Amid official handshakes and the handing over of the keys to the city to the Ceramic Brotherhood, a small group with a rainbow banner reading “We Are All Made of the Same Clay” appeared in front of the stage at the official opening of the 31st Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival.
We did it out of respect
We did it because we deeply believe that mutual respect and community are the bonds holding every healthy society together. The words “we are all made of the same clay” perfectly express both the equality and fragility of all people – regardless of whom they love and how they define themselves.
We did it out of solidarity
Solidarity is not limited to showing support in difficult moments. It is an everyday gesture: a smile in the street, extending a hand, standing up for someone experiencing discrimination. Every day, the LGBT community faces challenges that may be invisible to people outside the group. In our view, it is precisely in such small gestures that the greatest strength lies.
We did it for our loved ones
We all have our dreams, plans and fears; we seek acceptance and respect. When we look in the mirror and see our own imperfections, it becomes easier for us to understand another person – their joys and fears. Perhaps the most important thing is for us to look at one another more often through the prism of our shared qualities rather than our differences.
We did it to work miracles
Many times, we have experienced how solidarity works miracles – both locally and across Poland. The stories of people who experienced persecution but, thanks to the support of others, were able to find the strength to fight and their place in the world prove that together we can achieve more.
We did it courageously
Solidarity requires courage – from both members of the LGBT community and its allies. We are all shaped by the same “clay” – made up of feelings, histories, sensitivity and hope. We believe that the more often we remind ourselves of this, the happier and safer our lives will be, and the world will become more accepting and understanding.