Yesterday (Apr. 30) in Krakow the 3rd edition of the "Culture for tolerance" gay
and lesbian culture festival is ending. 2006 Festival, organized by the
"Culture for Tolerance" Foundation, was a major success.

Since Thursday April 27th a few hundred people have participated in
almost 30 festival events: workshops, discussions, movie screenings,
academic session, exhibitions.

The "Culture for Tolerance" Festivals' biggest event was "the March of
Tolerance" organized by the "Culture for Tolerance" Foundation along
with Krakow branch of Campaign Against Homophobia. 2000 people gathered
in the old town of Krakow to express their support for LGBT rights in
Poland which are often violated in Poland.
The march got a strong support of local police and the Mayor of Krakow -
Jacek Majchrowski (who is supported by Left Democratic Alliance - SLD).
Many people from all over Europe took part in the march that was
protected by 400 policemen. Representatives from Antwerp, Belgium (the
Pink House), 2 members of federal parliament of Belgium (Stijn Bex and
Jan Roegiers), a group of gay people from Cologne, Germany, supporters
from Denmark, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Czech Republic,
and Italy were in attendance.
The march was supported by the Polish leftist parties: Left Democratic
Alliance (SLD), Social Democratic Party of Poland (SDPL), Greens 2004,
the Union of Left and Democratic Party. The Polish MP Izabela
Jaruga-Nowacka marched at the front of the demonstration showing her
support. The colorful supporters traveled through the streets of the Old
Town to the Wawel Castle - a symbolic place for Poles. Unfortunately on
its way the march was attacked by a group of 200 hooligans and
supporters of All-Polish Youth (Mlodziez Wszechpolska). The police were
highly visible and ensured that any problems were dealt with quickly and
efficiently. Despite the efforts of the Police unfortunately two
participants of the demonstration were slightly injured. Eggs and stones
were used as missiles.
The march succeeded to reach the place that the organizers had intended
which was a 'Wawel Dragon Statue' by the Vistula River - the symbol of
the City.
The organizers of the Festival ("Culture for Tolerance" Foundation)
consider this as a success of the Polish LGBT movement. 2 years ago the
same march was held in Krakow but it was blocked and brutally attacked
by All-Polish Youth supported by hooligans and neo-Nazis. That time the
march was unable to reach its final destination.

The organizers wish to express their gratitude and satisfaction to the
many people who supported the march. The "Culture for Tolerance"
Foundation is satisfied that the LGBT issues have become an important
part of Polish public debate.

More: www.tolerancja.org.pl/english

Samuel J. Nowak, Culture for Tolerance Festival's coordinator, "Culture
for Tolerance" Foundation
Tomasz Szypula, Campaign Against Homophobia