– They followed us and blocked the way for us. If you don’t react positively to the harassment, then they become aggressive, says Mathea Monclaire. She tells about what happened on the street in Oslo a couple of weeks ago. She held her boyfriend’s hand and was hurled nasty comments. Harassment on the street happens more often than they can remember, the couple say. But now in the weeks before pride, the harassment has gotten worse, they feel. – The threats have become more direct. They are more about us as individuals. Photo: Julie Helene Günther / news – I fear for my life Ever since the terror last year, it has become tougher for many queer people, but it is not only because of the shooting, says Monclaire. – I don’t know a single person who has had a rainbow flag on the first floor, who hasn’t had it burnt or torn down. In the months after the terror attack on 25 July last year, something happened, a new national report shows. Reviews of hate speech on the basis of sexual orientation increased by over 57 per cent. – Pride month is the month I have felt most unsafe. I fear for my life and for the lives of my friends. It is quite cruel, says Monclaire. Last year, the number of reports for hate speech against queers was greater than violent offences. The last time this happened was in 2018. In the last five years, the number of reports for hate speech on the basis of sexual orientation has increased by over 157 per cent. Receives messages from people who are afraid to die Monclaire has been active on public snapchat accounts for several years. She previously made a podcast with queer content. This has led to her receiving weekly messages from queers all over the country. They ask for advice on how to cope with being queer or coming out as queer. – Before, I got the typical questions, which many people feel: “How do I get queer friends?” “I don’t dare come out of the closet.” – But now there is a clear shift in the messages. There are so many people who are afraid to be themselves, because they are afraid of being killed. She cannot remember that she has received such serious messages in the past, as she does now. Dreading the pride celebration 23-year-old Lise Lotte Olsen is also worried. – I feel it has become much more difficult now. She says that many people showed support after the terrorist attack last year, but that she no longer experiences the same support. – Something absolutely terrible happened and many felt sorry for them. But now it seems as if it was just a phase, and that everything has been forgotten, she says. She can no longer bear to have TikTok on her phone. It becomes too much to constantly see the negative comments. Photo: Julie Helene Günther / news – I’m scared because of the comment fields. There is so much aggressiveness in those who are negative about pride. I think that’s scary. This year will be the first time she will walk in the parade in Oslo. She has decided that, even if she is afraid. – What do I do if something happens? I have a plan B and a plan C. – And I think that’s a real shame. It’s supposed to be a day where we enjoy ourselves, but many are scared and nervous, and leave with a lump in their stomach, she says. Monclaire, who has long been active in the queer environment, also knows the fear. She had never thought that would happen. – Before, I felt that the worst that could happen is that I would be beaten down and harassed. But now I know that there are people who don’t want me to live.
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– I fear for my life and for the lives of my friends – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
