Good evening everyone,

This Monday was the first day of Copenhagen Pride Week across the country. And while this year’s pride is different, than what we are used to, it is still a week dedicated to human rights and the strength of diversity. And it reminds us to look around and take stock: How far have we come in Denmark, when it comes to the rights and living conditions of LGBTI+ people?

Most Danish Prides this year have had to cancel, but this week everyone, everywhere in the country has been given the opportunity to join in a digital Pride Week with more than 100 live streamed events.

This conversion has showed us, that there are new roads to be travelled, when we are faced with difficulties as has been the case in 2020.

And this only makes this year’s pride theme ‘Solidarity’ all the more relevant. The need to stand together – also when times are tough – is bigger than ever. And Danish prides from Århus to Fanø have contributed with content and thereby underlining the overarching message: That we stand united on the right to be who we are.

But what do these words actually mean?

Rights are often – and perhaps understandably so – associated with the law. But the right to be who we are, is not merely about legal rights. Because, yes we have rights but how do we sense and feel these rights?

If rights are to have real meaning, they must live and breathe. The thoughts and ideas behind them must be felt, understood and lived. And we must protect them. The right to be who we are, means that we all feel valued, and that we are accepted – unconditionally. That we feel embraced and included – because we all have the right to belong. This is also, what rights are about.

And this is what we demonstrate today and throughout the week.

In Denmark, LGBTI+ rights are not something, we disagree on. We understand, that in order to create a good and well-functioning society, it is paramount that everyone is treated equally and with respect and is afforded the same possibilities. We understand that who we love or which gender identity we have, should not determine whether we can participate in our society – fully, equally and as an integral part of the community.

We still have our challenges in Denmark, but as I have said time and time again: I am proud to live in a country, that leads the way. A country, that speaks out loud in defense of rights for LGBTI+ people around the world. I have felt it on my travels, where Denmark is admired for its courage to lead the way in ensuring equal rights for all – regardless of gender, gender identity or sexuality.

And we must continue to lead the way. Because even as we write 2020, all too many LGBTI+ people around the world are the victims of hate, violence, discrimination, bullying and degrading treatment. This we cannot – and must not accept.

Because we need tolerance and communities where everyone thrive.

The way I see it, human rights are another word for compassion and humanity, and diversity is the essence of the right of each individual to belong, as well as the key to a better future for all. 

Therefore, as Patron of Copenhagen 2021, I look forward to welcoming the entire world to Copenhagen next August, when we celebrate WorldPride and EuroGames in our beautiful Capital city.

Here we will join together in sending the Copenhagen 2021 message out to world, that here – you can feel included and be exactly who you are.

I wish you all a happy Copenhagen Pride 2020.