During the pandemic, several countries have severely restricted the rights of LGBTQ people, while the opportunities for peaceful manifestations and protests have been substantially limited. Important legislative changes are being pushed into the future and in quarantined countries many young people are being forced back into parental homes where they are not fully accepted. Over 500 Pride festivals around the world have been canceled or postponed.

“We stand united in our work for equality for LGBTQ people, work that is going on year round and that is extra important now in a hardening climate where we see a decline in LGBTQ rights in several countries and an increased threat to LGBTQ people and organizations,” say representatives of Academic Pride in a joint statement.

Although this year we cannot gather in the streets and plazas, it is more important than ever to find ways to support each other, make new acquaintances, share experiences and new knowledge, and not the least celebrate the successes that the past year has offered.

Stockholm Pride Summer Stream

Stockholm Pride Summer Stream takes place between Friday, July 31, and Sunday, August 2. The program includes live broadcast seminars from Pride House, performances from Pride Stage, and dropping in on various events around Pride City. Read more about the program on Stockholm Pride’s website.

Of course, our work for equality does not stop with Pride.

“At the Stockholm School of Economics, we work actively for equal opportunities and increased diversity. Our goal is that students and employees alike feel welcome to study or work at SSE, regardless of their gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, social background or other group affiliation. Our school is for everyone, and we want those who come to us to feel safe and sure that we stand up for their rights – every day of the year,” says president Lars Strannegård.

Academic Pride

Academic Pride is a collaboration around Stockholm Pride between several of Stockholm’s higher education institutions and their associated student unions: Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Hyper Island, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sophiahemmet University, the Stockholm School of Economics, and Stockholm University.

This year’s program contains no special Academic Pride activities, but the Pride flag will be hoisted at all participating schools throughout the festival program.

Participation in Pride is arranged together with the student unions of the various schools, including Medicinska Föreningen’s LGBTQ association Queerolinska at Karolinska Institutet, the Rainbows association at Stockholm University (an association for LGBTQIA+ students), and the Student Association at the Stockholm School of Economics (SASSE).

Contact

For questions regarding the Stockholm School of Economics’ participation in Academic Pride, please contact:

Karol Vieker

Equality and Diversity Manager 

Tel: 0722-35 54 53