Transgender people in Europe. In Bulgaria, according to the law, they do not exist at all

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Polish politicians often disparage LGBTQ+ people, while support groups and international reports highlight discrimination and need for better rights.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

JarosÅ‚aw KaczyÅ„ski made controversial remarks about gender identity during a public appearance, while European politician Grzegorz Braun labeled non-binary individuals as having personality disorders. Conservative politicians frequently target the LGBTQ+ community. In Poland, organizations like Trans Fuzja are providing increasing psychological and legal support to transgender people. Experts note that derogatory statements from authorities legitimize such attitudes in society, and conservative views often stem from discomfort with what they perceive as abnormal. The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map places Poland near the bottom among EU countries regarding LGBTQ+ rights. In Bulgaria, a Supreme Court ruling restricts legal gender change based solely on biological sex, contrary to EU law, though activists suggest using EU mechanisms for travel purposes. In Poland, procedures for correcting gender markers in birth certificates have been simplified by the Supreme Court’s Civil Chamber. Psychologists observe that while transgender individuals often know their identity, parents frequently express concerns about future regret or negative psychological impact. Transgender people face significant social challenges, including family rejection and homelessness, leading some to engage in risky behaviors. While private therapy is common, systemic support remains limited; however, Italian studies show poorer quality of life for transgender individuals compared to cisgender ones, though physical health differences are not always evident. Italy has established institutional resources like Infotrans to provide health and legal information. In Poland, transgender people report experiencing various forms of violence, including verbal abuse and threats. Support is available through associations offering free consultations and safe community events, such as Trans Visibility Days in Polish cities.


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