On 30 October, Mona and Erwin woke up to the horrifying news that Skeiv Verden Vest had received a drastic cut in funding of NOK 126,000 in the proposal for Bergen Municipality's budget for 2025. The budget proposal was characterised by drastic cuts to cultural life, leisure activities for young people and schoolchildren, and grants for organisations that work with minorities, including the local chapter of Queer World in Bergen. The proposed cuts were supported by the city council's co-operation parties, which wanted an even more drastic cut of NOK 200,000. The cuts came completely unexpectedly - in recent years, Queer World West has worked hard to establish and maintain good cooperation and dialogue with politicians in Bergen municipality and has managed to achieve impressive work in recent years.
Since receiving its first grant from Bergen Municipality in 2018, Skeiv Verden Vest has managed to increase staffing to three employees, established a number of meeting places for queer people with a minority background run by enthusiastic volunteers, and grown to over 260 members. The local chapter is invited to hold courses on gender and sexuality diversity as part of the introductory programme for refugees or students in health sciences, and works closely with other queer and voluntary organisations and municipal services. Skeiv Verden Vest's employees are an important source of support for its members, who face various challenges in their dealings with NAV, the healthcare system, Norwegian society and, not least, personal challenges such as heartbreak and other concerns. A cut of NOK 126,000 will have serious consequences for the local organisation's initiatives, which are already under pressure due to inflation and price increases.
This is not just about a subsidy, but about ensuring an inclusive community for people who need support and fellowship.
But Queer World West would have none of it! Thanks to a powerful mobilisation with the support of local queer organisations and close dialogue with various political parties, Queer World West managed to turn around a potential threat to the organisation's important work that this drastic cut in funding would have meant.
Mona and Erwin are delighted that Bergen Municipality recognises the valuable work the local team does for queer people with a minority background "This is not just about a grant, but about ensuring an inclusive community for people who need support and companionship," says Mona, advisor at Queer World West. The win demonstrates the importance of sustained collaboration and clear communication between voluntary organisations and local authorities.
