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Double exclusion. How is it to be a queer migrant from Eastern Europe in Poland today?

LGBTQ+ rights in Belarus and Ukraine have remained static for years. The fear of coming out persists, both in one’s home country and now within the diaspora abroad. Many queer migrants hide their sexuality, citing political or economic reasons for moving. Although Poland still has a long way to go, its relative openness, access to EU anti-discrimination frameworks and integration into European institutional life create better conditions for social progress and visibility.

February 22, 2026 - Sviataslaŭ Kruk - Issue 1-2 2026MagazineStories and ideas

Polish,/Ukrainian LGBTQI parade in Warsaw in 2022. Photo: Iryna Imago / Shutterstock

In recent years, Poland has experienced a substantial increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving from Ukraine and Belarus. Currently, the country is home to over one million Ukrainians and more than 100,000 Belarusians. While much of this migration has been discussed in the context of political repression or economic instability, this article focuses on a less visible, yet crucial, factor – queer repression.

Many migrants from Eastern Europe did not choose Poland randomly. Historical and cultural ties between these countries foster a sense of familiarity, making integration easier. The presence of established diaspora communities, geographic proximity and the relative simplicity of the Polish language for Slavic-language speakers make this option especially attractive.

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