Criticism of the Armed Forces – Skipping Seminars During Pride

The Swedish Armed Forces are reducing their presence during Pride. The Supreme Commander will not participate in the Pride parade, and the agency will not organize seminars during the week. This decision has been criticized by former major Krister Fahlstedt.

– It's very unfortunate. Not being there becomes a statement in itself, he says.

The Armed Forces have participated in Stockholm's Pride celebrations for many years and have had several campaigns in connection with Pride Week. This year, Supreme Commander Michael Claesson will not walk in the parade, something the Supreme Commander has done every year since 2013 and which Michael Bydén called "obvious."

Unlike previous years, the agency will not organize seminars or participate as exhibitors at the festival area.

Former major Krister Fahlstedt is critical of this. He has worked in the Armed Forces for over 30 years, including on LGBTQ+ issues.

– It's great that they still participate in the parade, but I think it's very unfortunate that the Armed Forces are stepping away from the political arena and not arranging seminars. Not being there becomes a statement in itself, he says.

Criticism: "Not Prioritizing LGBTQ+"

Krister Fahlstedt believes that the Armed Forces have come a long way in their work on LGBTQ+ issues but that the absence at Pride sends negative signals.

– It can be interpreted as LGBTQ+ issues not being prioritized within the Armed Forces. It becomes very counterproductive. The Armed Forces should be there for everyone, we defend everyone and should reflect the whole society. Therefore, the Armed Forces need to show where they stand.

Krister Fahlstedt is also critical that no one from the top leadership is walking in the Pride parade, as he understands it.

– I think someone from the top military leadership, that is, generals or admirals, should participate. Many politicians and agency heads are involved, so the argument that they can't reveal who participates for security reasons doesn't hold, he says.

Response: "Want to Reach Broadly"

According to the Armed Forces, they have evaluated previous years' participation and decided to only walk in the parade this year.

– We want to reach broadly, and the Pride parade gathers many, so we focus on that. The Armed Forces are growing, and we need more people – both conscripts, officers, and civilians. We want to show that everyone is welcome, regardless of who you are, and that we stand behind these issues, says Pernille Undén, spokesperson for the Armed Forces.

She cannot say if any from the top leadership will participate in the parade, but says that several senior leaders will be present.

– I don't know exactly who is not participating. I am a wing commander and will participate. Many other commanders for different units will probably also participate.

What do you say about the criticism that it is a statement?

– No, we don't see it as a statement. We are confident in our work with LGBTQ+ issues and work with them daily.

"Missing Important Conversations"

According to Krister Fahlstedt, the agency risks missing out on young LGBTQ+ people who may be interested in working within the Armed Forces.

– There is no contradiction – of course, the Armed Forces should be in the parade, but they should also participate in seminars and conversations, because in the parade you don't have real conversations. Many young people wonder if they can be themselves in the Armed Forces and want to ask questions about the agency's work, and now they get no answers.

Krister Fahlstedt left the Armed Forces in 2024 and has previously told the magazine QX that he was relieved of his duties and that the matter is classified.