The drag show artist and clothing designer receives the medal for “since he introduced the drag show in the 70s, he has contributed to Stockholm being an open and inclusive city with a lot of glamour”, as it says in the justification.
Christer Lindarw, 70, is originally from Eskilstuna and was one of the initiators of After Dark, which started setting up its shows on David Bagares gata in central Stockholm.
The show became a forerunner for the drag show culture in Sweden and contributed to increased acceptance of homosexuals. “With an eye for new talent, he continues to enrich Stockholm’s entertainment life – and the humanity of our country,” the justification also states.
The architect Per Ahrbom, the actor Josette Bushell-Mingo and Lena Posner Körösi, chairman of the Jewish congregation in Stockholm, also receive the prestigious award this year.
Since 1938, the St. Erik medal has been awarded every year to deserving Stockholmers.