– Many feel that it is tough now. It has been a year since the terrorist attack, and we have seen several outcomes against the pride celebration, says health councilor Marthe Scharning Lund. Two people were killed and dozens injured when Zaniar Matapour shot at people in the center of Oslo on 25 June last year. The shooting took place outside the London Pub and Per på Hjørnet. Two well-known outings for queers. Oslo municipality is now increasing health preparedness ahead of this year’s pride celebration at the request of several queer organizations and support groups. It was tough to ask for help Ingrid Rasten is a board member of the Support Group after 25 June. During the terrorist attack last year, she was at the outstation Cæsar. She was one of those who helped to overpower Matapour. The year that followed was characterized by ups and downs. She tells about a body in readiness. That she looks over her shoulder. And that it was hard to ask for help. During the terrorist attack last year, Ingrid Rasten was on the outskirts of Cæsar. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news – You have to take that contact yourself. I personally think it was tough, and I have worked in health my whole life. Calling down to the emergency room to say that I needed help is far-fetched, she says. No one should stand alone The support group is one of those who want help from Oslo municipality and the crisis follow-up there. – We think that we should be supportive and present, but we want professional help that can handle the difficult conversations that may come up. We have received very positive support for that, says Rasten. Ingrid Rasten, Espen Evjenth and Marthe Scharning-Lund outside the London Pub. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news Oslo municipality has also acquired expertise in the queer environment, and worked to familiarize itself with the issues they may encounter there. – It’s good both for the group that is directly affected by the terror, but also for other queers and everyone else out there who knows a horror, says Rasten. Her most important message is that no one should be alone. It is completely harmless to contact The Crisis Team in Oslo will and will be present during this year’s celebration. Silje Klommestein Kristiansen in the crisis team says that the reactions can be frightening and uncomfortable, but not dangerous. Silje Klommestein Kristiansen in the crisis team in Oslo. Photo: Rolf Petter Olaisen / news Kristiansen says that those who work there are well used to talking to people, regardless of their life situation, crisis reaction and degree of alcohol influence. – We are used to most things. It is completely harmless and get in touch. Come over to us, say hello and have a chat, she urges. Advice from the crisis team Some may experience strong reactions in connection with Pride. This is completely normal, but can be uncomfortable and frightening. Advice from the crisis team: Don’t be alone. Be with people you trust. Make sure to eat and drink, even if you are not hungry or thirsty. Talk to those around you about how you are feeling. Be generous with yourself even if you have reactions. These are not dangerous, and will subside quickly for most people. Alcohol and drugs can intensify difficult feelings. Take care of each other. Contact the crisis team: If you have a reaction that becomes troublesome, the crisis team encourages you to contact them, your GP or someone else you trust. Oslo municipality’s crisis team is available around the clock. The telephone number for the crisis team is 23 48 70 90. You can also meet them at the emergency room at Storgata 40. They will be in Pride park from 16 to 21 in the period 26 June to 1 July. There they stand by the tent of the Support Group on 25 June. They will also take part in the commemoration in the Town Hall and the one-year commemoration at Sentrum Scene on 25 June.
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Increase health preparedness during this year’s pride celebration – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
