My Country Betrayed Me

Today, I learned that the Swedish Embassy hosted the Log Cabin Republicans—a group that has actively worked to dismantle the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people like me. And I can’t stay silent.

I’m the Vice President of SF Pride. I’ve dedicated over two decades of my life to the fight for democracy, equity, and human rights. I’ve stood on the front lines advocating for LGBTQ+ communities, for racial justice, for our freedom to live authentically and safely. But today, my heart is heavy. Because it was my own country—Sweden—that caused this pain.

People often ask me, “Why don’t you just move back to Sweden?” They assume it’s a liberal haven. What they don’t see is the deeply ingrained conservatism, the racism that tells people of color we don’t belong, and the transphobia woven into law and practice.

It was unlawful in Sweden to change the gender of your name. Trans people—like me—were required to undergo forced sterilization in order to access legal gender recognition. That law was only repealed recently, and even now, the path to medically necessary care remains long, difficult, and full of gatekeeping.

I love Sweden. I grew up there. It shaped me. It is, and always will be, a part of me. That’s why this betrayal cuts so deep.

I haven’t moved back because I want to live where I can access the healthcare I need. Because I want to be surrounded by community—people who understand me, see me, and stand with me. I want to be somewhere I don’t have to fight every day just to be treated as human.

After years of organizing, advocating, and showing up for others, I’m exhausted. And watching Sweden—the place I still call home—welcome those who work against us has left me heartbroken.

This is not just about politics. It’s about humanity. It’s about being told, yet again, that our lives and our dignity are negotiable.

Today, I speak not just for myself, but for all of us who are watching the places we love choose complicity over courage.

Maceo Persson (he/him)
Vice President, SF Pride

About San Francisco Pride

The San Francisco Pride Celebration Committee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to produce the SF Pride Celebration and Parade. The mission of the organization is to educate the world on LGBTQ+ issues, as well as commemorate the heritage, celebrate the culture and liberate the people of all LGBTQ+ communities. A world leader in the Pride movement, SF Pride is also a grant-giving organization through its Community Partners Program. Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $3 million dollars in proceeds to local non-profit LGBTQ+ organizations and organizations working on issues related to HIV/AIDS, cancer, homelessness, housing rights and animal welfare.