Polish actor comes out as gay, aged 100, in emotional interview celebrating his birthday
Polish actor and theatre critic Witold Sadowy (TVP Kultura)
Witold Sadowy, a Polish actor who is 100 years oldm has come out as gay.
The renowned former theatre actor and columnist spoke publicly about his sexuality for the first time in an interview with TVP Kultura to mark turning 100.
Polish actor: ‘I was born different.’
At the end of the interview devoted to his life and work, he said: “For me the most important thing is the survival of the truth.
“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. Now I have said everything, as in confession.”
Polish actor Witold Sadowy earlier in his career (Public Domain)
Polish LGBT+ magazine Replika wrote on Facebook: “During this gloomy time we have some really unusual and positive news.
“Actor and journalist Witold Sadowy [is] coming out at the age of 100!”
The magazine added: “Mr. Witold, congratulations… and we wish you 200 years!”
People are thrilled Witold Sadowy is finally living his truth.
People rushed to congratulate the actor.
One wrote: “Bravo ? so many years in the closet, I really congratulate you…. I wish you a lot of health and love ?”
Another user wrote: “Very, very sincere congratulations Mr Witold coming out at such a wonderful and beautiful age – you prove that it is never too late to get out of shadows and you show that sexual diversity goes hand in hand with age diversity!
“Lots, lots of health, joy, another 100 years of life, happiness, prosperity and love!”
Others reflected on the state of affairs that led the actor to hide his sexuality for so long – having living through everything from the AIDS crisis to the criminalisation of homosexuality during the Nazi occupation of Poland.
One wrote: “It’s so sad that he had to wait 100 years to be able to tell the truth about himself without worries (or at least with smaller ones).”
Things are still not rosy for LGBT+ people in Poland, with a surge in homophobic rhetoric in the country.
A third of Poland has declared itself to be an official “LGBT-free” zone after more than 100 local municipalities signed a pledge adopting resolutions against “LGBT+ propaganda”. In total, it covers an area greater than the size of Hungary.
Local authorities in these areas vow to refrain from acts that encourage tolerance and must avoid providing financial assistance to NGOs who are working to promote equal rights.
The moves have been strongly condemned by the the European Parliament and by LGBT+ advocates around the world.
