Warsaw Equality Parade marks 25th anniversary with political support, celebrities and a counterprotest
Thousands marched through central Warsaw on Saturday for the 25th Equality Parade, backed by the city's mayor, national politicians and celebrities, while a small counterprotest also appeared along the route.
A jubilee march through the heart of Warsaw
Around 14:00 on Saturday, the 25th Warsaw Equality Parade set off from Equality Town in Park Świętokrzyski, beside the Palace of Culture and Science. Thousands filled the streets despite uncertain weather, carrying rainbow flags along Świętokrzyska, Krakowskie Przedmieście, Miodowa and Senatorska streets, then across Bankowy Square before returning via Marszałkowska. Organisers described the route as "a deeply thought‑out and symbolically charged manifesto of LGBTQ+ presence in the very heart of the capital."
- First Warsaw Equality Parade takes place.
- Foundation 'Parada Równości' established as organiser.
- 25th parade departs from Park Świętokrzyski.
- March returns to Equality Town; artistic performances begin.
Prominent political backing
Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski walked at the front of the march, later posting on X: "Warsaw is for everyone". He was joined by Sejm Marshal and Lewica chair Włodzimierz Czarzasty, who wrote:
Deputy Senate Speaker Magdalena Biejat and Krzysztof Śmiszek, partner of MEP Robert Biedroń, also took part, signalling institutional support from the left.Equality Parade. Whether someone likes it or not. I like it. So I am here.
The event was held under the patronage of the European Commission and the embassies of Germany and Mexico.
Demands read at the Presidential Palace
Before the Presidential Palace the official postulates were read aloud. They include protection against discrimination and exclusion, full gender equality in all spheres, the right to marriage and civil partnerships, adoption rights regardless of gender or sexual orientation, easier legal and medical procedures for transgender people, and tougher measures against hate speech and hate crimes. The list also calls for simplified visa procedures, respect in public discourse and education, and stronger animal‑rights and environmental protections.
25 years of visibility and opposition
The first Equality Parade was held in 2001. What began as a small demonstration has grown into an event that draws tens of thousands of participants, not all of them LGBTQ+. Since 2011 the march has been organised by the Equality Parade Foundation (formerly the Equality Volunteer Association).
A counter‑demonstration appeared on the route with a banner recalling Krzysztof F., a former Civic Platform activist convicted of sexually abusing a minor. Activist Katarzyna Augustynek was also spotted with a defaced Polish flag.
Pride Month celebrations continue
The march ended around 16:00 back in Park Świętokrzyski, where Equality Town hosted artistic performances and stalls run by NGOs supporting people with disabilities, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The parade is the centrepiece of Pride Month, celebrated in Poland throughout June with concerts, workshops and local marches.
