Pride: A celebration of diversity and inclusion in a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack
June marks a significant time for celebration and reflection on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Pride is more than a festivity; it is a global movement that promotes love, diversity, and equality. This year, Norad raises the Pride flag on June 2nd to show our support to and solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
The human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are facing both progress and setbacks globally. While some countries are strengthening protections for these communities, others are introducing restrictions that limit their freedom of expression and visibility. This highlights the importance of international cooperation to ensure equal human rights for all.
– Pride is about human rights, the fight for equality, and the global responsibility we share to ensure that all people can live a life free from discrimination, says Liv Hernæs Kvanvig, Policy Director in Norad’s Section for Human Rights and Civil Society.
Håvard Utne Øxnevad from BDO and Liv Hernæs Kvanvig from Norad gave speeches and raised the Pride flag outside the offices of Norad and BDO.
Norad works to strengthen human rights for all. Through collaboration with the Norwegian Organization for Sexual and Gender Diversity (FRI), Norad supports initiatives that promote the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ in both Africa and Asia. This effort is rooted in partnerships with local organizations and institutions, and combines capacity building, political advocacy, and broad societal dialogue.
In several Southern African countries, including Kenya, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa, the collaboration has helped establish dialogue between religious leaders and LGBTQ+ organizations.
In Asia, cooperation with Save the Children and local LGBTQ+ organizations in Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam has resulted in significant political achievements, particularly aimed at advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ children and youth.
A shared responsibility
– An attack on minorities is an attack on everyone’s human rights. When people are not free to live full lives, society loses valuable resources, ideas, and voices. Freedom of expression is stifled, and diversity is diminished. Our societies become less generous and less resilient. Without inclusion and justice, we will never be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, says Kvanvig.
Even in Norway, challenges remain when it comes to the human rights of LGBTQ+ people. Not everyone experiences safety or inclusion, which underscores the need to stand united in the fight for justice and equality.
– Pride is Norway’s largest celebration of queer love and diversity. It’s about joy and festivity. We celebrate Pride to highlight everything that makes us unique, but also everything that connects us: the belief in equality, the right to be oneself, and the courage to stand up for one another, says Kvanvig.