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?

Join the Research on Queer Migration

I invite you to participate in a research study on migration, exploring minority stress, mental well-being, and freedom of expression among queer / LGBTQIA+ individuals who have migrated from Poland to Germany.

Who can participate? You are invited to complete the survey if you:

  • Identify as a queer / LGBTQIA+ person,
  • Were born in Poland,
  • Currently reside in Germany.

What does the study look like?

  • Format: Anonymous online survey in Polish.
  • Structure: The study consists of a demographic section and two comparative parts – questions about your life in Poland prior to your departure, and questions regarding your current situation in Germany.
  • Duration: Completing the questionnaire takes approximately 45 minutes.
  • Safety & Support: Participation is entirely voluntary, and the results will be analyzed strictly in aggregate form for scientific purposes. As the topics covered may evoke strong emotions, a reliable list of crisis support and psychological resources in both countries (including Polish-speaking initiatives in Germany) is provided at the end of the survey.

Link to the survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/3LngjTGpkp

A Request to Organizations and Allies If you run an organization, a support group, or are active in an initiative for LGBTQIA+ folks in Poland or Germany and would like to support this research – please share this post or forward the survey link to anyone who might be interested. Your help in reaching the community is invaluable. If you are not part of the target group but still wish to help – please pass this information along as well!

You can also support my research, work, and the Queer Exodus project by buying me a symbolic coffee here: https://gofund.me/54f8b9ed

Your voice and your lived experiences matter deeply. Thank you for every completed survey, your time, and your support!

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