- As a gay man, I think RFSL does fantastic things.
But I had no idea that it was so expensive, I almost get a shock when I see what it costs, says Lars-Åke Wilhelmsson who a few weeks ago was named Gävle Pride as this year's Pride Ambassador.
Since 2016, following a majority decision in the regional council, parts of the region's operations have been LGBTQI-certified by RFSL, including Group management, the communications unit and the development department.
It is a training that for four half days teaches how to improve the work environment and treatment from an LGBTQI perspective.
Cost for 50 people: SEK 250,000
Certifying 50 people costs SEK 250,000.
So far, the region's bill has landed at SEK 2,119,000 and higher costs are waiting around the corner as the operations must be recertified every three years.
- Two million can sound like a lot, but this affects a lot of people, so it is definitely worth it, says regional councilor Fredrik Åberg-Jönsson (V) who is also chairman of the regional board's personnel committee.
What is included in the one that is not included in your equal treatment policy?
- It is clear that they go into each other, but the focus is on LGBTQI people.
Shouldn't it be obvious that they are also part of your policy?
- You might think so, but we really want to work with this group and increase understanding, so it is good that we have special efforts.
Lars-Åke Wilhelmsson does not agree.
- It would be better to spend that money on strengthening the equal treatment program and on someone who was more involved in each workplace, he says.