In a interview with GayIceland’s Magdalena Lukasiak, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, addresses the troubling global backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights, emphasizing the urgency of sustained vigilance and proactive advocacy.
We’re currently witnessing a global backlash against queer rights. For example, this year in the UK, the Supreme Court ruled that the Women’s Equality Act refers only to “biological sex”, effectively excluding trans women. In the U.S. government actions have also raised concerns about the rights of trans people this year. Asked what does it feel to witness this kind of backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights—and on such a scale, Þorgerður Katrín describes it as “deeply troubling—and, frankly, heartbreaking”. She expresses concern that these rollbacks constitute not merely political setbacks, but profound attacks on human dignity and identity.
“We’re witnessing a rollback of hard-won rights. Progress is never guaranteed, and we must remain vigilant in defending human rights—always,” she states firmly.
Speak up. Show up. Vote for values. Support queer organizations. Call out hate, even when it’s uncomfortable.
GayIceland: In response, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Samtökin ’78, have issued a special travel guidelines for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The Ministry’s guidelines, available online, emphasize that same-sex relationships remain illegal in approximately one-third of countries worldwide and warn that legal rights and societal acceptance are not guaranteed even in nations without explicitly anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. Developed in consultation with Samtökin ’78, these advisories aim to protect travelers by providing practical safety recommendations and information tailored specifically for Icelandic citizens.
Can you tell us more about this initiative?
“The goal is to provide Icelandic LGBTQIA+ travelers with accurate, up-to-date information about the legal and social landscape in other countries,” Þorgerður Katrín replies. “It sends a message: we see you, we care, and your rights matter.”
Responding to International Pressure
GayIceland: Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Iceland reportedly asked Icelandic companies to confirm they *do not* have policies promoting diversity, equality, or inclusion if they wish to do business with the embassy—claiming they are simply following directives from former President Donald Trump. What are your thoughts on this demand?
“Asking companies to disavow inclusion undermines core democratic values … Iceland will never back down from its commitment to equality and human rights,” Þorgerður Katrín replies unequivocally.
Domestic Vigilance Needed
In Iceland, we’ve also seen voices—including some in Parliament—echoing rhetoric similar to that heard in countries rolling back queer rights. When asked if she is concerned about this kind of exclusionary rhetoric gaining traction here in Iceland, Þorgerður acknowledges it and voices concern.
“Iceland is not immune to global trends,” she says, stressing that “words matter” and have significant impacts on policy, culture, and public safety.
A Wake-up Call for Iceland
GayIceland: Many queer people in Iceland have long feared that the backlash seen abroad would eventually reach us too. There are growing signs of this: LGBTQIA+ youth report increased harassment, and a trans woman was not long ago attacked by a group of teenage boys outside a popular gym in Reykjavík. After all the progress made in recent years regarding LGBTQIA+ rights in Iceland, did you ever imagine we’d be facing such a situation in 2025?
“It’s devastating that anyone in Iceland feels unsafe simply for being who they are,” Þorgerður Katrín responds candidly. “These recent increases in harassment against LGBTQIA+ people are an urgent wake-up call that requires immediate and collective response.”
These recent increases in harassment against LGBTQIA+ people are an urgent wake-up call that requires immediate and collective response.
Strategic Backlash
Earlier this year, on the Icelandic TV program Silfrið, Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, said this worldwide backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights is no coincidence. According to Datta, organized, well-funded networks with cross-border influence are working deliberately to undermine equality.
Asked about the interview, Þorgerður Katrín says that she agrees with Datta’s analysis, recognizing that the backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights is strategic and orchestrated by “well-funded networks working across borders to undermine equality”.
GayIceland: Datta emphasized that we’re not just seeing isolated acts of dissent, but a coordinated political movement aimed at dismantling the foundations of liberal democracy. Are you familiar with the dynamics he described? What do you think about his analysis?
Þorgerður Katrín nods. “When you weaken the rights of any marginalized group,” she says with emphasize, “you weaken democracy itself.”
GayIceland: In your opinion, what is the ultimate aim of these movements? What do you think they hope to achieve?
“What these movements ultimately seek is control,” Þorgerður Katrín says bluntly, “over bodies, identities, and people’s freedom.”
Personal Commitment to Equality
GayIceland: You’ve consistently said that Iceland does not compromise on its core democratic values—freedom, equality, and human rights for all. You’ve also been a long-time advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Why are these issues so important to you, personally?
“Because they’re human rights,” Þorgerður Katrín replies. “And because I’ve seen what happens when people are denied dignity and equality.
I also believe deeply in the power of freedom. The freedom to be who you are, love who you love, and live without fear. That’s the kind of world I want to live in.
We have to protect these values.”
The goal is to provide Icelandic LGBTQIA+ travelers with accurate, up-to-date information about the legal and social landscape in other countries. It sends a message: we see you, we care, and your rights matter.
Beyond Rankings: Real-life Impact
Despite current challenges, Þorgerður Katrín remains hopeful about Iceland’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights, but underscores that rankings like LGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, while significant, are secondary to individuals’ lived experiences.
“We must make sure that rights on paper translate to safety, opportunity, and respect in everyday life,” she points out.
A Collective Responsibility
Concluding with a call to action, Þorgerður Katrín urged collective responsibility in protecting LGBTQIA+ rights.
“Speak up. Show up. Vote for values. Support queer organizations. Call out hate, even when it’s uncomfortable,” she says.
“Rights don’t defend themselves—we defend them, together.”