Transgender Day of Visibility

Last weekend, on 24th-25th May, Qalejdoskop Foundation organized the Third Polish Nationwide Transgender Day of Visibility in Szczecin. It was organized in cooperation with the Academy of the Arts in Szczecin, The Warsaw House Foundation, TG House and GrowSPACE Foundation along with partnerships of NGOs, collectives and media. 

The event's aim was to talk about the everyday life of transgender and non-binary people in Poland, needs, difficulties, joys and creativity; to be together in solidarity, to raise awareness and knowledge about the situation of transgender people in Poland and around the world.

According to IPSOS LGBT+ PRIDE REPORT 2024, only 8% of Poles have a transgender friend, relative or work colleague.

23% think that transgender people face little or no discrimination. The same percentage says that trans people shouldn't be protected from it. 

27% disagree that trans teens should have access to gender-affirming care (even with parental consent).

In light of widespread disinformation, global anti-trans movements' impact on governments introducing bans on gender-affirming care, erasing basic protections and efforts to erase trans existence, it's critical to raise awareness, to advocate for trans rights, to protect trans lives.

The event included:

panel discussions (Transstory - a meeting about the history of the trans movement in Poland with Anna Grodzka, Lalka Podobińska, Ewa Hołuszko and Maria Minakowska; political, regional, trans health, situation of transgender persons in the world and migrants and refugees in Poland, education, situation of trans parents and parents of trans persons, art and literature);
meetings with authors (Sylwia Chutnik and Justyna Bilik, Filip Cembala, ariel rosé);
lectures and workshops (Q&A on hormonal therapy, Queer Embroidery workshop, workshop - sex education for youth, workshop for parents of trans and non-binary people, workshop for teachers, workshop on creating non-hierarchical queer communities, Proud Voice workshop, talk on parenting and relationships of trans people, talk on scientific research on trans and non-binary people)
Networking meeting for trans and non-binary people with migration/refugee experience
Film screenings at Pionier Cinema
Art exhibition “Gender Euphoria” of artworks created by transgender and non-binary artists
Fitting room, clothes exchange
Point of free psychologist, endocrinologist and psychiatrist counseling
Stands of NGOs and institutions offering support

Because of severe cuts in funding and withdrawal of regional stakeholders to support the event, we appeal to you for support.

We need money to be able to cover:

Space rental
Return for costs of transportation and accommodation of panelists
Promotion costs
Salaries for workshop trainers, psychological and legal counselors, facilitators of meetings and lectures

Thank you for your support!