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The lesbian experience is having a moment

The crime writer Lilja Sigurðardóttir made Icelandic history with her latest novel “The Trap” (Gildran). The main protagonist is a lesbian cocaine smuggler called Sonja, by no means your average heroine in a crime novel – or any novel, for that matter. The story of Sonja was an instant hit and the film rights have already been sold to Hollywood. Lilja has just handed in the manuscript of the sequel and she feels it is important to have queer protagonists in novels and films, maybe the most important issue in the fight for equal rights for queer people.

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Lilja Sigurðardóttir is a successful crime writer in Iceland. She was the first managing director of national queer organization Samtökin ’78 and it’s vice chair for one year.

“We have almost no history of queer literature in Iceland,“ she says. “Of course there have been a few characters in Icelandic books that are queer but we don‘t have the genre queer literature. And come to think of it there is hardly any such genre to speak of on the international literary scene either. And in the books where queer characters do appear their reality as queer people is hardly dealt with at all, it‘s just used as a definition that they are queer but authors seldom go into their world. I want to write books where being queer is an issue, I think that‘s interesting for the readers whether they are queer themselves or not. And the reception of The Trap have confirmed that believe. People really appreciate being let into that world.”

The Trap is Lilja‘s third novel. Why didn‘t she address this issue before? „I didn‘t really feel up to it,” she admits. “I was’t sure how to handle the issue. Wanted to do it well and not dramatize it but still write about all the complications that seem to be a uninevitable part of being queer. It was no easy task but very rewarding, people are so grateful. I have felt it myself whenever there are TV series about queer people and one forces oneself to watch even if it’s total crap, just to see how it handles the queerness.”

But isn’t it an important step towards equality that the literature and entertainment industry conveys the queer experience? “I think it is, yes. Here in Iceland we queers are quite visible in different areas of society but the literature is not showing that. When I was growing up and discovering that I was a lesbian the characters in films and books that were lesbian were always very tragic or they were vampires. There were no lesbian role models. But nowadays all the rules about what you can say and how you should act as a lesbian have become much more flexible.

“When I was young I didn’t dare to grow my hair long… That was looked upon by other lesbians as trying to hide the fact that I was a lesbian. Short spiky hair, jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets was the only acceptable look for lesbians.”

When I was young I didn’t dare to grow my hair long, for example. That was looked upon by other lesbians as trying to hide the fact that I was a lesbian. Short spiky hair, jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets was the only acceptable look for lesbians. All that has changed, thank heavens, and I really think that right now is the moment to introduce lesbian, gay, trans and all kinds of queer characters to the literary world and films.”

Gay men have been much more widely presented in the entertainment industry than lesbians and Lilja says that she understands that up to a point. „The gay world is much bigger, there are more of them and of course they are males so they have that head start. Take the porn industry, for example, there‘s loads of gay porn but the porn that is presented as lesbian is all from the perspective of straight males and has little or no connection to lesbian sex in real life. I don‘t think that there is anyone making real lesbian porn for lesbians, at least I have never heard of it. Of course part of the reason for that is that unbelievably many people still believe that being a lesbian is just some phase while you are waiting to meet the right man. But I truly believe that the lesbian experience is having it‘s moment. At least I hope so.”

"I really think that right now is the moment to introduce lesbian, gay, trans and all kinds of queer characters to the literary world and films.”
“I really think that right now is the moment to introduce lesbian, gay, trans and all kinds of queer characters to the literary world and films,” says Lilja, here seen signing a copy of her best seller book The Trap.

Although Lilja says that she is by no means the best person to talk about the current status of human rights for queer people she was active in the fight for years, having been the vice chairman of the national queer organisation Samtökin ’78 for one year and the first managing director of the organisation for a few years back in the nineties.

“It was actually more for appearances to call it a managing director,” she says laughing. “The pay was an absolute minimum but all my free time was spent at the office. Back then we were struggling to get the law on registered cohabitation through the parliament and that was a lot of work. It was a great period but as my wife was the chairman of the organisation at the same time it took a huge toll and we were so exhausted that we moved to England for two years afterwards to get away from it all and get some peace. I have not been active within the organisation since.”

Asked if she thinks the battle for equality for queer people is won Lilja thinks for a bit and then says: “No, I think it‘s far from won. Of course here in Iceland we are really privileged compared to many other countries but old people like me who remember how it used to be are always a bit sceptical that it is here to stay. I think it would not take much to drag us back into the way things used to be. That‘s why we fought so hard for the changing of the laws, back in the day, because it is much harder to rob people of human rights if they are established by law. So, no, I don‘t think the battle is won. That‘s one of the reasons I think it is so important to represent our reality in what I write. Not with some political purpose, but just to show our reality to the world. That‘s part of establishing our rights as equals to straight people.”

“Many of the issues that feminists are fighting for are even more important for queer women. Take the pay gap for example. It‘s an issue that is even more important for lesbians to get solved as it is much harder to run a household with two women‘s wages than a man‘s wage and a woman‘s wage.”

Are the feminist issues, the battle for equal rights for women, any different for lesbians than straight women? “I don‘t think so, not really. Many of the issues that feminists are fighting for are even more important for queer women. Take the pay gap for example. It‘s an issue that is even more important for lesbians to get solved as it is much harder to run a household with two women‘s wages than a man‘s wage and a woman‘s wage.

"I think it is so important to represent our reality in what I write. Not with some political purpose, but just to show our reality to the world. That‘s part of establishing our rights as equals to straight people.”
“I think it is so important to represent our reality in what I write. Not with some political purpose, but just to show our reality to the world. That‘s part of establishing our rights as equals to straight people.”

Same goes for the fight against domestic violence. It is quite as common in same-sex relationships as in heterosexual relationships, some say even more common but it‘s mostly hidden. The spotlight is always on men mistreating women but we have to draw attention to the fact that women are also mistreating women in personal relationships.

The objectification of women is maybe not as big an issue for queer women within their group but we have to fight stereotypical representation of lesbians and comments about how we look and how much sex appeal we have all the time. So, no, I don‘t think there is a difference in the issues that queer women and straight women deal with in that respect.”

But is there such a thing as a lesbian culture? We hear about the gay men’s culture all the time, their love for musicals and Eurovision etc., do lesbians as a group have something like that in common? “Football,” Lilja says and smirks. “Lesbians are wild for football. My wife even bought this huge HD TV the other day to watch the EM, she tried to tell me that the old TV was giving up but I know that was not the reason. I actually don‘t share this enthusiasms, but I try, I really try. Watch the games and try to get excited about them. But, sorry, it‘s just not my thing. I would much rather read a good book or, even better, write one. That‘s what I really like to do and that‘s what I‘m gonna keep doing in the future.”

The 19th of June marks the Women’s Rights day. In honor of that GayIceland will for the next days publish articles based on interviews with queer women.

Photos by: Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir.

Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

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Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

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Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

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      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

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