There are many LGBTQ+ trailblazers around the world, and Robert Biedroń has been no exception, making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected in Poland and being the founder of Campaign Against Homophobia. He served as the first openly gay mayor of Słupsk, Poland, and as the first out member of the Polish Sejm.
Biedroń was virtually presented with the award from fellow Polish LGBTQ+ Activist, Miko Czerwinski. Czerwinski remarked about Biedroń’s impact on the nation.
Miko Czerwinski is the Executive Director of Campaign Against Homophobia in Poland and says that Robert Biedroń inspired his work at the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, DC on Dec. 6. Photo by United Photography.
“I come from Poland, a country that, like many places around the world, has seen the painful consequences of weaponized homophobia, LGBT free zones to name one of them, but also the extraordinary power of courage, coalition building, and hope,” said Czerwinski, who is the Executive Director of Campaign Against Homophobia. “And when I think about what has moved us forward, one name really stands out. The name of Robert Biedroń.”
Biedroń, currently a European Parliament member and Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, was honored with LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s 2025 Global Trailblazer Award at the 41st annual International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference. The longtime LGBTQ+ advocate was recognized for decades of dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ equality in Poland and across Europe.
He is currently co-leader of the Polish New Left (Nowa Lewica) and of the governing coalition in Poland, as well as the founder of his own party, Spring (Wiosna).
But Czerwinski said it was Biedroń’s work with Campaign Against Homophobia that helped him come out.
“What Robert taught me and what I want to share with you today is that the fight for equality is not a sprint,” said Czerwinski. “It’s a relay. Each of us carries the baton for only a moment, and our responsibility is to run our part with everything we have and then pass it forward.”
Even as a European Parliament member, Biedroń “never forgot where he came from,” according to Czerwinski. Biedroń continued to train activists on how to demand equality.
“He knew what it meant to speak to power and how to make that power listen,” said Czerwinski. “Today, Poland is emerging from years of harsh right-wing rule. We’re rebuilding our democracy.”
Czerwinski presented the award to Biedroń, who accepted remotely. Photo from United Photography.
Even as Poland rebuilds its democracy, Biedroń continues to champion LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
“He fought to ensure that LGBT rights would not be sidelined in the name of political pragmatism,” added Czerwinski. “He challenged more conservative partners to understand that our rights are not a threat but a measure of democracy’s health.”
Biedroń was unable to attend the conference in person, but in his acceptance video, he expressed that he was honored and congratulated the other nominees.
“Although I cannot be with you in person tonight, I want you to know that this recognition means a great deal, not only to me, but also to the entire LGBTQI+ community in Poland, Europe, and across the world,” said Biedroń in a recorded speech. “This award is a reminder that our struggles are seen and that our stories can inspire change.”
Biedroń is the first Polish out elected official, having served at the local, national and regional levels. He accepted the award remotely from Poland in a recorded message. Photo by United Photography.
When Biedroń started the Campaign Against Homophobia more than 24 years ago, the organization couldn’t count on government support, and they faced attacks, but he acknowledged the “extraordinary courage” it took.
“I come from a country where being openly gay in politics was for many years unthinkable,” added Biedroń.
He said making history as the first openly gay member of the Polish Parliament wouldn’t have happened without the support of LGBTQ+ people.
“But none of this would have happened without the strength, support and solidarity of my community,” said Biedroń in his recorded message.
In closing his recorded speech, Biedroń called for both collective action and unity in support of LGBTQ+ equality.
“This award is not just for me,” he said. “It’s a symbol that belongs to all those who marched when it was dangerous, who spoke when there was silence. To those who continue to believe that equality is worth fighting for.”
