Among the many social initiatives that drew the attention of the Polish community living in the United Kingdom in 2025, one event stood out with exceptional strength – “Stop Hate! Motivate!”, organised in cooperation with the campaign “Nie Hejtuję – Motywuję”. This was more than just a conference or speech – it was a moving manifestation of courage, truth, and hope.

At the heart of the event stood an extraordinary individual, Damian Kutryb – a dancer, entrepreneur, founder of the renowned GFF Damian Dance Studio, and a social activist who, with sincerity and passion, shared his personal story of battling hate and finding fulfilment. His speech was not merely a testimony of success – it was the voice of an entire community that had been marginalised, silenced, and repressed for too long. Damian not only spoke of the adversities he faced due to his sexual orientation but demonstrated that hate, although destructive, can become a driving force – a source of motivation and creative rebellion.

The phrase “Stop Hate! Motivate!” took on a new and deeper meaning in the context of this powerful story. The event, centred around acceptance and respect for diversity, merged education with empathy, inspiring participants to reflect on the power of words, family support, and the importance of safe spaces – a school, a dance studio, or a community.

Damian shared his emigration journey – a decision to leave Poland, where a lack of acceptance and verbal violence forced him to live in the shadows. He also showed how the openness and diversity of the United Kingdom provided a foundation for the growth of his work and dreams. GFF Damian Dance Studio is not just a dance school – it’s a sanctuary for people who want to feel free to be themselves, without judgment. It is also a testament that social integration begins in spaces where everyone can feel valued regardless of appearance, orientation, or past.

A particularly emotional part of the speech was Damian’s account of the strength of family support. The words of Damian’s mother, filled with unconditional love and acceptance, echoed as a manifesto of respectful parenthood. This touching segment revealed how crucial family closeness and protection can be in the fight against hate, and how such attitudes can save lives and lay the foundation for self-confidence.

“Stop Hate! Motivate!”, in cooperation with the “Nie Hejtuję —Motywuję” campaign, was not just another event—it was an impulse that stirred hearts and minds. It proved that one person’s story can speak for thousands and that personal pain can be transformed into the strength to act. The event was hailed as one of the most important social voices of 2025 in the UK—a voice that does not scream but empowers, a voice that does not divide but unites.

Editor Maria Anna Furman