Polish Politician Dawid Szóstak Steps Down from Far-Right Party After Revealing Relationship with Intersex Model

Dawid Szóstak, once considered a rising star in the far-right Konfederacja (Confederation) party, has resigned following the public revelation of his relationship with Michalina Manios, a well-known intersex model and public figure. The announcement, made in a joint interview with Gazeta Wyborcza and confirmed by multiple news outlets, marks a pivotal moment for both Polish politics and queer representation in the region .

Szóstak’s resignation comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Konfederacja, a party known for its nationalist, socially conservative, and often anti-LGBTQ+ stances . His exit has raised questions about internal contradictions within far-right movements and the personal costs exacted by rigid party ideologies.

The relationship between Szóstak and Manios began online, with Szóstak describing his initial attraction to Manios’ “energy and femininity” in her photos . The couple explained that their bond developed naturally, grounded in shared values such as their Catholic faith and respect for tradition—an unusual pairing given Konfederacja’s reputation for hardline positions on gender and sexuality .

For Szóstak, the decision to step down was framed as a personal one, not a political statement. “We want to focus on what’s important,” he told reporters, emphasizing the couple’s desire to prioritize their relationship and personal wellbeing over political battles . Nevertheless, the move has had broad political implications, with observers noting that it challenges not only the politics of Konfederacja but also wider public perceptions of gender diversity within Poland.

Michalina Manios is a prominent model and media personality who rose to national fame in 2011 during her appearance on “Zostań modelką” (Top Model), the Polish edition of the internationally recognized reality modeling competition . During her tenure on the show, Manios openly discussed her identity as an intersex person, revealing that she was born intersex, raised as a boy until the age of 18, and experienced her youth as being “in prison” due to the disconnect between her gender assignment and her sense of self .

Her story resonated with many viewers and brought much-needed visibility to intersex issues in Poland, a country where public conversations about gender diversity remain limited .

Szóstak’s resignation and his relationship with Manios have provoked a wide array of reactions. Within Konfederacja and Poland’s broader conservative political sphere, the news has sparked debate and, in some quarters, backlash, as some party members see the move as a betrayal of the party’s socially conservative principles .

In contrast, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies have largely welcomed the couple’s openness, seeing it as an important step towards greater acceptance and normalization of intersex and LGBTQ+ identities. “Visibility is crucial,” said a spokesperson for the Campaign Against Homophobia, one of Poland’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. “When public figures share their truths, it chips away at stigma and ignorance” .

Social media has also played a significant role in shaping the narrative, with hashtags related to the couple trending on Polish Twitter and Instagram, and many users expressing support for Manios and Szóstak (Instagram: @michalinamanios). Others have used the opportunity to call for more comprehensive protections and rights for intersex and LGBTQ+ people in Poland .

Poland has long been recognized as a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ people. The country’s political leadership, especially parties like Konfederacja, have often espoused rhetoric that is hostile to LGBTQ+ rights . Recent years have seen the introduction of so-called “LGBT-free zones,” as well as public statements from officials denouncing what they describe as “gender ideology” .

In this context, Szóstak’s resignation is seen by many as a brave act of personal integrity, but also as a sign of the potential for change within even the most conservative circles. Some political commentators have suggested that the episode may prompt a reevaluation of party policies, or at least open up space for dialogue about the lived experiences of intersex and LGBTQ+ people .

For intersex people in Poland and across Europe, the visibility of Manios and her relationship with Szóstak represents a significant moment. Intersex individuals, who are born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies, often face significant stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of legal recognition .

Advocates have pointed out that media coverage of Manios’ story—especially when handled with sensitivity and respect—can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote greater understanding. “When someone like Michalina Manios shares her journey, it gives hope to others who may feel invisible or alone,” noted an activist from Lambda Warszawa, an LGBTQ+ support organization based in Warsaw .

The couple’s emphasis on their shared Catholic faith and respect for tradition also complicates simplistic narratives about the incompatibility of religion and LGBTQ+ identities. For some observers, this serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist in all communities and that faith and identity are not mutually exclusive .