieve your goals for the LGBTQ+ community in Poland more effectively?
Bart: As I mentioned, funding support is crucial, but so is the need for training and resources to build a center of excellence for future Rainbow leaders. Drawing inspiration from LGBTQ+ leadership programs in the US, we need a structured approach to cultivating leadership within our community; this is another project I’d like to work on. Additionally, establishing robust legal protections and gaining political support are vital for our long-term success. This means we need a pipeline of LGBTQ+ politicians*.
NDLR: The Government currently includes Gay Deputy Polish Justice Minister Krzysztof Śmiszek.
Fabrice: Thank you, Bart, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your work and dedication are truly inspiring, and I know many of this newsletter's readers are keen to support you and the Polish movement.
Bart: Thank you, Fabrice. I appreciate your support and look forward to our future collaborations. Together, we can make a significant impact.
For further reading on the current LGBTQ+ context in Poland, see the Rainbow Map recently published by ILGA-Europe and check out the Human Rights Watch report here. You can also follow Bart on LinkedIn and Instagram.