psychology

Queer Exodus – a research project on migration, identity, and mental well – being of queer people with Polish experience

I have recently started working on research and a project with the working title:
“The impact of migration from a homophobic country (Poland) to a less homophobic country (Germany) on the mental well-being, sense of security, and freedom of identity expression of queer people.”

This project stems both from my personal experience and from my observations of the socio-political situation. For years, Poland has been at the bottom of European rankings on LGBT+ equality (e.g., ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map), and for many queer people, migration is becoming not only a life choice but a necessity—an escape from violence, systemic discrimination, and the lack of a safe space to live and develop.

What’s the research about?

The project focuses on the question:

What are the psychological, emotional, and identity-related consequences of queer people migrating from Poland to Germany?
How does it affect their sense of security, mental well-being, and ability to freely express themselves?

I want to explore these experiences, collect voices, stories, reflections—both through qualitative research and analysis of the social contexts of migration and queerness.

The research project is part of a broader initiative, queer-exodus.com, for which I am also seeking financial support from German funds.

What stage am I at?

Currently, the project is at a very early stage of conceptualization and research. I am gathering ideas, inspiration, literature, contexts—everything that can help build a valuable and thoughtful study. In the next stages, I plan to conduct interviews, analyze data, and publish the results. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Any thoughts? Experiences? Want to share?

If this topic moves you, resonates with your experiences, or you simply consider it important, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Please contact me if you:

  • want to share your reflections or stories,
  • have experience of queer migration (especially from Poland to Germany),
  • are involved in similar topics scientifically, activistically, or therapeutically,
  • want to support the project with their thoughts, tips, and suggestions.

I believe that this project can contribute a valuable voice to the discussion about queerness, migration, mental resilience, and the creation of spaces of freedom in the country.

📩 You can contact me by email: kontakt@queer-exodus.com