Homosexuality in Polish Culture

I am a man who is dating a Polish man – he hasn’t told anyone that he is homosexual as he is a construction worker on a building site and very manly. The culture there is very hostile towards this type of thing and he’s asked me not to tell anyone about us.

What I would like to ask you all is, are Polish people generally relaxed about homosexuality or is it hated by the majority?

Thanks.

If you wanted to be openly gay....Poland would not be the best place to move to....

homosexuality and homosexuals are generally scorned and despised in Poland (but the more educated people the less problem they have with homosexuals)

You should def. check the place on some culture forums & all; there you would get a better idea. Or even check in news sites!

Thanks wildrover. I'm not moving to Poland - both me and my partner are in the UK and are normal, masculine guys and are not into being in your face with this sort of thing. It's just that both he and I can take care of ourselves in a fight and I was wondering what it's like in Poland with regards to muscled, tough guys who just happen to be homosexual and how they get treated?


Is it to do with being educated or is it to do with Poland being a Catholic country?

Cheers


Also, thought I'd get an answer directly from the good Polish people on this forum! :-)

I don't know if it has anything to do with Poland being catholic - homosexuality in England was stil a crime back in the 50's still (see Alan? Turing's case) - it wasn't a criminal thing in Poland as soon as 1919 - negative attitudes against homosexuals are actually a manifestation of deeply rooted insecurity of Polish males (they seem more manly to themselves when they despise homosexuals)(which is a result of their upbringing (lack of male role models) and the form of education that is dominant in Poland - this phenomenon is rather a fresh one (the last 50 years) and strong anti-homosexual feelings are only there for some 20 years

Unlike in some of the most progressive legislatures, Poland NEVER criminalized homosexuality.


So many Polish women are against homosexuality because of Polish men's insecurity?


So where were you 20+ years ago?

I don't know - btw being against homosexuality is something different than despising homosexuals - it takes some rationalizing

Cheers mate.

I'm assuming that in the big cities in Poland people are a bit more chilled out about this sort of thing and don't have hang ups or are so narrow minded?


Why are Polish women against it? I thought a woman would feel comfortable knowing that she won't be hassled by a homosexual man?

back in school :)

a different psychological mechanism is involved - some women really like to be hassled/bothered/treated rough by men

yep it is weird, although I've only noticed this here on PF. Stick around and you'll find out.

Some women? What about those women who like neither the rough nor the homosexual.
What psychological mechanisms are in action there?
Is the propaganda you try to dress up in science a result of your own research, or did you get it from an LGTB website?

My guess is that with homosexuality being so closeted in Poland, there must be quite a few women who were 'surprised' to see their husband or boyfriend succumb to his true orientation. Hence the grudge.

Oh they're just talking gibberish. Each one has it's individual approach to this matter and you won't find a one formula describing attitude of Poles towards gay people. Some are against it, some are not.

Generally women are more tolerant to gays.
Among people who are against it you can find various reason for that:
- general conservatism which is a defence mechanism against changes in world and society (and one of those changes is new approach to the gays' and lesbians' rights)

- religious reasons (but you have to know that people in Poland aren't blindly Catholic and generally don't have any problems with being against church doctrine in many other fields e.g. premarriage sex, contraceptive etc.)

- the reason which gumishu mentioned aboved - men trying to be more manly
- belief that homosexualism is one of sexual disorders, and by accepting it people agrees for libertinism

Personally I think that the first reason is the most popular one. I heard many people having an attitude like that: "I don't mind gays if they don't show their homosexualism in public".

Young people tend to be more tolerant for gay people, but of course it depends on the social circles (probably blue collar circles would be less tolerant). Maybe your bf affraids that he would suffer ostrasism if his mates from work will discover that, that they will be less willing to talk with him or keep distance.

Many gay people affraid what would be the reaction of others if they discover their preferences... even though in most cases I know, people already know/suspect that someone is gay even if someone didn't say it openly.

I'm Polish and personally I don't have anything against gay people.

Your assumption is wrong. Narrow minded my a**, general consensus across the board is that sort of thing is wrong and immoral. If you want no problems then you’re half way there, as long as you keep that "not in your face attitude" and "keep it in the closet" so to speak, what you do in your own bedroom is no one’s business, you should have no problems. Muscled or not, tough guy or not, it does not matter, just don’t flaunt it. Yes in my opinion it is wrong but no one is going to prosecute you or beat you up just because of that, your attitude about your lifestyle on the other hand might do just that.

Places to be openly gay: France, Italy, Greece, the UK, Netherlands, Sweden. ...Poland...eh...probably not a good idea.

From what I've seen Polish women are most certainly not opposed to a spot of bi-sexuality.

Please, why the homos on this forum?...There are many internet groups and sites for homosexuals to discuss their problems...Homosexuals are a very small minority, and the lifestyle is rejected by the vast majority of people...Discuss your sexual foibles there.

Anal and oral sex between males is not acceptable in mainstream culture anywhere...This has nothing to do with 'Polish culture', it is just that this activity is only engaged in by a tiny group...Such activity will be tolerated by the majority as long as it is done privately and not used for political leverage...So find an appropriate place for personal discussions of sexual matters.

Unlike most people on this forum, I'm a Pole, living in Poland, so my opinion is actually worth something to you.
Basically the more homosexual men out there, the better for me, since it means more women are available.
Problem with Poland is that the most visible gay movement comprises of idiots who show their fat asses in pink lingerie on some parades. Understandably, many people get into active defense mode after seeing that kind of events.

Lies.

From your profile -


In other words, you're not Polish.


I wonder where you're seeing such things? It certainly doesn't happen in Poland.

Perhaps you need some medicine, too?

Hunters, Toro, Galeria, Glam.... are all hetero-friendly. Come and check out your available women in purportedly gay night clubs from all social strata and all walks of life. That is, if you're in Warsaw for a weekend.

Having read previous posts I feel like I live in some gay paradise bubble. So comfortable here in Warsaw, PL! :-)

Yes, but City is still the pick of the bunch.

Agreed. Hasn't it been proven that homosexuality is a mental disorder?. People who do that know that there's something wrong but can't do anything about it. They should be treated.

Another Brit expression? :-) had to google that. Yes, that's why I used the word "bubble" in my previous post. :-) I am so surrounded by gay (not only) REAL friends that I like it here. BTW I forgot about Między Nami and now Flow (I actually do not like) and Meta (about to head down there).

It's not acceptable in the open of course. Behind closed doors? Who can stop them? Poland has quite a few guys who haven't come out of the closet.

Including the leader of the opposition.

Jarek likes boys? hmm, no wife, no girl ever seen with him, lives with mama, could be.

Apparently it's the reason why him and Walesa hate each other so much - Walesa was making jokes at his expense for being gay, and thus war started.

There were rumours about him and a few women, but nothing was ever made public.

No bank account or computer either. Doesn't necessarily say gay; but in a political leader for the 21st century, it screams frajer.

he's already got one, I think.