One of Poland’s most respected stage stars has come out as gay at the age of 100.
Witold Sadowy, who appeared on the Warsaw stage for more than five decades and in recent years has worked as a theatre critic, opened up about his sexuality in a profile with TVP Kultura marking his 100th birthday.
“For me the most important thing is the survival of the truth,” he said.
“I am proud that I am an honest man. I didn’t get married, and I didn’t have children, something I really regret. But I was born different. I’m gay.
The centenarian added: “Now I have said everything, as in confession.”
Sadowy, who was born in 1920 and made his stage debut in 1945 at The Dramatic Theatre in Warsaw, had never previously discussed his personal life in public.
In 2012, he was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for outstanding services to Polish culture, for achievements in creative work and artistic activity.
The former stage star’s dignified coming out statement comes as comes as Poland continues to see the rise of far-right ‘LGBT-free zones’ in some parts of the country.
In January, Pride organisations across Europe, including Pride in London, set up an emergency fund to help Pride organisations in Poland following attacks on Pride events in the EU country.
Michael Salter-Church MBE, Co-Chair of Pride in London, said at the time: “50 years on from brave activists taking a stand at Stonewall, the appalling situation in Poland clearly shows that the fight isn’t over.
“Whilst we remain focused on furthering LGBT+ rights in the UK, we mustn’t forget those abroad who need our support.
“We must take a stand for our community in countries where their fundamental human rights are not being upheld.”