Life of Szymon Niemiec

We are moving...

Firstly thank you for visiting and/or linking to my blog, I really do appreciate it.
However, I moved my blog to a new URL and I would be grateful if you
could adjust your link accordingly. The changes are as follows -

http://szymonniemiec.typepad.com is now http://blog.szymonniemiec.pl

For the time being you will continue to get traffic from the old URL
until the transition to the new URL is complete. If you are not linked
to all three of these blogs and would like to be then please email me
on szymon.niemiec@gmail.com for a link exchange.

Many thanks for your help and support,

Regards,



Zdecydowałem się przenieść bloga na nasz własny serwer. Proszę uaktualnijcie linki na nowy adres: http://blog.szymonniemiec.pl/

Ta strona będzie działać do końca lipca. Dziękuję za odwiedziny.

"They hate me for my love, but I pray for them"

When couple months ago media in Poland released "hot news" about gay blessing ceremonies in Free Reformed Church of Poland, where I am a deacon, I wasn't surprised of shaming comments from Roman Catholic Church and right wing parties. Conservatism in Poland is still very strong, and any progressive Christianity options are not warmly welcome. My congregation was attacked by officials from RCC and most of other "big" denominations in Poland. They told us, that we cannot name ourself "Christians" or "Protestants", and there is no place for us in Poland. Why? Not because we allowed woman to be priests, nor because we comes from progressive theological way named "theology of freedom". But because my congregation decided to allowed gay and lesbian couples to receive blessing of "Holy Union". For most of traditional Christians, and even some gay people, our decision was to "early" or "un-biblical". I understand this. In my opinion, every congregation should have right to decide with way they want go. But, what shocked me the most, I wasn't expected so much hate and anger in media. Most of religious journalists asked me:

"How dare you blessing the same sex couples? This is against our religion, morality and tradition."

I agree with this. Holy Union blessing is not coming from catholic or Polish traditions. But it exists in other traditions, other religions and other congregations. So I was answering all the time by the same sentences:

"This is our way. Let us go our way, as we let you go by yours. Our decisions not touching you or your congregation. It is not touching law of our country. So, why you are so afraid?"

Hopefully our message was delivered not only to "angry people". After first article I received about 100 letters and phone calls form same sex couples in Poland, who was looking for help. Most of them was sent by people of great spiritual faith. Faith what was thrown away from churches in Poland. It is something, what really makes me angry in my country.

Stereotype what  is hurting us the most, is this one, what say:

"Homosexuals cannot be believers, because God hates them"

What a hypocrites! I am always asking:

How God, who we describe as Almighty Love, can hate His own children? Who we are to judge each other love? Who we are to judge love at all?

I am serving for my Warsaw's congregation for two years. I don't know how many homosexual people asked me for spiritual help or advise by this time. I don't know how many times I repeat sentence:

"God loves you, because you are His child"

When I receive letter or phone call from same sex couple, people of faith, who are asking me if I can bless their relationship, because they want declare their love in front of God and people, how I can say NO? When I see love, passion, courage and care how I can discard this? This is something very deep inside my soul. I believe, that everyone who believe in God's love should not be against love of two people. And with this faith I am serving Polish same sex couples with my worship, pray and blessing.

In fact, every time when I bless next couple, I feel like next family member comes to my heart. With this feeling my spiritual family growing and became bigger and bigger. And this is something wonderful.

Now, with my friends we are close to open Queer Central Station. And of course I want have "interfaith point" in QCS. Why? Because I want to share God's Good News and Love with everyone - not only members of my church. Hmmm...another "Why Not?" question of Mr. Niemiec ;)

 

Polska wersja po kliknięciu na linka:

Interview in German Radio Station

Thanks to Michael Handel I can share with you short interview, what was made by Germany radio station, and broadcast two days ago.
Thanks Michael

Gay clubbing in Warsaw...hmmm

Warsaw is capital city of Poland. Last polls said that we have almost 2 000 000 people living here. Our "pink" media and NGOs declare amount 200 000 GLBT people in Warsaw. Huge numbers isn't it?

