1. Page 1ILGA – workshop: Forerunners working together in Europe/ 10/27/2011 Norwegian experiences in working with LGBT issues Hanne Grasmo & Bjørn Lescher-Nuland The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs The National Knowledge Centre on LGBT

2. LGBT Knowledge Centre Norwegian LGBT Knowledge Centre –Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs / Ministry for Children, Equality and Social Inclusion Hanne Grasmo – Project manager Bjørn Lescher-Nuland – Senior Advisor Hans Wiggo Kristiansen – Senior Advisor

3. Brief history of developments 1993: Civil unions allowed 1999 Living conditions survey,foundation : 2001 The first government white paper on LB policy 2008: Marriage act to allow same sex marriage, adoption and assisted pregnancy

4. Action plan 2009-2012 63 measures Cross-sectoral/interdisciplinary Mainstreaming Statusreport completed in 2011 Roundtable on status – fall 2011 The LGBT knowledge centre to be an ”enabler” and ”driving force” Page 4ILGA – workshop: Forerunners working together in Europe/ 10/27/2011

5. Promoting the human rights of LGBT in international work The foreign ministry/Embassies UN European Institutions Page 5ILGA – workshop: Forerunners working together in Europe/ 10/27/2011

6. Importance of research and good data New knowledge and data through research may enable: –Visibility –Making issues no longer marginal –Enables dialogue even when traditional values are involved Norwegian study of LBG in the sami community

7. Some challenges Not all LGBT feel they are disadvantaged –Focus only on negative findings might create more stigma Perspective: Difficulties vs. Strenghts Strategic use of data How to ask about sexual orientation and gender identity? –Need for international standards Validity of data –Representation and selection Good cooperation between authorities/commisioners, NGOs and researchers

8. To flow or clash with traditions? Marriage – Same sex marriage: Approval of traditional values vs homosexual lifestyle? –Forced marriage: an LGBT issue for the authorities. –Where is valid data? –International cooperation? Tolerance debate -A demand to tolerate LGBT, especially for muslims. -What about conservative christian views? -On our own doorstep: trans/homophobia in public services?