Not Just Ranting in the Streets, but Also Concrete Actions: Polish Feminist and LGBT+ Responses to Anti-Gender Politics
摘要
This chapter examines the interplay between anti-gender mobilizations and the evolving strategies of feminist and LGBT+ movements in Poland, focusing on the period from 2016 to 2023. The rise of anti-gender politics, driven by nationalist, conservative, and religious actors such as the Law and Justice Party and the Catholic Church, has been marked by legislative and media campaigns targeting gender equality and LGBT+ rights. In response, feminist and LGBT+ activists have transitioned from reactive protest-based approaches, exemplified by mass demonstrations against restrictive abortion laws, to a more integrated and proactive strategy. This includes legal challenges, educational campaigns, coalition building, and active political participation, such as running for public office. Empirical data from 30 in-depth interviews with activists reveal a strategic shift toward sustainable, systemic activism, moving beyond immediate resistance to fostering institutional change. Key examples include public awareness campaigns, legislative initiatives, and engagement with mainstream and digital media. These efforts illustrate the potential of integrated activism to influence public discourse and reshape socio-political structures. The chapter highlights the dual challenges of combating anti-gender narratives while building a resilient, inclusive feminist and LGBT+ movement that effectively navigates Poland’s polarized political landscape.