Record number celebrated equal opportunities with KI in the Pride parade
The late-summer sun shone down on Stockholm as Karolinska Institutet took part in this year’s Pride parade on 1 August. Together with KI President Annika Östman Wernerson, students, staff and alumni, the parade once again filled the streets with colour and enthusiasm during what was perhaps the most inclusive celebration of the year. The tragedy in Berlin cast a sombre shadow over the parade, serving as a reminder of why the event is so important.
Along the parade route from Norr Mälarstrand to Slussen, the procession was lined with applauding Stockholmers and tourists, and the atmosphere beneath the rainbow flags was, as ever, festive and energetic.
Perhaps this year’s celebration of equality and love was particularly important in light of the terrorist attack during Pride in Berlin on 25 July. According to the police and the media, this contributed to a record turnout of 50,000 people in the parade and around half a million spectators lining the streets of Stockholm, many of whom, according to the same sources, made it clear that they wanted to show their support following the tragedy.
KI President Annika Östman Wernerson, was there to celebrate equality accompanied by, among others, Ewa Ehrenborg, dean of higher education at KI, and Erika Franzén, dean of doctoral education at KI.
Important to counter worrying trend
Annika Östman Wernerson emphasised the significance of the event, not least in light of the survey commissioned by the Government from the Living History Forum (Forum för levande historia).
“The results of the survey show, amongst other things, that intolerance towards minority groups – and particularly towards LGBTQIA+people – has increased among Swedish school pupils. This is a deeply worrying trend that underlines the importance of us, as a university, continuing to educate, conduct research and collaborate to counteract prejudice and contribute to the equal value of all people,” she says.
KI is part of of Academic Pride, the network of higher education institutions and their associated student unions that collaborate on LGBTQIA+issues. During Pride Week, which culminates in the festive parade, events included a lecture highlighting KI’s research.
KI research in focus
PhD student Matilda Löfström presented her ongoing study on sexual violence and oppression among LGBTQ+ people, with a particular focus on young LGBTQ+ women.
The research, which is being carried out in collaboration with the National Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence Against Women and co-researchers with personal experience, emphasises the importance of an ethical and inclusive approach – nothing about us without us.
The KI student union Medicinska Föreningen had several important roles as part of Academic Pride. These included organising the pre-party at the Solna campus, which was open to all participating higher education institutions.
Linnea Ammer Jansson, president of the student union, was present throughout the day and also highlighted KI’s research in the field of LGBTQIA+ issues.
“Pride is an incredibly important forum where we can raise awareness of both rights and challenges. Through Academic Pride, we can also highlight research that sheds light on the living conditions of LGBTQIA+ people, which is crucial for greater understanding and long-term changes in attitudes within society,” she says.
Just as important all year round
KI’s participation in the Pride parade is about much more than colour and celebration. It is about the university fulfilling its social responsibility, summarises Annika Östman Wernerson.
“It was fantastic to take part in the parade and celebrate everyone’s equal worth and rights alongside so many committed people. At the same time, it is important to remember that for us at KI, this is a priority issue that should permeate all our activities throughout the year. No staff member or student should have to worry about their pronouns not being respected or about being open about their identity. Everyone should have the right to an inclusive and safe study and working environment.”
With a strong focus on research and ongoing work to promote equality, KI continues to contribute to a more open and inclusive society over time.
“KI is working to raise the profile of LGBTQIA+ perspectives in teaching, research and our working and learning environments. One concrete example is that we run training programmes for staff and students,” says Kristina Ullgren, coordinator for equal opportunities at KI. She continues:
“We still need to improve when it comes to creating an inclusive social climate for everyone. These issues were also raised in this year’s staff and student surveys, the results of which are now being analysed to inform our ongoing work.”
More photos from the 2026 Pride parade
Academic Pride
Academic Pride is a collaboration between the universities and student unions in Stockholm. This year, KTH, Stockholm University, Södertörn University, Stockholm School of Economics and Marie Cederschiöld University participate alongside KI.
The purpose is to highlight the importance of LGBTQIA+ matters within academia, both regarding research and education, as well as inclusive student and work environment.
How to work towards an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment
KI is working to prevent discrimination and harassment of LGBTQIA+ persons, through the work for equal opportunities, a work towards an inclusive work and study environment.
Three suggestions to be more LGBTQIA+ inclusive:
- Educate yourself about LGBTIQA+ challenges through training and research.
- Use an inclusive language, ask open questions and create a space where it’s possible to be open.
- Reflect on how norms affect you and your surroundings, and what limiting assumptions you might make regarding sex, gender and sexuality.
Deepen your knowledge of LGBTQIA+ inclusion: A Good Work Environment for LGBTQI people - Arbetsmiljöverket