The increased threat to Sweden raises concerns ahead of Pride Week.
Sofia, 30, feels a fear that a crime will occur.
– At the same time, it feels almost more important now to show that the LGBTQ community exists, that we are visible and that we mark that we are not going anywhere, she says.
Pride is in full swing.
On Saturday, the festivities culminate with the big parade – which every year attracts tens of thousands of people and spectators.
But the deteriorating security situation in Sweden has made many within the LGBTQ community hesitate to participate.
One of them is Örebro resident Sofia Kollenhag, 30.
– I actually feel a little scared. My mother is very concerned about my and my wife’s safety, she has asked us to think about whether we will actually go to the parade this year.
The worry is rooted in hatred
The long-awaited plan is to visit the festival in Stockholm together with wife Aila and friends.
– It goes without saying that we should go, but there is a concern within me. A fear that something might happen. I fear that someone’s frustration is being taken out on us LGBTQ people.
Sofia Kollenhagen says that the concern is also rooted in the widespread hatred towards LGBTQ people around the world.
– We are constantly threatened. Just look at Poland and the LGBT-free zones or at the terrorist act during Pride in Oslo last year and in Italy where lesbian mothers are now deprived of their parental rights, she says and continues:
– On the other hand, it is good proof that we must participate in Pride as the demonstration it actually is. It is about our rights and that we should be proud of who we are.
The police: No increased threat
Annika Laestadius, the police’s deputy commander for Pride, has previously told Aftonbladet that she is satisfied with the armor for this year’s Pride week.
– There is no elevated threat image against Pride as an event, but of course with the deteriorating security situation, and with increased risk to Sweden and Swedish interests, we are constantly working to assess and evaluate the intelligence we have in order to be in phase with how we continue will work.
The police also work with the Security Police, Säpo, during the week.
– I want everyone to know and trust that we, the police together with other authorities and cooperation partners with Pride, are actively working to prevent violence and that you should feel safe about it, said Annika Laestadius.