Link to crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/poland-has-a-task
 

‘Poland Has A Task’: Bristol collective produce album to show support and solidarity with the fem and queer communities in Bristol and Poland

 

PhatBristol is an artist run initiative comprised of managers, producers and media practitioners. Born of a Generation Z initiative to breed cultural diversity and awareness in order to nurture progressive change. 

 

‘Poland Has a Task’ is a project that was started by Ola, the co-founder of PHATBristol. In her own words: ‘There is no future for me in a country that takes my basic human rights away. A country that won’t give me the choice to SAFELY and LEGALLY carry out abortion. A country that won’t let me be with a woman and marry the person I love. Every day, I am moved and inspired by the activism in Poland, Polish people risking their lives, their relationship with their families, their place in society for long overdue justice and equality. I have never before felt such pride in being Polish. I have never before felt such pride in being a Polish Woman. We fight with our music now and our culture, for freedom.’
 

It is no longer legal to get an abortion in Poland If the fetus had a foetal defect. Until October 22nd, 98% of abortions in Poland were carried out because of a foetal defect. The ban will result in abortions (or assisting in one) being punishable by law, putting families and medical professionals in an impossible position, with the mother having to carry to term a foetus without a brain. It will also prevent prenatal tests from being carried out, in fear of damaging the foetus or discovering a foetal defect that can't be treated. This is inhumane and cruel. It is manipulative and barbaric.

 

As of 2020, Poland is the worst performing EU country in terms of LGBTQ+ Rights. A third of Poland is currently declared as an ‘LGBT-free zone’. Although the zones are non-binding in law, it sends a clear message of exclusion to the LGBTQ+ community in Poland. Poland have a turbulent history with abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, they are one of the very few countries that have restiricted abortion laws, this leads women seeking illegal abortions whether it be abroad or secretly. As of 2020, there are around 80 towns and regions in Poland that have passed resolutions that declare these areas ‘LGBT-free zones’, no such ideology is welcomed in these areas.
 

To support the women’s movement, fight the ongoing battle for human rights and the right to carry out safe and legal abortions in Poland, PhatBristol have responded with tenacity and righteous indignation. 
 

PhatBristol have curated and produced an album which showcases the extensive and diverse LGBTQ+ music scene in Bristol and beyond. Each track has been specifically provided for this compilation by Queer and/or Fem artists.
 

Already gaining the support of prestigious organisations such as Saffron Records, Granko, Kayax, Radio Kapital and Refresh Magazine; ‘Poland has a Task’ is a celebration of the prolific LGBTQ+ music in Bristol and Poland. All proceeds from the release, including sales from BandCamp, vinyl sales and merchandise sales will be donated to Strajk Kobiet, the feminist movement that have been relentlessly fighting for abortion rights; Aborcyjny Dream and Stop Bzdurom which is a Polish LGBTQ+ charity.

PhatBristol will also be hosting a Crowdfunder to cover the costs of merchandise, vinyl pressings as well as to start raising money for the charities involved. The fight for justice and equality must continue.

 

April 4 sees the release of ‘Poland Has a Task’ and will coincide with International Womxn’s Day and a protest which will be held in the centre of Bristol to show solidarity and support with Poland. For more information on the protest, visit the PHATBristol facebook page here.
 

‘Poland Has a Task’ weaves two countries together with one ideology, this compilation demonstrates the hardships and struggles through a musical lense. ‘Poland Has a Task’ will be released independently on April 4.

About DRAG

DRAG are an electro-pop duo from Bristol, England. Their sound draws heavily from british new wave acts of the 1980’s, most notably New Order and The Human League. More modern influences can be heard from LCD Soundsystem and Metronomy however, as DRAG’s sound creeps into the realm of a more dancey indie-electro style. Equally inspired by the new romantic scene of the 1980’s, their image is flamboyant and colourful, an aesthetic that is a constant across all of their output from the live show to music videos. DRAG are new on the Bristol scene and still finding their feet, yet they exhibit an energy that is sure to catch the attention of a few.