After retiring from a career in youth rehabilitation at a correctional facility, Vika began organising events for senior citizens. Image courtesy: AFP
With huge headphones propped over her white hair, Polish DJ and activist Wirginia Szmyt, 85, grooves alongside a drag queen on a float at the Warsaw pride parade
"Old age is not a disease," she said, each wrist adorned with a stack of bracelets as colourful as her personality
Through her performances, Vika shows her staunch support for seniors and advocates for gender equality, LGBTQ rights and a more open-minded and accepting Poland
What began as a series of educational events, including meetings with faith leaders and politicians, went on to include parties, music, trips to the seaside and celebrations
Every year since, similar seniors' parades have been held in several Polish cities, and DJ Vika's 26-year-long career in music continues to flourish
"In our country there was no tradition of offering something to elderly people," she said. "The senior was simply the person who took care of the family."
DJ Vika has performed at pride parades, women's rights festivals and celebrations in cities such as Nice, Frankfurt and Helsinki. Music fills me with life," said Vika, adding that her goal was "to bring people together"
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