A Full House and Powerful Words

Translator's Note: This is a machine-assisted translation completed on May 28, 2025. While care has been taken to maintain accuracy, this translation has not yet undergone human review or validation. Please note that specialized terms, historical references, and nuanced content may benefit from expert review.

The Queer Archive marked its tenth anniversary with great fanfare in the University’s Grand Hall in Bergen. More than 150 guests gathered to celebrate the archive’s work in documenting and highlighting queer history in Norway. The guest list included everyone from researchers and students to activists and government ministers.

The LGBTQ+ choir Rainbros opened the event with power and passion, followed by a welcome address from Line Førre Grønstad, the archive’s academic director.

National Archivist Inga Bolstad expressed pride and emphasized the significance of the archive:

-A decade may not sound like much when we talk about archives, as we are used to thinking in centuries. But in light of societal development, this has been a decade that made a difference. And not just a difference in archival terms, but a difference in people’s lives," said Bolstad.

She pointed out that history is not always neutral, and that it takes courage and insight to make historical narratives more truthful. In this regard, she considered the Queer Archive a pioneer. As National Archivist, she expressed her support for the Queer Archive.

Struggle and Love

Hanne Lyseth, Secretary General of Queer World, challenged the claim that there has 'suddenly' been an increase in the number of queer people:

-We know that this is not true, and that both trans people and other groups within the broader queer community have existed for as long as there have been human beings on Earth.

Over the past ten years, the Queer Archive has actively addressed this issue. Through its work, the broader queer community in Norway has been able to document that we have existed for a very long time, and that the struggle for our rights has been long and at times painful," she said.

Margareth Hagen, Rector of the University of Bergen, expressed the university’s pride in hosting the archive:

For the university, it has been a great privilege to host this important work for the past ten years. And given the current international climate—particularly the growing pressures on research and universities—we are especially proud this year to be the home of this archive," she said.

Honoring the Commitment of dedicated individuals

Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery, extended special thanks to Professor Tone Hellesund for her pivotal role in the establishment of the Queer Archive.

- You took the initiative to establish the Queer Archive, sparked a flame, and inspired others to join. Among them was Kim Friele, who contributed by donating her extensive private archive as a foundational cornerstone of the collection. 

- Tone, you also deserve recognition for ensuring that the Queer Archive has consistently embraced a broad, ambitious, and accessible approach in its efforts to preserve what has long been a blind spot in Norwegian history.

- From the very beginning, you have been committed to documenting more than just events and voices of injustice, protest, and the struggle for rights. You have also sought out the everyday stories of queer life—the positive ones. Stories of love in all its forms, across all times. Of solidarity, community, and companionship. Of experiences both joyful and painful. Often carried out quietly, by all kinds of people.

Kjetil Landrog of the Norwegian Archive Federation stated that the Queer Archive has made a meaningful difference.

- The Queer Archive has contributed to a growing interest in queer issues across the country. For instance, preservation plans currently being developed for private archives—whether at the county level or by the National Archives—now include a stronger focus on queer perspectives than in the past," said Kjetil Landrog.

Following a highly entertaining talk by Linda Eide, Professor Tone Hellesund was perhaps equally engaging in her overview of queer history—from the late 19th century through the 1950s, when Norwegian queer activism began to take root.

Students and History

Three former master’s students shared how the Queer Archive had influenced their work. Emilie Lekve described how unexpected sources opened up new perspectives:

"Because there is so much material, you come across things you didn’t even know you were looking for. You examine things you didn’t necessarily think would be interesting, and suddenly it leads you down a different path—one that might change everything for you."

Janny Sjåholm, who wrote about politics and queer rights, highlighted the academic environment and the support she received from the archive.

"It was incredibly helpful for me to be in contact with the Queer Archive—not only because of access to sources, but also because of the scholarly environment. They helped me, among other things, to identify gaps in the research. And over time, the political development turned out to be one such gap that I discovered."

Birger Berge, who later worked at the archive, reminded the audience that rights should never be taken for granted:

'History shows us that rights can be taken away. That’s why we must keep this knowledge alive—especially here at the university.'"

A yellow folder

Finally, Leif Pareli, former activist and archive donor, shared his personal story. He held up a yellow folder containing 160 pages related to the 1978 exclusion case:

'Here are 160 pages filled with some of the most dramatic and significant events of my life. And I know that the same is true for many others who were involved at the time—both in what happened and in the work that was done. These pages contain events, statements, flyers, newspaper clippings, and drama, including the police, the district court, and much more.'