In 1998, when I became one of the first openly gay person in Poland, my city had four gay clubs. Two of them was located underground in old basements, one was Greek's style pub, and one was disco club. Warsaw's gay community doesn't have so much choice, so gay clubs owners had motto:

"Doesn't matter how our club looks, or what we will do. Queers will come anyway".

Not so much changed for this years. Now, in 2008 GLBT person in Warsaw can choose between 14 clubs, bars and saunas. Disco clubs, sex clubs, pub's style clubs, saunas and everything else. Nice...it will be nice, except one thing. Motto of gay club owners doesn't change. They still are in morality:

"We will give you place to come, and you will give us all your money.That's all what you can expect."

In most "western" countries, what I was proud to visit, gay club's owners was prepared not only for "take" but for "give" way of thinking. I mean "I will give you something special, because you are my client, and I want you to come back" way of thinking. But not in Warsaw. I remember how hard it was for me and my friends bring gay club's owners to participate in costs of Equality Parade. All of them was open and happy, when we propose them after party hosting. But their enthusiasm stopped just after first question: "How much you can donate to parade?". After few years nothing change. When you visiting Warsaw's gay clubs, you can expect nothing but standard. The same visage for years, the same Drag Queen's show as it was presented year ago, and the same "stars". What's changing? Entrance payments - thats for sure!

It is something what always surprised me. When I am going to "straight" club, entrance is free - owners charge me only if they offer something special - like show or concert. In gay clubs - tickets are for "Weekend Party". Just party, no show, no special guests, no "award" (of course you can named  welcome drink as "award" if you want). Why? Because:

"Queers are stupid, and they will come anyway"

Hopefully I see a little difference. New generation arise and young GLBT people expecting something more. So maybe it is a hope for Gay Life in Warsaw? Who knows?

Polska wersja po kliknięciu na linka:

If you are a Polish atheist or gay and you die...

If you are a Polish atheist or gay and you die, your family may have problems with handling  your funeral with dignity. Why? First, most Polish cemeteries are under control of Roman Catholic Church. And second, not all cities has funeral service business prepared to organize and provide civil funerals.

It can be real problem for these of you, who don't want to buried by priest.
Hopefully there are some people in Poland, who serve as Masters of Civil Funeral Ceremonies. I am one of them.

What it is all about? In simple words - about dignity. When you are thinking about last moment on this world, and you don't believe in any type of God, you know that your last way shouldn't be connected to any religious ceremony don't you? Of course you don't have so many to say in this matter, because all funeral decisions will be made by your family. But, if they respect your decisions and wishes, they can try to conduct civil ceremony.

Some families decide make this by them selfs. But please believe me - this is not good idea at all. Emotions are too big, and it is really very hard to stay calm when you was close to dead person, and now you try to say something about him/her on his/her funeral. I know this very well, because some members of families, who used my services tried to stand and speak on the ceremony. It doesn't work - never.

This is why I always suggest to leave it to people like me. We, Masters of Civil Funeral Ceremonies, are prepared to carry people through this moment. Our work is hard and sad. Hard because we must deal with pain, memories, sometimes with hysteria. And sad, because no one better then us knows, what it is mean "Last goodbye".

But we are doing this. We are on the way between mortuary workers and priests. In our job we must be prepared to serve and work for others. Our goal is to make this last journey as dignified as we can. Even if we don't know nothing about dead person.

When I am preparing for next ceremony, I always try collect as much information as I can. I am asking family, what they want to be said and what was last wish of person who past-by.

It is not so easy in Poland, where almost 90% of population describes them selfs as catholics. For some of families civil funeral is shame, especially when they are forced by priest who don't allowed them to have religious funeral. Yes, it happens in Poland! If you are open gay or your family don't have enough money for priest - they will have problems. Hopefully we MCFC don't judge you. We know, that without any matter - you are human, and you deserve for dignity. Even on the last journey.

You can ask, why I am writing about this today. So...it is because of phone call what I received today. Woman who called me living in small town on the east of Poland. Her son died two days ago. He was gay. Priest from their church said, that he will not make funeral mass for "sinful sodomy man". I didn't know this guy. But he will have his last journey full of respect for him as a human - as he deserve for.

