This year marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Norway. Section 213 of the Penal Code – she so-called “homoparagrafen” – criminalized sexual intercourse between men, and equated the act with “fornication with animals”. Following the decriminalization, the Norwegian society has reached new important milestones for gay rights, including protection against hate speach in 1981, the Partnership Act in 1993, the Gender-neutral Marriage Act in 2008 and the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual expression in 2013. 

Today we can love, live with and marry whomever we want. We can join Pride parades, wave our rainbow flag and hold hands when we walk down the street. Mostly. Even though something is equal by law, it does not mean it is equal in practice. Although we have seen progess in queer rights, we still have a way to go both nationally and internationally.

So what was it like growing up and living as gay when it was considered a criminal offense? Can we draw any parallels to issues related to “coming out” today? What concerned people in the 20th century, the 21st century and today? And what worries await us in the future?

The event is a meeting between generations, where the experience of living and growing up before these milestones meets the perspectives of young people who have grown up after the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

CC: Free