This year’s pride celebrations are a time to come together, a time to look after each other. We celebrate and rejoice in diversity. But there is a special seriousness about the markings this year, one year after the terror in Oslo, which was aimed specifically at people with LGBTQ+ identity. There is also a strong wave of polarization and aversion to queerness in various parts of the world, in east and west, in south and north. This dislike of queers is even used as motivation for violence and an ongoing war in Europe. We also find it in new laws that exclude, discriminate and criminalize queer people, such as in the USA and Uganda. It is unacceptable. Greater insecurity This backdrop is a particular reason to hope that many will participate in the commemoration this year. We want a society with safe spaces, in every way. No one should be afraid to participate or be themselves. It is both the police, politicians and the whole of society’s responsibility that this is the case. Therefore, it is also my responsibility and yours, no matter what role we have. When I take part in the pride parade in Oslo on 1 July this year, it is especially to express solidarity with everyone who has felt unsafe after the events of 25 June last year. What then happened shook us all, and we have been even more shaken when we have heard how much crazier it could have gone. Queers are generous with the church I also go in the parade to express that I recognize that I and the church I rent have caused queer wounds and shame. Queers have not been welcome, and many have therefore not dared to be open about their LGBTQ+ identity. We are sorry for that. We see that our Christian religion is still being misused to legitimize discrimination and exclusion. Religious motives of various kinds are used to promote violence against queers. Therefore, we cannot take it for granted that we who represent the church or Christian community are welcome to participate in pride. The fact that we are still welcome to participate is a clear sign of openness, and of strength and courage on their part. They also show how to create safe spaces, where everyone is included and respected. But most of all, it shows the values that lie in being generous, open and respectful, values that can characterize the good society we all want to live in. But that doesn’t come by itself. Therefore, now is the time to mark and celebrate diversity and love, in parades and in other ways. Good pride!
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Call about pride – Speech
