Julia Maciocha

Chairwoman, Volunteers of Equality Foundation

Poland

Julia Helena Maciocha is chairwoman of the Volunteers of Equality Foundation. The foundation organizes the largest pro-equality event in Poland, the Equality Parade, and supports the marches' organizers in other cities. The event has expanded from 15,000 to 80,000 people and has become Poland's largest peaceful demonstration that includes all socially marginalized groups. Julia’s work is focused on LGBTQ+ activism. She is especially committed to building solidarity across movements and training new activists to join the pro-equality movement. She also teaches university courses on animal welfare and zoo psychology and is working toward a Ph.D. in this discipline. Intersectionality is central to all of her work, and she believes that change can only be achieved by working together.