LGBTQI youth center in Järva faces challenges amid honor culture in Sweden

More than two years have passed since the LGBTQI youth center in Järva opened its doors. Hasret Bozarslan has been involved in managing this community hub from the beginning. Over the years, many young people have come and gone, but they all share one common experience: loneliness. “They have no one to share their private lives or daily issues with, as they live a double life,” explains Hasret Bozarslan, a coordinator at the Järva district administration.

The youth center operates once a week, but access is restricted to ensure the safety of its attendees. “They feel shame and fear that their families would reject them if they knew,” Hasret shares. Issues surrounding honor culture persist in Järva, as in several areas of Sweden, affecting many cultures and religions.

A recent report by the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society (MUCF) reveals that LGBTQI youth living under honor norms often face control, violence, and pressure to conform. Many lead double lives, too afraid to come out to family and friends, resulting in mental distress. “We notice that many of these youths have been struggling for a long time,” says Lena Nyberg, the agency’s director. “Society should identify these individuals early.”

The agency has been tasked by the government to map the number of LGBTQI meeting places in Sweden. Already, Lena Nyberg advocates for more spaces, stating, “Both those who wish to remain hidden and those who have come out need places to connect with others in similar situations.” Hasret Bozarslan hopes to create an environment where these youths feel safe and empowered to be more open about who they are, with aspirations that they won’t be confined to secret venues in the future.