Krakow’s annual Equality Parade, (Marsz Równości), takes place this weekend, (details below), which together with a recent post on Krakow Expats Facebook group seeking recommendations for LGBT friendly places, inspired us to ask for contributions on the Kraków LGBT+ scene.
We gathered together as many LGBT+ resources that we could find. Szymon Martyniak, then took up our invitation and shared his take on – “What it’s like to be LGBT+ in Krakow?”
“As attitudes towards LGBT+ people have improved in recent decades in Krakow, so has the “gay friendliness” of the people, companies and institutions in the city. However, the attitude can hardly be described as welcoming and you’ll find “gay life” buried a bit underground.” Szymon
Are there any LGBT+ clubs, pubs, places in Krakow?
Yes, there are some clubs, the majority of which are in Kazimierz district:
Cocon Music Club
LaF
Klub Pozytywka
Club Cabaret
and in the Old Town:
Lindo Bar
Are there any LGBT+ organisations in Krakow?
Yes, there are. There is even an LGBT+ Choir: Krakofonia.
There are many NGO’s, organisations and social media groups.
Gay Friendly Poland
Kraków LGBT+ 
Kraków LGBT 
LGBT Kraków
Pride Pride (Kraków LGBT)
Imprezy LGBT Kraków
Out in Kraków Gay Events (Kraków Gay pub crawl)
Gay/Les friendly Kraków
DOM EQ (Virtual LGBT Information Centre
LGBT Polska
Queerowy Maj (Equality Parade organisers
Queer.pl
Znaki Równości/DOM EQ
House of Equality
On 15th June 2019, the House of Equality in Krakow will open, at ul. Czyżówka 43, to inform and integrate Kraków’s LGBT+ community. It will be a cultural and information centre, where the LGBT+ community and supporters will be able to gather, organise events and share experiences. The centre will be about all diversity and inclusion (LGBT+ will be the main focus but other strands of diversity will be also included).
“Krakow Equality Centre DOM EQ (Krakowskie Centrum Równości DOM EQ) will officially be opened on 15th June 2019, a place where we will Together build a strong and independent LGBT + community in Krakow”
You can find out more about DOM EQ at www.znakirownosci.org.pl/pl/domeq, where they also make an appeal for volunteers to contact them at wolontariat@znakirownosci.org.pl.
Equality Parade 2019
The 15th annual Equality Parade will take place this Saturday, 18th May, starting at 3pm in front of the National Museum, al. 3 Maja, Kraków. Last year around 7000 people took part in the parade.
3pm
in front of National Museum (MNK), Al. 3 Maja.
Facebook Event
Organiser Facebook Page – QueerowyMaj
If you would rather have company and friends to march with, you can join the Collaborate, Kraków crew, a very friendly, inclusive and International bunch, who will be attending the event, meeting in front of Kino Kijow, close to the parade assembly point.
Collaborate Krakow! going to Equality Parade 2019 – Facebook Event
Sadly, the event always attracts counter demonstrations. Thankfully, in recent years, these have not involved the violence which occurred several years ago, however you can be reassured that there is always a large high profile police presence to ensure the safety of all.
Recent parades have passed off peacefully without any disturbances, however in 2012, there was a minor confrontation when some thugs attempted to disrupt the parade. The Police dealt with the situation swiftly and robustly. You can see some of our photographs of that incident, and the parade here:
2012 Equality Parade Photographs
Kraków Expats Directory support a diverse, open, tolerant and friendly society. We want our Kraków international community to be a safe, inclusive place, open to all, regardless of their nationality, religion, beliefs, politics or sexual orientation.
These principles are, or should be, universal, and should apply everywhere to everyone, however they are especially important today in Poland.
If you are aware of any LGBT+ friendly places, resources or information which may be of interest to our community please get in touch and we’ll add them to this article. Please feel free to share this.