Increased Threat to Sweden Raises Concerns Ahead of Pride Week
Sofia Kollenhag, a 30-year-old resident of Örebro, Sweden, is feeling fear and hesitation ahead of Pride Week festivities due to the deteriorating security situation in the country. The big parade, which attracts tens of thousands of people and spectators each year, is scheduled for Saturday. However, many within the LGBTQ community are hesitant to participate.
Sofia, who had planned to attend the festival in Stockholm with her wife Aila and friends, now questions their safety. “I actually feel a little scared. My mother is very concerned about my and my wife’s safety, she has asked us to think about whether we will actually go to the parade this year,” Sofia expressed her concerns.
The worry stems from the hatred and discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals worldwide. Sofia said, “It goes without saying that we should go, but there is a concern within me. A fear that something might happen. I fear that someone’s frustration is being taken out on us LGBTQ people.”
She highlighted the recent examples of Poland’s LGBT-free zones and the terrorist act during Pride in Oslo last year as evidence of the threats faced by the community. Additionally, she mentioned Italy’s recent decision to deprive lesbian mothers of their parental rights. Despite these challenges, Sofia believes it’s crucial for the LGBTQ community to participate in Pride as a demonstration of their rights and pride in who they are.
The police, however, have stated that there is no elevated threat to Pride as an event. Annika Laestadius, the police’s deputy commander for Pride, affirmed that they are satisfied with the security measures in place. While acknowledging the deteriorating security situation in Sweden, she reassured the public that they are constantly assessing the intelligence and working with the Security Police to ensure the safety of Pride participants.
Laestadius emphasized the active efforts by the police, other authorities, and cooperation partners to prevent violence and reiterated the importance of feeling safe during the Pride festivities.
As Pride Week continues, the LGBTQ community grapples with concerns about their security but remains determined to stand up for their rights and make their presence visible.