Krakow - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Though Poland has a reputation for being anti-LGBTQ, that's more in the smaller towns and villages than Krakow. Krakow is open, tolerant, and has a large "Equality March" every May that is well attended (and attracts a small counter-protest). That said, this is still one of the most Catholic countries in the world, but the church's grip seems to be loosening in the younger generation. The place I had my elective surgery at also offers gender-confirming surgeries. - Jun 2024
Poland is not very open-minded. Our LGBT friends had a good community but were probably more careful in Krakow than they might have to be elsewhere. Krakow and Warsaw are definitely more open than other parts of Poland. The vibrant university community in Krakow definitely helps. - Nov 2016
Poles are generally pretty conservative, but Krakow is home to a large student population, and this makes the city a little more liberal. There are some bars and areas aimed toward the gay/lesbian population, but even those are not really advertised. - Mar 2014
Yes. - Apr 2013
The Poles are still homophobic, but it's changing slowly. - Sep 2011
Poland is socially conservative, and in Krakow they are even more so. However, there is a gay and lesbian film festival each year. - Aug 2011
