The Scandinavian countries have often led the way in sexual liberation: Denmark legalised same gender sexual activity in 1933 and was the first country in the world to legalise same-gender relationships in the late 1980s. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) rights in Sweden are regarded as some of the most progressive in Europe and in the world.
On top of that, the Scandinavian countries were also among the first to remove homosexuality and transgender identities from their lists of mental health disorders. In Iceland in 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became the world’s first openly LGBT head of government. More than that, though, whether you’re a politician or a postman, the Scandinavian nations are a place where you’re free to be yourself, regardless of your sexuality.
Love is love
We’re proud to work in and celebrate these nations that firmly believe that everyone should have the right to love who they love and live how they want, regardless of their sexuality, gender and background. Inclusivity and acceptance are just part of the DNA – most people don’t give it a second thought.
This year, 2022, marks a particularly special year in Norway, when it celebrates the country’s 50th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on homosexuality. Norway has declared a Year of Queer Culture in celebration, with events, exhibits, performances and more taking place all over the country.
Three months of Pride
Elswehere around the world, June is the start of Pride month, but here in Copenhagen, we make the celebration last a little longer. The capital of Denmark celebrates Pride in August with a parade, parties and so much more.
Over the water in Stockholm, Pride is celebrated at the end of July or start of August each year, with street parades, themed nights and a party in Pride Park, making the most of the long summer nights, while in Oslo, the big celebration is in June. If you wanted to, in this part of Europe you could start celebrating pride in June and roll it on through to the end of August in one long glitter-filled, rainbow-coloured trio of months.
Equal rights for all
We’re not the only ones raising our hands in celebration of equality in Scandinavia. Most recently, Sweden and Norway have been ranked ‘A’ among the global top 10 for LGBTQ+ travel, and Copenhagen and Malmö shared the honour of hosting World Pride in 2021. It’s recognition that things are going in the right direction – though of course we know there is still work to do. We are also taking time to look to the future and consider how we can continue support and develop equal rights for all.
Proudly Scandinavian that we are – and as a Certified B Corporation that meets the highest standards of social responsibility – we also look forward to joining in with the celebrations when they take place. Bring on the rainbows!
