Preface

A country is not truly free and democratic unless it guarantees the fundamental human rights of its citizens to be who they are and to live free, independent lives.

We have yet to win the battle for a free, inclusive and safe society for all. In Norway, as well as elsewhere. Too many queer people do not enjoy a good quality of life and good living conditions.

Many queer people have a connection to religious and belief-based communities, and some find their community’s view of their gender or sexuality challenging. Queer people from ethnic minority backgrounds can experience discrimination and marginalisation both because of their minority background and because they transgress gender and sexual norms. Transgender people frequently experience challenges in their lives , particularly in relation to mental health and discrimination. Homophobia and transphobia are also prevalent in sports. Children's sports should be a safe arena for everyone, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Across the world, we are seeing progress, but also serious setbacks to the rights of women, ethnic minorities and queer people. The efforts to promote gender and sexual diversity have an international perspective. Together with the other Nordic countries, Norway will take the lead in ensuring that human rights, freedom and diversity benefit all people equally.

In the Oslo Pride attack in the early hours of Saturday 25 June 2022, two people were killed and 26 injured. It is important that we stand together and take steps to combat all kinds of extremism.

The goal of the new Action Plan for Gender and Sexual Diversity for the period 2023 to 2026 is to improve queer people's quality of life, safeguard their rights and contribute to greater acceptance of gender and sexual diversity. The plan sets out priority actions intended to benefit queer people in areas where Norway is facing major challenges.

The actions described in the plan will be implemented within the applicable budgetary limits. The plan is dynamic, and the actions described may be updated and new ones included as required. We will write progress reports on the actions during the plan period.

On behalf of the Government, we look forward to the further work,