After the shocking attack, many chose to gather for a spontaneous Pride train in central Oslo.
Less than 10 minutes ago
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The official Pride train in Oslo was canceled after the terrorist attack on Saturday night where two people lost their lives.
Nevertheless, thousands of people met in the center of Oslo near the scene, and gathered for a spontaneous Pride train. Among other things, the train passed the bars London Pub and Per on the corner, and wound its way through central Oslo.
Saturday afternoon PST stated that they consider the shooting in Oslo as an extreme Islamist terrorist act. The police do not know anything about the motive behind the incident or whether it can be linked to the queer environment in Oslo.
–Outside the affected nightclubs, a sea of roses is emerging, where people show up to show support and consideration, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ + community.
Strong emotions are at play when VG talks to some of those present, and asks them why they think it is important to mark with Pride trains – and what it means to be present.
Niklas Staven Leirvik (26)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– I have celebrated Pride for many years, but it is extra important this year to show that love surpasses hatred. I have a lump in my stomach after last night, but I want to show that society is stronger than the perpetrator.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– That means a lot. I’m gay and I know a lot of people have had it damn good. I actually thought that Norway has gotten better, but last night I felt we had moved 50 years back in time. Now it is more important than ever to wear the flag on your chest.
Thomas Blegeberg (25)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– Pride originally started as a rebellion, so it is important not to succumb to terror now. I think it’s bad that the parade was canceled, because it’s important to show love now.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– There has been no real celebration since 2019, so it was extra important now to show off Pride.
Marita Olsen (57)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– It is important to show solidarity and support, and that freedom of expression trumps all hatred. There are so many gays who are ashamed, and I’m here to show that they should not.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means a lot to wear the rainbow today. In addition, I think it is so incredibly sad if this incident should trigger Islamophobia. The perpetrator could be anyone, just as well an ethnic Norwegian man.
Erik Krog (38)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– This is the most important parade I have ever participated in. Many people are scared now, and that’s okay, but I’m going to Pride to be a champion so we’re not scared.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means everything, we are family and we must stand together.
Christiane Stormo Tonheim (20)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– It is important that you stand together, and when things are difficult it is extra important, especially when many are afraid.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It is a bit strange atmosphere, because it is meant as a folk festival with glitter, song and joy. Some here cry, some are silent, while others shout important statements. Regardless, it’s good to feel the community.
Bjørn-Magne Aspdal (21)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– If there is zero marking, terror has won.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– I was traveling to France with a heterosexual friend, and then we ended up on a drag show. Then he was told he wanted to leave because he was scared. I reacted like that, because we queers are scared every day, and such places are the only places where we should not be scared.
Nigisti Kuflu (20)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– It’s about me caring about those I love, and that many of them are part of the LGBTQ + environment. Many are not allowed to be themselves, and are forced to live a life they do not want.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means everything, really. It’s about everyone having to stand together no matter what the reason. One person ruined the whole parade, and that’s reprehensible.
Jo-Arne B. Nymoen (32)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– It was important to check that my herd was in good condition. These are my people!
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means taking the city back. I did not do that 11 years ago, so now it is important for me to show that we do not shut up. In addition, I go to Pride with the message that it is not just for white, queer men. Pride is for everyone.
Mario-Martin Pettersson (54)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– I mark Pride in the way that my heart is full of sorrow. I feel a sense of belonging to the Norwegian people who are also having a hard time. Such terrorist acts should not be found in Oslo, and such cases should be crushed.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means a lot. I’m in shock, and I see many others who are also trying to get through the grief.
Charlotte Calpito (20)
–– Why do you mark today even though the official train was canceled?
– I mark because I see the importance of it with regard to the incident yesterday. Once again, violence is perpetrated against people for no reason at all, and then it is extra important to show the whole of Norway and the world that love surpasses everything. We must stand together against hatred.
– What does it mean for you to be here?
– It means a lot. For everyone to see that there are so many, and that we show that we are not afraid. Fear will not overcome us, and it is good to see that the people stand together in solidarity.
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