KEY MESSAGES FROM THE NORDIC CO-OPERATION PROJECTS
The interviews with project spokespersons can be summarised in a number of key messages:
Co-operation:
Nordic co-operation is a factor in success. Co-operation expands the LGBTI community, which is sometimes small in individual countries. Greater involvement is a strength that facilitates the work and makes it easier to implement activities and conduct outreach.
Co-operation between different minority groups is important to strengthen the rights of LGBTI people who belong to multiple minority groups. The spokespersons for the Nordic projects emphasise that some minorities are better at talking about the conditions for LGBTI persons within their own group, and there are lessons to be learned for minority groups in which LGBTI issues are associated with a greater sense of taboo.
Knowledge:
Existing knowledge needs to be implemented in various areas of society, such as education and health care, but also in the labour market in general.
More knowledge is needed about the conditions for LGBTI people who belong to multiple minority groups. Several spokespersons for the Nordic projects highlight the need for more knowledge about the effects of marginalisation in the majority society and about the conditions in different minority communities.
It is important to provide a historical perspective and make it clear that LGBTI people have always existed within minority groups.
It is important to utilise the knowledge and experiences of minorities within the LGBTI group.
Funding:
It is important to have funding that is not limited to one country but available in several countries. This makes it possible for international organisations that span several Nordic countries to apply for funding.
Organisation:
Separatist platforms are needed where LGBTI people belonging to multiple minority groups can be open about all parts of their identities and not be questioned.
LGBTI people who belong to multiple minority groups must be allowed to take up leadership roles in projects and organisations, and to speak for themselves. At the same time, it is important to have cohesion and openness within the broader LGBTI movement.