At 27, Warsaw-based photographer Karolina Jackowska has already made a name for herself, documenting the city’s queer scene with tenderness and rawness, reminiscent of Nan Goldin’s early work. For nearly a decade, she has photographed people at festivals, balls and drag shows, capturing moments of shared intimacy and joy.
Growing up in the small town of Sierpc, around two hours’ drive from Warsaw, Jackowska did not know any queer people, and was convinced that one day she would marry a man and have children. “It was not until I moved to the capital, that I felt a different scenario was possible,” she said.
Today Jackowska identifies as a lesbian woman, and since coming out in 2020, she has immersed herself in the city’s queer scene, to make up for the 23 years of life that did not quite feel hers. The scene has quickly become the centrepiece of her work. “I wake up in the morning and immediately think about who to photograph, which venue and event to support,” she said.
What makes the Warsaw gay scene stand out is how politically engaged it is, Jackowska believes. With Poland ranked as the most hostile country in Europe when it comes to human rights and discrimination, according to the ILGA-Europe advocacy group, activism has become the bread and butter of queer Poles and their allies. “We’re filled with fury at the politicians, but at the same time we’re motivated to change this grim reality,” she said.
Over the years, Jackowska has witnessed the evolution of the queer scene in Warsaw. “I’ve watched people get more audacious with their looks, and their ball performances become refined to the point of perfection,” she said. “Few things make me as proud as the fact that I was able to document that.”
The Queer-Friendly Venues To Know In Warsaw
- Madame Q – “One of the most important spaces in my personal landscape of Warsaw. At first it feels inconspicuous, nestled in a backyard of a tenement in the Praga district, but once you open the door, you enter the world of burlesque, where dancers perform to jazz classics and the audience is dressed to impress”
- Turnus na Wolskiej (Turnus on Wolska Street) – “An ally venue which does not need to put a rainbow flag over its entrance to emanate a naturally welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes my inner child jump from excitement, amidst chess tournaments, crossword nights and clothing swaps.”
- Amondo – “Probably the smallest cinema in Poland [with around] 50 seats. It is completely oblivious to trends and premiers, screening a curated selection of art house cinema and running a weekly queer film club.”
- “When it comes to food, Warsaw boasts a vibrant vegan scene, with gems such as the noodle soup heaven Vegan Ramen Shop or the Lokal Vegan Bistro, where you can try meatless versions of Polish culinary classics. I would also recommend Butero – a queer restaurant where comfort food meets Drag Race.”
The LGBTQIA+ Events To Visit In Warsaw
- “Balls were one of the first events in Warsaw, which were safe not only for LGBTQXYZ+ persons, but also for foreigners and People of Colour. My favourite ones are organized by Kiki House of Femina and by the artist Bożna Wydrowska, known as Mother Bożna Elle.”
- “For electronic music events, follow the Ciężki Brokat (Heavy Glitter) DJ collective, which gives space to LGBTQXYZ+ persons and to women. You can usually find them at the K Bar and Chmury clubs. The Pozqueer collective, operating across Poland, is another solid choice, as their objective is to create safe and inclusive spaces.”
- “Warsaw is a hub for film festivals. I would recommend the LGBT+ Film Festival [in April] and the Post-Porn Arts Fest [June], both housed by Kinoteka, a cinema based in one of the most iconic buildings in town – the post-communist Palace of Culture.”
Ada Petriczko is a freelance journalist based in Warsaw. She covers topics such as culture, human rights, social justice and gender for titles including The New York Times and The Guardian
