The Norwegian Government bolsters efforts for gender and sexual diversity in new action plan
Press release | No: 7/23 | Date: 17/02/2023 | Ministry of Culture and Equality
The Norwegian government’s Action Plan for Gender and Sexual Diversity was launched today. The plan comprises 49 measures aimed at protecting rights, and improving quality of life for LGBT+ people, and increasing recognition of gender and sexual diversity in society.
"It should go without saying that everyone must be allowed to be who they are and love who they want. To get there, political action is needed, and we will contribute to that", says Anette Trettebergstuen, Minister of Culture and Equality.
The Government’s Action Plan for Gender and Sexual Diversity (2023-2026) seeks to improve LGBT+ people’s quality of life, ensure their rights and improve the recognition of gender and sexual diversity in society.
LGBT+ people have poorer mental health and quality of life compared to the rest of the population, and transgender persons are particularly exposed to discrimination, violence, sexual abuse and mental health problems. Many LGBT+ people are subjected to prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes. Being an LGBT+ person is particularly difficult in certain parts of society.
"The struggle of LGBT+ people to be themselves is one of the most important fights for freedom in Norway. Being open is particularly difficult in certain parts of society, and we are now scaling up our efforts in these areas", says Trettebergstuen.
The Action Plan for Gender and Sexual Diversity has three priority areas:
- LGBT+ people with a minority background and in religious communities
- Transgender people and people with gender incongruence
- Sports for all
The action plan includes 49 measures, which all ministries have collaborated on. The government has drawn up the measures in close cooperation with civil society organisationsD, including through a series of input meetings.
"The word “homo” (“gay” in English) is still used as a pejorative. Many LGBT+ people are subjected to ostracism, prejudice and hate – in the school playground, at the workplace, in their local community and online. We have work ahead of us to increase recognition of and tolerance for the diversity among us, and the Government is now taking proactive steps", says the Minister of Culture and Equality.
The action plan also includes measures aimed at reinforcing the efforts to safeguard LGBT+ people’s human rights and inclusion internationally.