Lund’s vibrant nightlife will get a new jolt this weekend as Smålands Nation inaugurates the first LGBTQ club this city has seen in a while.
Lund’s student life has seen events catered to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) students come and go, but Smålands Nation hopes to make their new club a city fixture.
— I find it strange that one of Sweden’s largest student cities offers no entertainment that accommodates LGBTQ students. It has been my vision to open a permanent club for those in that community who want to party, said Karin Bäckman Berg, Smålands Nation’s equality representative.
— This club is a needed alternative to the hetero-normativity of Lund’s nightlife. All the student clubs are quite the same with a few exceptions, said Sebastian Dahlqvist, the nation’s club organizer.
Asked why venues for LGBTQ students have been absent in Lund, Karin and Sebastian cited the LGBTQ community’s low visibility.
— It’s not prejudice; I just think people aren’t aware of the issue, said Karin. There is an LGBTQ student group in Lund, but not enough people know about them. We would like this event to amplify their voice.
To ensure a memorable opening night, the nation has contracted the help of two acclaimed organizers known for hosting just this type of party.
— Katja Gustafsson and Gunn Lundemo (who go by KG) are Sweden’s top party planners for the gay scene. They’re bringing us a great club while we provide them with what they need, said Karin.
On top of being a night for fun, the club organizers see this event as a platform of openness.
–It’s important that everyone feels welcome. Of course we are reaching out to LGBTQ people, but everyone should know that we’re here to support everybody, said Karin.
