Be proud of Pride! – VG

This is a leader. The leader expresses VG’s attitude. VG’s political editor is responsible for the leader.

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The awareness that people are equally valuable regardless of orientation came by no means by itself.

There is something symbolic about the fact that this year it is 50 years since the decriminalization of homosexuality in Norway.

When society has now moved so far that it is flagged in the colors of the rainbow in the Storting and Pride has a wide place in the public eye, it is time to express gratitude to the pioneers who stood up for the right to be who they are.

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Many could have been mentioned, but it is impossible to get around the meaning of Kim Friele. Unfortunately, she left us last year, 86 years old.

Friele did not manage to get the 50th anniversary mark for something she fought so hard for.

But both the milestone in 1972, the abolition of homosexuality as a psychiatric diagnosis and a strengthened legal protection against discrimination are cases where Kim Friele’s efforts have left a heavy mark.

People of all varieties can now unleash the colorful party.

These are fundamental values ​​that a liberal democracy that ours must stand up for properly.

Although we have come a long way, unfortunately the fight for equality is by no means over.

We are not going further than to our neighboring country Russia until we see that queers have to keep their orientation hidden and risk being exposed to violence, just because of who they love.

In countries such as Poland and Hungary, we see glaring examples of persecution of homosexuals, where politicians incite hatred against a vulnerable minority. Later this year, football will gather for the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is prohibited by law.

Here in Norway, the development has undoubtedly been positive, but also with us we experience that queers are exposed to anger and aggression.

We now see an aggression in the public debate around Pride that may seem stronger than in a long time, and of course it is conditions around this movement that are worth discussing.

But in discussions like the one around transgender people, there is no doubt about who the vulnerable group is.

It has probably never been more important to remember what Pride is actually about: A tribute to the right to be and to love.

It does not hurt to be exposed to it, whether you are small or large.

No one should be forced to go to a parade, but we should be very happy that Pride Month exists and that so many people want to celebrate something beautiful together.

There really is every reason to be proud of Pride!