The priest leading the fight for LGBT rights in Poland

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Szymon Niemiec is a priest and an LGBTQ+ activist who founded Poland's first Gay Pride parade in 2001 – known locally as an 'equality parade'. Growing up in the Polish capital Warsaw, Szymon knew he was gay and at the same time knew he felt a close connection to the Church. But combining his religious belief, his sexuality and his activism was never easy in a predominantly Catholic country, and it continues to make him a target. This interview was first broadcast in March 2022. Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: May Cameron Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Szymon Niemiec. Credit: Janek Skarzynski/AFP/Getty Images)