Swedish Ambassador to the UK hosts LGBTQ Pride event in partnership with VisitSweden at the Swedish Residence in London.

On the eve of the pinnacle of the Pride in London celebrations this year, the Swedish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Torbjörn Sohlström, in partnership with the Swedish Destination Marketing Organisation, VisitSweden, hosted a glittering Pride event at the Swedish Residence in London.

Attended by a hand-selected audience of LGBTQ movers, shakers and influencers from the UK, including leaders of international LGBTQ Pride organisations, the event was to share in the celebration of 50 years of the decriminalization of same-sex activity in the UK and also to promote next year’s Europride, to be held in Sweden in 2018. Stockholm Pride and Gothenburg’s West Pride are proud to be co-hosting the event in both cities, in what is billed as “Sweden’s Big Gay Summer” next year.

Mr Sohlström said, “Sweden is one of the most open-minded and welcoming countries in the world. Diversity and inclusion is important to us. We are proud to host the Europride celebration in 2018 and we are also excited to be the first country where two cities will jointly host the event for the first time. We look forward to welcoming you all to Sweden next year.”

Gabriel Dorch, Marketing Manager of VisitSweden added, “We are so proud to have been proactively marketing and engaging influencers in the gay and lesbian community for many years. Every part of the country welcomes gay and lesbian visitors. From nature, to food, to design, we are proud that there is something for everyone in Sweden and we are thrilled to welcome all travellers, not just for Europride, but at any time of year.”

The country’s tourism organisation, VisitSweden continues to inspire gay and lesbian travellers, through its online portal “Sweden. You’re Welcome” at www.VisitSwedenLGBT.com. On social media, travellers can join the conversation at #SwedenYoureWelcome.

Sweden is known as one of the most open-minded and welcoming countries in the world. Diversity and inclusion is very much at its heart and something that is truly valued by its people. So it’s no wonder why there is a strong LGBTQ community up and down the country, with over 30 individual pride festivals and celebrations. Sweden has been gay-welcoming since 1944, when same-sex sexual activity was legalised in Sweden. Its gay and lesbian citizens have enjoyed equal gay marriage since 2009.