Not all LGBTQ people have equal access to safe meeting spaces. One group that lacks accessible spaces to meet is LGBTQ people with disabilities. What can we do about it? During Stockholm Pride, RFSL Stockholm's Funkisprojekt invites you to a panel discussion on the role of civil society and the City of Stockholm in creating safe meeting places that benefit public health.
Hbtq-hänget is a social meeting place with the aim of strengthening the mental well-being of LGBTQ people with the right to LSS initiatives such as daily activities and housing support. We know from previous activities and research that safe meeting places benefit mental well-being and act preventively against mental illness. The LGBTQ hangout is held once a month, at the meetings you meet others with similar experiences and talk about LGBTQ, norms and rights.
- This vital activity in Stockholm is now without its own external funding from August 15 and must be incorporated into regular activities and within the association grant RFSL Stockholm is awarded annually. This grant has not been increased for the past seven years, which means a strained economy for the association. During the last mandate period, we have been pleased to see investments in meeting places for young LGBTQ people. However, the target group for LGBTQ hangouts is not being reached by these initiatives, even though the need is great," says Sanna Frost, head of operations at RFSL Stockholm.
The LGBTQ hangout was started as part of a project funded by the Swedish Inheritance Fund that RFSL Förbundet and RFSL Stockholm have been running for three years, the Funkis project. Many people who visit the LGBTQ hangout say that it has become a safe place where their LGBTQ identity is confirmed, and where they can strengthen each other by sharing experiences.
- To feel safe and talk about rights. You can be exactly who you are," says one of the participants about why he wants to come to the LGBTQ event.
- You need to know what your rights are and you should be able to be who you are without feeling trampled on," says another participant.
The Funkis Project invites relevant politicians to a discussion on how to view the role of civil society in supporting activities, when temporary project funds run out.
Point: Who takes responsibility for LGBTQ people with cognitive disabilities' access to social meeting places?
Time: Tuesday 1 August 2017, 13.00-13.45
Location: Stockholm Pride House, Kulturhuset, Studion
Participants do:
Åsa Lindhagen (MP), Social Mayor
Clara Lindblom (V), Mayor for the Elderly and Personnel
Sissela Nordling Blanco (FI), majority responsible for human rights issues
Joar Forssell (L), Member of the City Council, President of the LUF
Karin Ernlund (C), group leader
Moderators:
Lo Holmberg, activist from the LGBT community
Johanna Nyberg, operational manager for the LGBTQ chapter of the Funkis project
