A new LGBT+ association in East Iceland aims to prevent isolation and create a sense of community among LGBT+ people living in Iceland’s countryside, GayIceland reports. Mother of four and lawyer Jódís Skúla decided to found the organisation, called Hinsegin Austurland, when she moved back to her hometown of Egilsstaðir following more than 20 years in Reykjavík.
”When I was growing up here in East Iceland there were no role models”, explains Jódís, when asked about how the organisation can help young LGBT+ people in the region. ”And I found myself so isolated that I chose to move to Reykjavik. I don’t want young people to ever experience the same feeling of loneliness. And even though times are different now we still need to stand together and protect the rights we have fought for and overcome still-existing injustice.”
The organisation’s inaugural meeting will be held today at 3.00pm at Hótel Valaskjálf in Eglisstaðir. The meeting will be followed by a drag competition and performances by members of Iceland’s LGBT+ community Haffi Haff and Páll Óskar.
Hinsegin Austurland plans on holding meetings for the LGBT+ community every two weeks, as well as offering educational workshops and pop-up events.
