A strategy for equal rights and opportunities irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression

The efforts in Sweden to secure equal rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression were and are being carried out through a number of initiatives in various sectors of society. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons are still affected by discrimination and other violations in Swedish society.

The Government believes that this requires a coherent strategy with long-term efforts to promote equal rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This is the first joint strategy, in order to promote LGBT persons’ equal rights and opportunities in various areas, and was adopted on 1 January 2014.

The strategy that was adopted by the government gives the work a more cohesive and long-term form by placing it within the framework of a coherent structure. This structure consists of a number of focus areas and strategic government agencies. The focus areas included in the strategy are assessed as being key to LGBT persons’ equal rights and equal opportunities. One of the focus areas covered by the strategy is culture.

The Government’s ambition is to encourage the excellent opportunities that culture offers to contribute towards greater diversity and openness by rendering visible and challenging norms that restrict people. e.g. in terms of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This ambition links back to the objective of cultural policy laid down by the Government. The cultural institutions have an important role to play in providing conditions for a shared society founded on freedom of expression. Culture agencies and other cultural actors are important bearers and conveyors of knowledge and cultural expression. The cultural institutions thus have an important role in terms of contributing new angles, highlighting new aspects, questioning and creating debate. Their work paves the way for an open, inclusive and democratic society.