Viktor Karlsson: Is it okay to be gay in Sweden in 2026?

Stockholm Pride 2026, usually a celebration, is marked by a somber focus on combating hate and threats against LGBTQ+ individuals. This year's events include discussions on confronting hostility on social media, addressing the rapid decline in youth attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people, and strategies for resilience against hate.

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The LGBTQ+ movement should be able to focus on new political achievements. But Stockholm Pride 2026 is characterized by the fight against threats and hate.

The underlying concern is a documented rise in intolerance. A report from the Living History Forum reveals that the percentage of Swedish junior and senior high school students critical of having an LGBTQ+ neighbor has nearly tripled since 2013, reaching 19 percent. This trend underscores a worrying societal shift.

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Compared to 2013, Swedish teenagers have a significantly worsened tolerance towards homosexual, bisexual, and transgender people.

Amidst these challenges, the article emphasizes the responsibility of Swedish politicians to foster both tolerance and expanded rights. It points to a debate about legalizing "ROPA," a form of IVF treatment involving two mothers, which Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has acknowledged as an "interesting" issue deserving further investigation. The piece concludes that as long as LGBTQ+ individuals face hatred for their love, the fight must continue for safety and openness.

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19 percent of Swedish junior and senior high school students are critical of living next door to an LGBTQ+ person, compared to 6 percent in 2013.