Kraków’s Pride Revolution: A New Chapter in Polish LGBTQ+ History
When I tell people I was marching in Poland, some are surprised.
But the truth is, Poland is changing — and Kraków is right at the heart of that change. Just weeks before the Equality March 2025, the country made headlines by officially abolishing its last remaining ‘LGBT-free zone’ — a policy that once declared entire regions “free” of LGBTQ+ ideology. It was a win years in the making, and one that made this march feel especially significant.
I’d already written about this transformation in my post on Poland’s Pride Revolution, but being there in person made it real. You could feel it in the crowd — a mix of young activists, seasoned organisers, families, allies, and even visiting diplomats. We weren’t just marching for visibility. We were marching because we know Pride works. Protest works. Progress is happening.
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In 2025, Kraków marked its 21st Equality March, led under the slogan “Kraków — Miastem Polskich Queerów” (“Kraków, City of Polish Queers”). And it wasn’t just a party — it was a political statement, a celebration, and a moment of remembrance for those who paved the way.
“The 2025 Equality March in Kraków, held under the slogan ‘Kraków — City of Polish Queers’, wasn’t just a celebration of our presence — it was also a tribute to generations of LGBTQ+ people who have shaped this city’s history. This city does not exist without us. As we marked the 10th anniversary of Stowarzyszenie Queerowy Maj (Queer May Association), we recognised that our fight for equality and dignity is far from over. The abolition of the last ‘LGBT-free zones’ was an important step, but there’s still much work ahead. The March stood as a powerful manifestation of our strength, solidarity, and determination to achieve full civil rights.”
Paweł Jemioło Chair of Board, Stowarzyszenie Queerowy Maj
Here’s how it all unfolded.
The Kraków Equality March: When Protest Turns Into Pride
Saturday, 17 May 2025 — the day started grey and drizzly, but that didn’t stop people from turning up. Quite the opposite. As I made my way to the National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie), the starting point of the Kraków Pride, the crowd was already buzzing with energy. Rainbow umbrellas popped like confetti across the square, and despite the rain, there was a tangible sense of something powerful in the air.
Then came the speeches. One by one, the organisers reminded us why we were there — not just to celebrate, but to demand more. This year’s theme, “Kraków — City of Polish Queers”, was a declaration of belonging.
Among the speakers was a human rights activist from Hungary, where, as of May 2025, Pride marches remain banned. They received a roaring ovation for their bravery, and their presence was a reminder that while progress has been made in Poland, we cannot take it for granted.
As if on cue, just as the march began, the sun broke through the clouds. Thousands began to move — a colourful, joyful, defiant river of people. We marched past Karmelicka Street, through the Old Town, circled Rynek Główny with St. Mary’s Basilica watching over us like a proud ally, and finally made our way toward the Jewish Quarter, ending at Kazimierz Town Hall.
Along the way were folklore dancers, queer clergy, drag queens, students, parents, allies, and one unicorn (obviously gay). Everything in Kraków felt queer that day — the cobblestones, the air, even the pigeons seemed to march in sync.
Want to join next year? Keep an eye on my Kraków Equality March event page for future dates and travel tips.
The Queer Ball and Official After Party
After the last chants of the Kraków Equality March echoed through Kazimierz, the celebration didn’t stop — it simply transformed. As the city’s historic facades glowed in the evening light, Kraków's queer community and allies carried the spirit of Pride into the night.
My first stop? The Queer Ball at Narodowy Stary Teatr — and let me tell you, I was not ready. When I got the invite, I assumed it was going to be a ballroom performance party — you know, voguing, categories, the whole shebang. But as I stepped into this grand old theatre, I quickly realised: this was a ball in the old-school sense — waltzes, orchestras, and actual dancing in pairs. I had no idea what was going on at first (picture me in full Pride mode blinking at a classical quartet), but honestly? That made it even more magical.
It was definitely more intimate and formal than the parties I’m used to during Pride weekends — but I’m really glad I went. It was moving to see the effort that had gone into creating a queer space in such a traditional setting, especially one that marked the 10-year anniversary of Stowarzyszenie Queerowy Maj. The contrast between glittery drag and solemn old walls somehow made the moment feel even more meaningful.
Then came the official afterparty at Slay Space, the legendary boat venue moored along the Vistula River. Floating just south of the Jewish Quarter, this space came alive with glitter, sweat, and pure Pride energy. DJs served pop classics and queer anthems while Kraków’s LGBTQ+ scene danced the night away under the stars.
