Rainbow Patriotism: Sexual and Gender Minority Struggle for the Representation and Reproduction of Polishness

The political struggle of a part of sexual and gender minority engaged in the reproduction and representation of Polishness is described using the established–outsider figuration. The LGBT+ and national identities are combined in rainbow patriotism, which is a grassroots, supposedly inclusive variant of homonationalism. The chapter discusses the applicability of the concept of homonationalism in East-Central Europe and presents two case studies: the soccer scarf combining the rainbow flag with national symbols and the performance of a national dance Polonaise in same-gender couples. Rainbow patriotism challenges the historical privilege of heteronormative people in reproducing and representing the nation. At the same time, it reinforces identification with Polishness as a necessary condition for sexual and gender minority to be allowed to make legitimate political claims and be considered worthy of state protection.