Norrbotten Region at Pride: "Standing up for diversity and tolerance"

For Region Norrbotten, it goes without saying that Norrbotten should be a welcoming and safe county, regardless of who you love or how you identify. That's why we participated in Luleå Pride this weekend.

– It is more important than ever to be here and show that Region Norrbotten stands for diversity and tolerance, said Camilla Friberg (S), regional councilor, as she stood in the tent in Pride Park on Friday.

Also standing in the tent in Stadsparken in central Luleå were speech therapists Susanne Larsson and Eija Harmala. They welcomed Pride visitors who wanted to chat for a while or perhaps bring home a pill box or some condoms. Already early on Friday afternoon, a steady stream of visitors of various ages was noticeable, with a slight preponderance of young people on their way from the nearby high school village.

“Come here and just talk”

– You can come here and just talk, or you can spin our wheel and win a really nice specially designed bag. You can get some candy, or make some of your own designed bracelets if you feel like it, says Barbro Backgård, coordinator for the youth reception centers in Norrbotten.

For Region Norrbotten, Pride is an opportunity to draw attention to the situation of LGBTQ people and the access of all Norrbotten residents to equal care. Within the framework of Pride there is joy and celebration, but also challenges, new insights, conversations and important meetings.

– Norrbotten should be a place where people want to move, or a home where they want to stay. There is room here for all the colors of the rainbow flag, said Camilla Friberg.