From Fredrik Robertsson to Tove Lo, below, Vogue Scandinavia lists the Nordic trailblazers fighting for a better future for the LGBTQI+ community
Although cheerful Pride celebrations filled the world throughout June, the festivities took a tragic turn on the 25th June when a terrorist attack at Oslo’s London Pub sent shockwaves through Scandinavia and beyond, reminding us how much work we still have to do in the fight against discrimination and prejudice.
When it comes to LGBTQI+ rights, the Nordics are one of the most progressive regions in the world, where inclusivity is largely championed, and several laws have been passed giving equal rights to LGBTQI+ people.
But as Oslo has shown us, there is still a dire need for change in Scandinavia, and many passionate individuals are working hard to make it happen. Below, Vogue Scandinavia looks at the most important Nordic LGBTQI+ activists and figures to be aware of.
Tuure Boelius
Amongst the most popular YouTubers in Finland, Tuure Boelius has never been ashamed of being his true self. Boelius has always been very candid about the negative experiences he has experienced due to his sexuality and appearance and is using his platform to engage in critical societal issues regarding the LGBTQI+ community. At Finland’s QX Gay Gala in 2017, the then 16-year-old Boelius was chosen as the Gay of the Year and has since then actively participated in fighting for the rights of LGBTQI+ people.
Tove Lo
An ardent promoter of LGBTQI+ rights, famed Swedish singer Tove Lo has always been open about being bisexual. Penning a touching letter to the LGBTQI+ community in Billboard’s Pride Month 2018 special feature, the artist wrote: “I see a community that every day has to fight for freedom. Fight for love. Fight to not be judged or abused. I see a community that has helped so many people in pain to heal, treat their scars and not only accept themselves but learn to love themselves.”
Fredrik Robertsson
Sweden’s sole couture collector and creative director of Björn Axén, Fredrik Robertsson is not only passionate about fashion but also a devoted LGBTQI+ rights activist. Openly gay himself, Robertsson has shared the struggles he has faced as a gay man and is dedicated to creating a better future for the LGBTQI+ community. By founding his own charity, Regnbågsfonden (The Rainbow Fund), Robertsson has set out to financially aid LGBTQI+ organisations and individuals worldwide, especially in countries where the LGBTQI+ communities are persecuted and harassed by authorities, police and religious institutions.
Josephine Skriver
Growing up with two gay mums and two gay dads, Danish model Josephine Skriver has always been a strong supporter of the LGBTQI+ community. Opening up about her upbringing in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar US, Skriver said that “growing up with two sets of gay parents made me outgoing and open-minded. At the age of four, I was the one dragging my family to the gay parade because I wanted to yell loud and proud.” A firm believer in how knowledge and understanding can go a long way, Skriver is passionate about educating people on the LGBTQI+ community and their rights.
Edward Summanen
Swedish trans health and rights advisor Edward Summanen is doing valuable work in educating people on essential discussions on the LGBTQI+ community’s mental health issues, suicide prevention and human rights. With a long experience in tackling these topics via lecturing and working as a Mental Health First Aid instructor, Summanen is contributing to a vital cause. In 2021, he also published a book Queera Tider, shedding light on the history of LGBTQI+ rights and addressing various aspects of being queer.
Adrien Malmgren
Swedish illustrator and activist Adrien Malmgren uses his art to convey important messages on LGBTQI+ rights and what it means to be trans. Malmgren also lent his creative hand to fellow activist Edward Summanen when he illustrated Summanen’s Queera Tider –book in 2021. Actively taking part in critical human rights conversations through his social media platforms, Malmgren is advocating for the safety and support of trans people and challenging the current state of our society.
Emma Ellingsen
Norwegian model Emma Ellingsen came out to her family and friends as transgender around the age of 9. As a child, Ellingsen was featured in a Norwegian documentary titled Born in the Wrong Body, which focuses on depicting the lives of transgender children in Norway. Since then, the model has been very open about being trans and accused of lying due to her ultra-feminine looks. "It just goes to show that people will have this image of what a trans person should look like," she responded in a YouTube video. "I just want people to know that being transgender isn't a look. It's not a face. Not every trans person looks the same, and that's really important to know."
Jani Toivola
Finnish actor, dancer, speaker and ex-politician Jani Toivola is one of the most famed LGBTQI+ figures in the country. Being openly gay, Toivola has published books on identity and love, exploring sexual identity and the various potential relationships between men. Toivola was also featured in Vogue Scandinavia’s June/July 2022 issue, where he shared his beautiful thoughts on love, life, diversity and much more.
Timimie Märak
A Swedish-Sámi artist and activist Timimie Märak is using her platform to advocate for not only LGBTQI+ rights, but also climate justice and the rights of indigenous people. A transgender person herself, Märak is very vocal on indigenising queerness and achieving equal rights for everyone, appearing in several radio shows, podcasts and demonstrations.
Rickard Söderberg
A Swedish opera singer and LGBTQI+ activist, Rickard Söderberg has made a name for himself as a passionate spokesperson for LGBTQI+ rights and environmental issues. Working with Greenpeace, Söderberg has helped activists imprisoned in Russia to escape, all the while being a dedicated advocate for gay rights. In 2021, Söderberg published a book titled Transformation, discussing his experiences as a gay man in Sweden and encouraging everyone to unapologetically be themselves.
Edvin Törnblom
Running Ursäkta, one of Sweden’s biggest podcasts, with Johanna Nordström and hosting the annual QX Gay Gala, Edvin Törnblom is among the most known LGBTQI+ celebrities in Sweden. Dedicated to educating people on the LGBTQI+ community and yearning to help out anyone who might be struggling with their sexual identity, in April 2022, Törnblom published a book, Bögen är Lös. In the book, Törnblom also shares his personal experiences of being gay.
Lars Gårdfeldt
A Gothenburg-based activist and priest who solely performs queer wedding ceremonies, Lars Gårdfeldt is setting an important example, stating, "All love is sacred". Maintaining that all new priests ought to be able to marry same-sex couples, Gårdfeldt has spread his valuable words in podcasts and lectures for The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education.
Tim Kristian
Tim Kristian, Norway’s biggest male beauty influencer, is openly gay and uses his reach to encourage everyone to be their authentic selves. Using make-up to express himself, the influencer emphasises the importance of not caring about other people’s opinions and loving yourself unconditionally.
Tone Sekelius
Swedish makeup artist, singer and one of the country’s biggest YouTube stars Tone Sekelius came out as transgender in 2021 and later on in the year became the first trans performer at the hugely popular Melodifestivalen. Through her struggles with her gender identity, Sekelius realised how important it is to be your true self and is now setting a vital example to her adoring fans.