We interviewed Jesper Hansén, Operations Manager at Stockholm Pride, about the organisation’s mission, the festival’s development and what a nomination for ‘Event of the Year 2025’ means.
What is the essence of Stockholm Pride’s mission – beyond the festival itself?
– The aim is to create a space where LGBTQ+ people can feel at home, feel safe and work towards a more inclusive society where everyone’s human rights are respected, all year round.
How do you work to ensure the festival remains relevant at a time when issues of inclusion are both evolving and being challenged?
– A key factor in ensuring the festival’s relevance is that its programme is largely created by various organisations within the LGBTQ+ community – organisations which, through their membership of the Stockholm Pride Association, can also influence the festival’s long-term development.
How do you strike a balance between being a party and a political platform?
– We see no contradiction between partying and politics. As long as there are people who don’t want us to exist, partying – that is, taking up space in the public sphere – will remain a powerful political act.
How has Pride evolved from a demonstration into one of Sweden’s biggest cultural events, and what has been the key factor in this?
– The strong commitment shown by everyone who helps to make the festival happen. Everyone from the speakers and performers on our stages to the many hundreds of volunteers whose hard work brings the festival to life, year after year.
Why do you think you’ve been nominated for Event of the Year 2025?
– Perhaps precisely because Stockholm Pride is seen as relevant, because it is organised to a high standard, because we reach a wide audience, and because the festival makes a difference to people’s lives, both during the festival itself and in the longer term.
We are proud to once again present the Event of the Year award – a prize that recognises exceptional planning, creative excellence and organisational prowess in meetings and events. The award will be presented during an exclusive industry networking event following the first day of the trade fair.
👉 Book your free trade fair ticket here: http://bit.ly/46p8sAe