Equality in TricityBy Kamil Zwarycz,

Igor Niemczyk,Konrad Komor

Michał Kalinowski

History of Equality in Poland

When Poland was under the influence of communists human laws were violated. Polish couldn’t say whatever they wanted. Censorship was everywhere, in TV, press and radio. Authorities were imposing their point of view to people.

People counteracting communism

• Pope John Paul II –Taught people to love each other regardless of their origin and skin color

• Jerzy Popiełuszko – Polish priest, who was a chaplain of “Solidarność” in Warsaw

• Lech Wałęsa- First Chairman of “Solidarność”

Solidarność and its activity

Solidarność was the organization protecting workers’ laws. The most known strike was in the shipyard in Gdańsk. Solidarność with Lech Wałęsa as a charman forced authorities to begin round table meetings and the next fall of communism in Poland.

Bizzares of People's Republic of Poland

• Coupons which were entitling you to buy food or other products

• Emptiness in stores• Very long queues• Street roundups• You couldn’t say anything bad about

authorities

Famous movies in PRL

• Miś by Stanisław Bareja• Sexmisja by Juliusz Machulski• Sami Swoi by Sylwester Chęciński• Poszukiwany Poszukiwana by Stanisław Bareja• Kogel- Mogel by Roman Żałuski

And then Big Break happened

Big Break

Big Break happened in 1989 when represantatives of ”Solidarność” , PRL , Church and OPPZ met on proceding of round table. They were talking about Poland and its policy. It was one of the most important event in the history of Poland. It changed country from communism into democracy.

What next?

• After Polish big break , also life and equality in this country has changed. Now peple can feel free. They can talk about whatever they want , help other people , buy what they need in every quantity and leave home whenever they want. Unfortunately, in these days there are still many countries and places in the world where equality and people laws are not respected.

Equality in Tricity( communist edition )

• As we know, when Poland was communist country , Tricity was fighting with authorities. For example ”Solidarność” which was in Gdańsk. Another example is when in 1970 young workers started a strike near the shipyard in Gdynia. Polish militia was shooting to poor strikers, who wanted to get work and money. This day many people died. One of them was Janek Wiśniewski. He is a symbol of that day, because he was carried on the door from the shipyard to the centre of Gdynia.

Equality in Tricity( these days edition )

• Now authorities are showing that helping another person and equality are one of the most important things in the world. We can see many organizations and events which are collecting money , clothes and food for people, who need it. Also there are many paintings on the walls that are showing

people, who need help and mutual understanding.

Szymon Niemiec(born October 5, 1977 in Warsaw)

Polish activist of organization LGBT (Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders)LGBT activist, co-founder and longtime activist of Warsaw Gay Pride marches. In 2001-2005, he served as chairman of the board of the International Lesbian and Gay Association for culture in Poland. In 2002-2005, he served as the spokesman for the Progress Party anticlerical "Racja".

Stowarzyszenie Lambda Warszawa • public benefit non-profit organization, founded

in October 1997 by activists operating in the 1995-1997 Center "Rainbow". The Regional Court in Warsaw registered the Association on 23 October 1997. The aim of the organization is to build a positive gay and lesbian identity and shaping the social acceptance of sexual minorities. Lambda Warsaw is the oldest working Polish LGBT organization.

Campaign against homophobia

• Polish non-governmental organization on September 11, 2001. The Association deals with the prevention of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Polish society, organizing actions aimed at combating homophobia, transphobia and the fight for the rights of LGBT people. It has the status of public benefit organization.