Many gay men have experience of being raped by another man, but few dare to report it. According to Kalla Fakta's latest review, several men testify about their experiences of sexual abuse, but that they did not dare or weren't able to report it due to fear of what their friends and family would think of them. Many talk about a culture of silence that ridicules and shames survivors.

- I haven't heard similar stories from my gay friends, because it's not something we talk about, says Shaun.

According to Kalla Fakta's survey, 65% of 400 respondents state that they have been exposed to some type of sexual abuse, but that only 1 in 10 survivors choose to report it. Of those who report, only a handful are actually convicted of sexually assaulting another man. Kalla Fakta estimates that approximately 250 reports are made each year.

The interviews also show that many blame themselves or don't realize that they have been assaulted in the first place because it is so normalized.

- Pretty much all young gay guys have been exposed to some form of sexual abuse. It's so common that we don't even understand it ourselves. It's so common that we don't even define it as abuse. We think that's the way it should be, says Rainbow Foundation's Jonas Gardell.

"The invisible children"

For several years, the Rainbow Foundation, in collaboration with World Childhood Foundation, has worked to raise awareness for sexual abuse against boys. Boys who are subjected to sexual abuse are usually not included in legislation and therefore do not appear in statistics concerning sexual abuse. Sexual abuse against boys is also treated as less serious, which means that many do not dare to report it.

- I think it's sad how we who work against sexual abuse against children have failed the boys, says Britta Holmberg, program director at Childhood. We have talked far too little about how they are exposed and how it affects them. Now we have to change that!

Even rainbow children (i.e. children whose identity is included under the lgbtqi+ umbrella) are particularly vulnerable as many have no choice but to turn to adult and sexualized environments due to a lack of inclusive environments for children.

-I myself was exposed to sexual abuse as a child, and almost all gay guys I know have such experiences, says Jonas Gardell, who is an ambassador for the Rainbow Foundation. It is so common that we consider it normal.

"De Osynliga Barnen" [The invisible children] is a collaborative project between the Rainbow Foundation and World Childhood Foundation that aims to break the silence around sexual abuse by funding preventative efforts, providing support to those who have been affected and creating a platform for individuals and organizations to act together against sexual abuse.

At the first Rainbow Gala held in 2024, NC SOS was named the winner and received the award from H.M. Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson. Since 2017, LGBTQ+ people in the Russian republic of the Northern Caucasus have been persecuted by death squads, and many have been imprisoned, disappeared, or killed. NC SOS helps persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals escape to a safer part of Russia or another country. They also assist with asylum applications and support during the initial period in the new country.

The Rainbow Fund is now establishing the RAINBOW AWARD, worth 100,000 SEK, to recognize and reward activists and/or organizations that fight for the freedom and rights of LGBTQI people, in Sweden or globally. The Rainbow Award is the largest Swedish prize created in support of the LGBTQI community and will be awarded for the first time at the newly established RAINBOW GALA at the Scalateatern in Stockholm on April 15th this spring.

The Rainbow Fund invites you to a magical evening featuring fantastic artists like Darin, Lisa Nilsson, and Lisa Ekdahl with her band, plus one or two surprises. The gala is hosted by Mark & Jonas and takes place at the Scalateatern on Monday, April 15th. Hurry up to secure your tickets!

Aaron is an award-winning inspirer, leader and speaker on the topic of diversity and inclusion. He has over 20 years of experience in leading cultural and organizational change work at large companies such as Vattenfall, ICA and Schibsted.

Aaron himself says: "My leadership has always, and always will, aim to make a real difference, and that's exactly what the Rainbow Foundation does. Difference. To passively stand by and witness discrimination, persecution and violence against LGBTQI people around if in the world is simply not an option for me. I am proud and happy to take a seat on an already eminent board, and I look forward to being able to contribute unique insights, experiences and networks."

Welcome to the Rainbow Foundation Aaron! 🏳️‍🌈

The Rainbow Foundation grants support to Rainbow Refugees. Applying for asylum in Sweden is a demanding process. Rainbow Refugees empowers and supports rainbow people who have fled persecution and discrimination in their home countries. They create meetings for social contexts and provide support before and through the asylum process. The Rainbow Foundation has granted support to Rainbow Refugees so that in 2024 they can continue to create these important meetings and be a pillar of support for rainbow people seeking protection in Sweden. The contribution will also go towards food, clothing and housing for those who are most vulnerable.