‘It's not just about picking the most handsome man - I have a message'

Damian represented Poland at this year's Mr Gay World contest
-Credit: (Image: TJmov)


When Damian Kutryb was growing up as a teenager living in Myszków in Poland some 20 years ago, he never thought he would be able to be his authentic self as a gay man and hold his partner’s hand in public without fear of being attacked.

Whilst homosexuality has been legal in Poland for more than 90 years, the country is still considered to be one of the European countries least legally protected when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised, adoption from same-sex parents is illegal, conversion therapy isn’t banned, and ‘LGBT-free’ zones - regions of Poland publicly declared to be unwelcoming of LGBTQ+ people - have existed.

But, for the last 14 years, Damian, now 34, has been able to experience the freedoms and a sense of inclusion that he could not have back home. Having bought a one-way ticket to Manchester in 2010 with little grasp of the English language, he has not left the city since.

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“I decided I had to leave Poland because of the homophobia I was experiencing,” Damian tells the Manchester Evening News. “I packed all of my stuff up and I just looked online for a place that was one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places and Manchester popped up on the top of the list. I just bought a cheap ticket, with no plan and very basic English, and I moved here on my own.”

Damian says moving to Manchester was one of the best decisions he has ever made. Whilst taking a little while to adjust to the city - including the ever-constant rain and the ‘strong’ accent - he has made a home for himself and embedded himself as an honorary Manc.

Damian said it was a 'bittersweet' moment to represent Poland in the Mr Gay World competition - but he hoped it would empower LGBTQ+ people back there
Damian said it was a 'bittersweet' moment to represent Poland in the Mr Gay World competition - but he hoped it would empower LGBTQ+ people back there -Credit:Instagram/@damiankutryb

“It was definitely a big shock moving to Manchester,” he recalls. “I had learnt English in school and I thought I knew enough basics to get around but, when I got here, I didn’t understand anything and the Manchester accent was very hard to get my head around. For the first two years, it was a struggle but I kept learning English because I knew this was where I was meant to be.”

Four years after moving here, Damian, who now lives in the city centre, opened his own fitness studio aimed at welcoming LGBTQ+ people into dance and exercise classes without fear of discrimination. It’s something he experienced when he was invited by a friend to a pole dancing class and felt singled out.

“One of my friends from work asked me to join her in a pole dancing class and I just fell in love with it right away,” Damian says. “But I really felt excluded and not welcomed there, perhaps it was because I was a man and foreign, but I was made to feel out of place.

Damian said living in Manchester has given him a sense of freedom he could not have back in Poland
Damian said living in Manchester has given him a sense of freedom he could not have back in Poland -Credit:Instagram/@damiankutryb

“I just had a feeling that I needed to show everyone that no matter where you’re from, you can do whatever you want. And I didn’t want other people to experience that feeling I had.”

Having just celebrated its ten-year anniversary, GFF Damian Dance Studio hosts pole and aerial dance classes in its NOMA-based space, has won and been nominated for countless awards, including being shortlisted for the Promotion of Equality and Social Justice award at last year’s Manchester Culture Awards, and has toured and hosted workshops around the world.

But not content with just succeeding with his studio, Damian also raises money for local LGBT+ charities and recently took part in the Mr Gay World contest in Northumberland where he placed as a top five finalist - representing his home country of Poland.

Damian with boyfriend Artur
Damian with boyfriend Artur -Credit:Instagram/@damiankutryb

“The idea to take part came from a desire to represent myself and my country on the international stage,” Damian, who also competed in Mr Gay Poland back in 2017, said. “It was a chance for me to express the need to support the LGBTQ+ community and share my mission.

“The competition is not just a contest - it’s not a typical pageant to pick the most handsome man and the message behind it is much broader. It’s a platform to raise awareness of equality and to combat discrimination.

“LGBTQ+ rights in Poland are still not where they need to be. We don’t have equal marriage or civil rights regarding our LGBTQ+ communities so it was a big thing for me to raise awareness that there are still a lot of countries around the world where the need to fight for equality still exists.”

Damian, who has been with his partner Artur for ten years now, said being recognised in the top five in the contest was a huge honour for him - although he describes it as a ‘bittersweet’ moment as it also reminds him of his time growing up there. And he says when he visits Poland, he is immediately brought back to those feelings he had as a teenager.

Damian represented Poland at this year's Mr Gay World contest
Damian represented Poland at this year's Mr Gay World contest -Credit:Mr Gay World

“I go back home to visit my family but it is always at the back of my head that I’m going back to one of the most homophobic countries in Europe,” he explains. “It’s very sad for me.

“It’s definitely gotten better there since I was a young teenager though. Since October, we have a new government who we are hoping will move forward with LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. They still haven’t brought in some of the promises they made but there is hope there.

“Every time I go back to Poland, I feel a little stressed and anxious. When I land back in England, there’s a part of me that just relaxes and feels super free as I know people won’t judge me and I can be truly myself without any worries.”

Damian says he hopes his recognition at Mr Gay World will show LGBTQ+ people in Poland that there is a place where they can be accepted and welcomed. He also says he hopes to inspire some members of the Polish community here too.

“I still have friends back in Poland who have to pretend to be who they aren't on a daily basis and I’m sure they would love to have what I have here,” he says. “Being a voice for those communities is empowering and something I’m very proud of. Even if my story inspires one person, I feel like I will have achieved something.

“I even have friends who live here in England that still don’t feel they can be out and open because of their family in Poland and their upbringing. of what was brought on them when younger. Being a voice for the LGBTQ+ Polish community here in England is such a big thing and I hope it gives people the strength to be themselves.”

Damian hopes his story will now inspire others
Damian regularly helps raise money for local LGBTQ+ charities and organisations, including The Proud Trust

That being said, Damian is also well-aware of how LGBTQ+ rights currently stand in the UK. The Rainbow Map and Index, released by ILGA-Europe, ranks nations on their 'legal and policy situation' for LGBTQ+ people and this year placed the UK 16th. Nine years ago, the country was at the top of the list. On this year's list, Poland came 42nd.

“In England, I also feel like things could be getting worse,” he says. “Especially with regards to trans people. When I was younger, it was really quite challenging to live in a country where you are told that homosexuality is wrong, and where you are constantly bullied for being gay.

"We need to remember that there is still something that needs to be done to be equal not just around the world, but here too. I can be myself now and show who I love - what I have achieved as a foreigner and a Polish gay guy is amazing and it’s something I’m super proud of."

You can follow Damian on Instagram here, and find out more information about his dance studio here.