Dawid Baraniak was born and raised in Poland. From a young age, he was fascinated by the world of fashion, shows, and beauty pageants – he knew everything there was to know: the finalists’ names, the rules, the behind-the-scenes details, and all the little curiosities. Also, he was absolutely obsessed with the artistry of singer Edyta Górniak (so much so that he had a tattoo on his arm with a quote from one of her songs).
This passion eventually led him to help organize some of the country’s biggest pageant events, including Miss Poland and Miss Supranational. At the same time, he pursued a career as an English teacher – a profession that allowed him to share knowledge and his love of languages.
Poland is a tolerant country. Being gay wasn’t a problem, but Dawid felt drawn to a bigger, more diverse world. Seeking new experiences and opportunities, he decided to move abroad. In 2019, he arrived in London. A city of contrasts and endless possibilities became his new home. He lived in various areas, from Willesden to Camden Town. Though qualified to teach English, he never returned to the profession. Instead, he worked in bars, cafés, and shops – as a bartender, barista, and sales assistant.
In London, Dawid connected with a group of people active in the world of fashion and beauty pageants. Though they came from different backgrounds, they formed genuine friendships, sharing experiences and opportunities within the industry.
But Dawid’s life was far from easy. He went through a series of failed relationships, and the loss of a great love hit him hardest. Pain and loneliness drove him toward drugs. He started with “lighter” substances but gradually experimented with stronger ones – marijuana, crystal meth, methamphetamine, and crack. Drugs became a way to numb his pain, yet at the same time, they pulled him deeper into self-destruction.
Dawid struggled with depression, paranoia, and hallucinations. He often felt he was being followed, monitored, or threatened. At times, friends would lose contact with him for weeks – he wouldn’t answer calls, open doors, or respond to messages. Sometimes he completely disappeared, either using drugs or sleeping through days and nights. When he “woke up,” he tried to function and reconnect with life for a while, but the illness was stronger.
After about two years, he relapsed, deeper than before. He became immersed in the world of chemsex, which worsened his addiction. Despite efforts from family and friends to support him, Dawid gradually withdrew from them and from himself.
In March 2025, his story came to a tragic end. Dawid was found dead in his London apartment.
He had dreams, passions, and immense potential. He was a sensitive, talented, and knowledgeable man, yet also lost and wounded. His story is one of searching for love and acceptance, but also a stark reminder of the shadows cast by loneliness and addiction.
Despite his struggles, Dawid was always involved in helping others – believing that by supporting people in crisis, he could make a difference, and in a way, help himself too. His life and actions remain an inspiration, showing that even in the darkest moments, one can reach out and bring hope to others.
Today, Dawid’s memory is not just a reflection on his life – it’s a source of inspiration, a reminder that no one should have to endure such suffering in isolation.