Polska wersja po kliknięciu na linka:

We can stay in contact

Foundation created by my friends open mailing lists for everyone, who want to be in touch with everything what is going on in "Friends of Szymon" Foundation.
Now, you can subscribe to this lists by going to foundation website, and following link Newsletter in menu.
I think it is the best idea to stay in contact.
By the way... if everything will go as I think, in next couple weeks I will have some great news to share with you. For now, just check website of our foundation, or Gaypoland.tv website. More ideas, more work, more possibilities... in other words...Life ;)

I sue Mr. Kaczyński for slander

Ok, I had enough of being "bad gay wolf" in my country.
Most of you probably know about last scandal, with Mr. Lech Kaczyński - President of Poland in general role.
If not, please read this article on New York Times.
After this I send him an open letter, where I demand apologies. Of course he don't answer.
I was patient, but last couple days, "close friends" of Mr. Kaczynski starts screaming, that gay people should be quiet.
This was enough for me.
So...today I send official papers to our Warsaw's court. I sued Mr. Lech Kaczynski for slander.
Let's court decide who is "big bad wolf" in Poland.

Polska wersja poniżej:

Happy Birthday Dear Friend!!!

Today I celebrate a very special day. My friend, editor and publisher of LMGTS blog has birthday.
He is 18...errr...ok, let say he is 21...wait a minute...no...ok, it is not important at all.
He is my very special friend, who helps me with my struggle.
So, today I wish him very good next year, and everything what is important for him. Let's his dreams became true.

Happy birthday Pal!

"Friends of Szymon" Foundation Letter

Dear friends,

We started this campaign to build and fund the nation’s first GLBT outreach center over one and half year ago. In October 2007 after 20 months under an oppressive government – it collapsed and a new government of tolerance was elected.

Poland’s GLBT community had several setbacks struggling against a pro-Roman Catholic mentality and staunch political nationalist elements even disagreement within opposing GBLT camps but some citizens in the new republic.

“Friends of Szymon Foundation” accomplished many things under enormous pressure and against amazing insurmountable odds – it took time, money and friends like you – legal paperwork to gaining a NGO status (Nongovernmental agency tax-deductible status.)  They have negotiated a three year building lease for the project to facilitate an HIV outreach and education point, GLBT HELP HOTLINE, professional interfaith and counseling point, etc.

The enormous task of raising the final 32, 000 Euros to complete the organizations building agreements on the lease of the physical space remains. This press release being sent out today is solely aimed towards recruiting, 1,600 international “Friends” to donate 20 Euros or more (tax-deductible) BEFORE 28 April 2006 our mission would be accomplished.

The annual Warsaw Poland Gay Pride will be held in June – “Friends of Szymon Foundation” is not affiliated with the festival itself although Szymon Niemiec founded the event in 2001.  If you help us and encourage your friends to also help ‘Friends of Szymon Foundation” would be well positioned to participate in “after” party festival hosting a worldwide “Homo erotic” Art festival.  The foundation has several worldwide artists in film, print, photography etcetera who have volunteered to contribute to an unprecedented month long forum in June.  This event would be hosted in the new GBLT Outreach facility which you can aide in establishing. International artist interested in participation may contact “Friends of Szymon Foundation” for additional information.

Help “Friends of Szymon Foundation” make history on both accounts by contributing 20 Euros or more today.  A unique opportunity has presented itself, if we wait idly by the time, our time will pass. We cannot afford to seize this moment, we could miss a unique opportunity to expand dialogue and gain our footing while the oppressive homophobic rhetoric has mellowed – it’s only a brief respite for us until the next election.  With your assistance now we’ll be more organized and prepared. We do not want to be forced to be returned into the closets.

Why should you contribute? Because a safe place for the community to assemble and organize is sorely needed in Poland. It is our responsibly to ensure that future GBLT generations and ourselves are not denied  sharing in the freedoms guaranteed in our new democratic republics constitution; the right to self–determination and basic human dignity is the birthright of every citizen of any democratic society.

Thank you very much for your support.

Friends of Szymon

PS. Help us by spreading this message, also join us on www.twitter.com (ADD US:

contact@friendsofszymon.org)

Please help to my project

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