Norrbotten's Pride Summer is now underway
A fantastic Pride summer awaits in Norrbotten with many opportunities to attend lectures, art exhibitions, political hearings and Pride parades, but even though there is something positive and joyful to look forward to, not everything is "Happy Pride".
Today, June 28, is International Pride Day, celebrated all over the world. In Norrbotten, Pride is celebrated in at least nine municipalities this summer, including Sápmi Pride in Jokkmokk, an event that was last held in Norrbotten in 2014.
The first of the summer's events was Boden Pride in early June and the last one is BorderPride Haparanda-Tornio, a cross-border festival in late August. The largest is Luleå Pride, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
"Love is the most important thing we have"
For Region Norrbotten, it is a matter of course to stand behind and support Pride, notes Culture Director Peppe Bergström Hesselbom:
– Love between people is the most important thing we have. Regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, love always wins, he says.
– We have collaborated with RFSL Luleå and northern Norrbotten County for many years. The aim is to work towards equal health for the entire population of Norrbotten – a collaboration we are very proud of and grateful for, says public health strategist Maya Bergström Wuolo.
The Pride parade during Luleå Pride 2019. Photo: Viveka Österman.
The mission should be clarified
The right of LGBTQ people to good health care is an important task for the region. At its meeting on June 1, the Regional Board decided to make this clear by assigning the Regional Director to create the conditions for the work by allocating personnel and financial resources.
A survey by the Swedish Public Health Agency shows, among other things, that:
- More LGBTQ people rate their health as worse than heterosexuals.
- It is more common for LGBTQ people to have at some point seriously considered taking their own life.
- More LGBTQ people than heterosexuals refrain from going out alone due to fear of being assaulted, robbed or molested.
Insults, poor treatment and a lack of someone to share their innermost feelings with are also more common among LGBTQ people. Trans people stand out in particular negatively in several areas.
Knowledge is important
Maya Bergström Wuolo thinks that Pride is a good opportunity to educate herself on LGBTQ issues.
– For example, open lectures are arranged in several places in Norrbotten. Take the opportunity and learn a little more. Knowledge is an important part of contributing to a better Norrbotten for everyone, she says.
It can be added that several of Norrbotten's Pride celebrations are financially supported by Region Norrbotten via the cultural unit.
Region Norrbotten's Pride message: Proud to be. Be proud – no matter who you are!
Want to know more?
Here you can read more about Pride in Norrbotten 2022 (the website no longer exists)
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