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CoronavirusEuropean RoyalsSweden

Crown Princess Victoria opens Stockholm Digital Pride Parade 2020

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria has shared a message for the Stockholm Digital Pride Parade, which took place on Saturday, telling all those who are celebrating Pride around the world that “I stand behind you.”

Crown Princess Victoria’s message, which was shared on the Royal House social media accounts, reads:

“Dear Pride celebrators, on this day, Stockholm would usually be adorned with rainbow flags. There would normally be an atmosphere of celebration, joy and above all pride as the Pride parade makes its way through the city.

“This year, things are different. However, although we cannot get swept away with the joy of Stockholm’s Pride this year, we can at least experience it together here – digitally. Perhaps even more of us will be able to participate in this way. I certainly hope so.

“Pride is not just any summer festival. It is a celebration – but it is also a manifestation of human rights. It is serious – and joyful. It is a reminder of the progress that has been made – but also of everything that still remains to be done.

“This is a responsibility that we all share. You and I. We must not stay silent. We must speak up for those who do not dare to speak, those who are not allowed to, and those who cannot.

“Here in Sweden and the Nordic countries, we have come a relatively long way when it comes to LGBTQI rights. But what we see as self-evident or at least would like to believe is self-evident – is unthinkable in other parts of the world.

“In many countries, same-sex relationships are illegal. Young people are forced to hide and deny their love and their identity. LGBTQI people are persecuted, harassed and even imprisoned. For me, this is totally inconceivable.

“But I know that in these countries, those of you who are here today are a source of both inspiration and enormously important support.

“I also believe that this task is particularly important right now, when the coronavirus pandemic has put so much on hold and when – in some cases – progress has even been reversed.

“At the same time, we must not forget that even here in Sweden, there are many people – young and old – who are afraid to be open. There are families and contexts where views of LGBTQI people are still characterised by prejudice and ignorance.

“If you are one of those who cannot or dare not be open about who you are, I just want you to know one thing: You have the right to be exactly who you are, and there are many of us who stand behind you. I stand behind you. And now I would like to wish you, and all those who are celebrating in different ways this year, a wonderful, happy Pride!”

The Royal House notes that in a regular year, the Stockholm Pride Parade welcomes around 50,000 participants and 500,000 spectators, though this year, organisers were forced to move to a digital celebration due to COVID-19.

Crown Princess Victoria has been active in LGBTQI engagements throughout the years. Her full speech can be viewed here.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.