In recent weeks, life has offered major ups and downs for the married couple from Nord-Aurdal in Valdres. A few weeks ago they received a terrifying hate letter. The case became a big deal in the media, and comments and statements of support poured in for the couple. Support also came from unexpected quarters: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre got in touch and invited the couple to join the rainbow train together with several key politicians. – It feels special to stand here today and see so many great people. And the politicians. It feels absolutely wonderful, says Karoline Granum. CELEBRATING TOGETHER: The couple pictured with Anette Trettebergstuen during today’s rainbow train in Oslo. Trettebergstuen is himself gay. Photo: Beate Oma Dahle / NTB Støre himself says they are now taking back the streets. He is happy to be able to join the Valdres couple. – That these two come from Fagernes to join us is a fine sign of unity. What they experienced should not happen. But what they also experienced when people poured into the streets of Fagernes is a good thing, says the Prime Minister. news broadcasts directly from the train that starts at 1 pm, which has gathered thousands of people in the center of Oslo. A number of famous people and politicians participate, including Abid Raja, Emilie Enger Mehl and Olaug Bollestad. Joy and nervousness Ahead of the spectacle, Karoline Granum said that they were happy, but that they also felt nervous before the day. – We see it as very important to go today. We will show support in return, by standing up. We should not be afraid to walk the streets, like everyone else. – Do you still feel fear? – It is natural to feel nervous, considering the events this summer. But we feel safe, and trust the police’s assessment. PRIDE: Tina and Karoline Granum pictured during the local pride parade in Fagernes last weekend. The couple were moved by the fact that so many people showed up in support of free love. Today they take part in the big rainbow train in the capital. Photo: Marte Iren Noreng Trøen / news The hate letter: – Fucking lesbians The handwritten, anonymous letter the pair sent at the end of August contained serious harassment and hatred. The letter states, among other things, that Karoline and Tina should not have any more children: “Had I seen that my kid was going to go with the “son” of two pussy-lickers, I would have changed schools. Which of you is the mother and who is the father?” and: “tragic fucking cozy for their kid to have two lesbians for parents”. Karoline had been on a trip with her son when she picked up the post and found the letter. – I opened the letter and immediately saw that it was a handwritten letter. I felt myself getting angry the more I read down. Adrenaline started rushing through my body and I started shaking, she told news at the time. THE LETTER: The hate letter had a stamp and was posted with the couple’s address. The letter writer shows that the person in question knows a lot about the family. Among other things, the envelope was inscribed with Karoline’s name, but also her former surname. Photo: Privat Will let the police do their job It has been hectic weeks for the couple after the letter became known. – The phone has rung all at once. People stop us on the street. And then there have been a lot of nerves. We feel that we have gone from being completely ordinary people to being in the public eye. – What do you think their story has meant to other queers? – Many are probably not surprised that it is happening, and many are probably happy that this is coming to light. The letter has become a police matter which is being investigated. Karoline Granum says that they feel that the police have taken the case seriously. There are also several similar letters being investigated in the village. The couple are clear that they do not want a witch hunt against the person who wrote the letter, and that they want to let the police do their job.
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