The Lowdown
We hoped to uncover some raw truths about being a Black gay man in Poznań, and Kenny Dee, aka curly_money_dupree, didn’t hold back and neither did we! From navigating local LGBTQ+ spaces to handling racial slurs and building his life in Poland, Kenny gives us the lowdown on what life is really like for him in this city. Spoiler alert: It’s a mix of challenges, cocktails, and Polish boyfriends! Dive into his candid experiences and the realities of life in a not-so-typical spot.
The ”N’ Word
Q: Hi mate. First things first, how old are you?
A: I’m 34.
Q: What’s your day-to-day in Poznań?
A: I bartend at a gay bar called Lokum here in Poznań. I went to bartending school in Berlin during COVID in 2021, and I’ve been slinging drinks ever since!
Q: Okay, let’s cut to it—any run-ins with the “N-word” in Poznań?
A: Yeah, a couple times, but honestly, not as bad as it could be.
Q: Once is one too many, though! Anyway, what’s your favorite drink?
A: Definitely an Espresso Martini. I like to throw in some different flavors like Malibu or triple sec to spice it up.
Q: So, bartending—do you drink every day?
A: laughs Nah, every other day though!
Q: Is it true that Black don’t crack?
A: Of course, unless you’re “on it!”
Q: Speaking of “on it,” does Baltimore have good crack?
A: laughs Wouldn’t know!
Q: How’s the gay scene in Poznań?
A: It’s dope! Poznań’s one of the most liberal cities in Poland, but I’m not too sure what the rest of the country’s like.
Lets get serious
Q: Trump or Kamala?
A: Kamala, for sure. Let’s move on, though!
Q: So, any plans to move back to the U.S.?
A: I love visiting, but Europe’s where I’m at right now.
Q: Polish guys or American guys?
A: Polish guys, for sure. I like the attention wink.
Q: Do you have a boyfriend here in Poznań?
A: Yeah, he’s Polish.
Q: What size are your shoes? laughs
A: Depends on the shoe, but usually a 46.
‘Coming Out’
Q: How long have you been out as gay?
A: Since high school, senior year. I was 17.
Q: How did it go down?
A: My “pop, lock, and drop it” dance kinda gave it away. Most people just guessed.
Q: And your parents?
A: Never had to tell them—they already knew.
Q: Are they supportive?
A: Yeah, and they like my Polish boyfriend too.
Q: What about his parents?
A: They’re super supportive, even from the beginning.
Q: Ever had any experience with girls?
A: Nah, respectfully.
Q: Marriage—yay or nay?
A: It’s been discussed.
Q: Kids?
A: No way.
Q: What’s the most annoying thing in Poland?
A: Long queues at Manekin!
Let Spice it up a bit!
Q: Do you think you were born gay or became gay?
A: Born this way, baby. Lady Gaga was right.
Q: Any sex fantasies?
A: laughs Sure. Everybody does. Getting spanked with a paddle, and maybe watching too sounds fun!
Q: More fun giving or receiving?
A: pauses Probably receiving.
Bad Experiences?
Q: After everything, it sounds like life’s pretty good as a gay man in Poznań. Any bad experiences?
A: Not personally, but the protesters at Pride here were more aggressive than in the States. That took me by surprise.
Q: I see your back in the gym. I saw on your Instagram you doing one armed push-ups back in the day! I’m impressed! Hows that going?
A: Hahaha Yeah. I’m back in the gym after a long break but not ready to make those one armed pushups just yet!
It’s been real. Any advice?
Q: It’s been real, Kenny. Last question—what advice do you have for someone who’s scared to come out?
A: It’s not gonna be easy. You’ll have rough days, but don’t give up. There’s always someone out there who’ll support you. The fear is usually worse than the reality.
Kenny’s living proof that in a place like Poznań, you can find your tribe and thrive. Catch him mixing cocktails at Lokum, spreading good vibes, and repping the LGBTQ+ community with pride!
