Living Conditions of LGBTI People in Rural Areas of the Nordic Region

Studies show that the living conditions of LGBTI people in the Nordic countries vary depending on where they live. In rural and sparsely populated areas, there are specific challenges linked to geographical, social, and cultural conditions, including access to support services, healthcare, and social networks.

Some of these areas are located in the self-governing territories of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, where knowledge about the living conditions of LGBTI people is limited. Recurring challenges include a lack of competence regarding sexuality and gender identity in education and healthcare, limited access to gender-affirming care, and weaker legal protection. The lack of statistical data makes it more difficult to develop targeted measures and action plans.

Since 2021, the Nordic LGBTI Fund has financed projects aimed at strengthening equal rights for LGBTI people in the Nordic region. At the same time, organisations and actors from the self-governing territories are underrepresented among funded projects, which may limit their opportunities to participate in Nordic cooperation.

To strengthen the knowledge base and counteract this underrepresentation, NIKK – Nordic Information on Knowledge about Gender – on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers, will carry out the following activities in 2026:

• A targeted call for proposals
  aimed at increasing the number of projects where the main applicant is based in a self-governing territory in the Nordic region applying for funding from the Nordic LGBTI Fund. The call will contribute to expanded and strengthened Nordic cooperation on equal rights and opportunities for LGBTI people.
• A mapping report
  that outlines key actors, policies, legislation, and ongoing initiatives related to LGBTI issues in the self-governing territories. The mapping will highlight conditions and opportunities for Nordic collaborative projects.
• A publication summarising key studies
  contributing to increased understanding of the problems and challenges that limit equal rights and opportunities for LGBTI people in rural areas of the Nordic region.

The fund targets a broad audience. The calls for proposals are open to many different actors, such as voluntary organisations, networks and interest groups, authorities and other public bodies, non-commercial actors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.

Potential applicants are also an important target group for the mapping and knowledge compilation that the project will produce. The material can be used as a basis for dialogue, discussion, and decision-making.

The project also addresses politicians and public officials who, through their work, influence or shape policy within the LGBTI field and regional policy in the Nordic countries. They may also benefit from the results of the projects funded by the fund.

Timespan for the project
2026

Commissioned by
Nordic Council of Ministers

Contact
Deepati Forsberg

Budget
852 000 DKK