Many Polish gay men and lesbians remain in the closet for fear of being ostracized from family and friends, and in some cases losing their jobs. Rainbow Folk offers a rare look into the lives of ‘out’ gay people in Poland presents some of the complexities involved in being gay or lesbian in contemporary Poland. Despite cultural homophobia, young Polish gays and lesbians are finding more and more friendly clubs to attend, and there is a determined core of activists pushing for gay rights at the national level.

The film explores the issue of gay and lesbian rights in a conservative society, while providing a glimpse into the complex identity struggles involved in the process of ‘coming out’. A number of young people recount different experiences of ‘coming out’ to family and friends in the very dynamic Polish context, where homophobia is intertwined with signs of a growing social acceptance. The struggle for equal rights continues as young gays and lesbians face personal challenges in their pursuit of happiness and authenticity.