Sweden to get first LGBT-certified sports stadium
The country is known for being one of the most LGBT-friendly
By Steve Brown
Sweden is set to get its first LGBT-certified sports stadium.
All staff at the Studenternas stadium – which will be situated in the student city of Uppsala – will be trained in LGBT issues to create a welcoming environment and the facilities are reportedly set to be as inclusive as possible, the Local Sweden reported.
This means that all toilets and dressing rooms will be adapted so that there are accessible options for all the athletes and spectators, regardless of their gender identity and will include gender neutral toilets.
Danne Eriksson, the municipality’s marketing director for sport and leisure, said: “Uppsala municipality aims to be open and inclusive, where everyone has the same rights and possibilities.
“We want to guarantee equal treatment in all areas, regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.”
He went on to say that the stadium is just one of the ways the city is becoming more LGBT-friendly.
Eriksson added the aims of the stadium are “to increase the feeling of belonging, comfort and safety” as well as “improving knowledge and understanding of LGBT people and equality”.
The certification will last for two years after which authorities will have to apply for renewal, meaning all the staff must carry out training in LGBT issues.
The arena hosts both football, bandy games, concerts and other events and is currently undergoing major refurbishments which are set to be completed in 2020.