This weekend, representatives from RFSL's branches across the country gathered for this year's congress. It was three days filled with decisions, inspiring discussions and fellowship. The congress, which is RFSL's highest decision-making body, decided on goals and direction for the coming years. During the process, it was also decided that the Board, in consultation with the branches, will develop a common direction on issues for next year's election campaign.
The congress elected a new board with Lovise Brade as chair. She most recently held the role of President of RFSL Stockholm. Among the issues Lovise highlighted as particularly important to prioritize in the future are safeguarding the right to asylum, reforming family policy, reducing the influence of SD, improving trans care and standing up for development aid and international solidarity.
Focus on anti-racism and member engagement
Among the motions discussed were Strengthening anti-racist work within RFSL. The Congress decided to approve parts of the proposals, including developing political goals linked to anti-racism and an anti-racist recruitment guide. RFSL Stockholm emphasized the importance of anti-racism remaining a clear priority in accordance with RFSL's statutes and values, and welcomes the decision as a step towards more structured and long-term work in this area. The congress also welcomed a motion on increased member engagement, which is fully in line with RFSL Stockholm's work and vision going forward.
Sustainability in focus: RFSL adopts new climate policy
Together with RFSL Youth, RFSL Stockholm presented a motion on sustainability, which was passed. This means that RFSL will now develop a sustainability policy and a concrete plan to reduce both the union's and the branches' climate footprint in line with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2030. From 2026, RFSL will also start producing an annual sustainability report that shows how the organization affects the environment and how we can improve. RFSL Stockholm is also in the process of developing a sustainability policy for the department, to contribute to the common transition and reduce our local climate footprint.
Activism and engagement during the Congress
We at RFSL Stockholm leave the Congress optimistic about the new mandate period.
– Det var verkligen påtagligt hur mycket aktivism och engagemang som genomsyrade kongressen. I en tid när rasismen växer och motståndet mot våra frågor ökar är det starkt att se hur rörelsen samlas, står upp för varandra och fortsätter kämpa för ett samhälle där alla hbtqi-personer kan leva fria och trygga liv. Den kraften tar vi med oss hem till Stockholm, säger Jennie Graflund, vice ordförande RFSL Stockholm som nu tar över som tillförordnad ordförande efter Lovise Brades tillträde i förbundsstyrelsen.
Queer culture at the center of the future
The need for queer culture and stronger coordination between different initiatives was raised on several occasions during the Congress. Many delegates emphasized the importance of creating space for meetings around queer culture and community. For RFSL Stockholm, this is a central part of the activities, in line with the operational plan, where the goal is to build a Stockholm where all LGBTI people can live safe, meaningful and fun lives.
- It was clear how much the need for queer culture and networking is engaging. We know that culture, creativity and community are crucial for well-being and inclusion. In our business plan, we have therefore emphasized that we want to build a Stockholm where all LGBTI people can live safe, meaningful and fun lives, and where we together create more meeting places for community and engagement, says Olov Lindblad, RFSL Stockholm's expert in sexual health who was also part of the delegation.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared experiences and contributed to a weekend that truly showed the power of our community. Together we continue to work for freedom, safety and community for LGBTI people in Stockholm and across the country.
Do you have ideas or thoughts about our activities? Please get in touch! We are building the future together.
RFSL's new board of directors
President of the Federation
Lovise Brade, new election (Stockholm)
Vice President of the Federation
Elias Fjellander, re-election but new election to the post (Stockholm)
Treasurer of the Federation
Pär Brubäcken, re-election but new election to the post (Skellefteå)
Ordinary members
Nicklas Axelsson, re-election (Göteborg)
Lina Axelsson Kihlblom, new election (Huddinge)
Mehjar Azzouz, new election (Göteborg)
Maria Bergqvist, re-election (Norrköping)
Christoffer Gerking, new election (Linköping)
Kiki Knezevic, new election (Luleå)
Pell Uno Larsson, re-election (Örebro)
Substitutes
Tuomas Laulajainen, re-election (Stockholm)
Jenny Juhlin Lindström, new election (Stockholm)
Alex Lithander, re-election (Gotland)
Election Committee 2025-2017
Peter Sidlund Ponkala, Stockholm (convener)
Anna Galin, Stockholm
Jasminka Barucija, Luleå,
Fredrik Engström, Gothenburg
Sanna Lucas, Uppsala
Mateo Herrera, Malmö
Fatha Hassan, Gothenburg,
Peter Frejhagen, Linköping
