The National Queer Organization, Samtokin '78, have awarded Reykjavik´s Mayor, Mr. Jón Gnarr, filmmaker Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir and the US Embassy The LGBT 2013 Human Rights Awards. The Human Rights Awards are given annually to individuals and Organization for their contribution to the humanitarian cause and outstanding work for the LGBT community in Iceland.
Mayor Jón Gnarr has been very outspoken about human rights and has been a strong supporter of LGBT people in Iceland and around the world. He has participated in Reykjavik Gay Pride in past years, submitted a proposal to end Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s stance on gay rights and recently he sent an official letter to the Vatican criticising their stand on gay rights.
Filmmaker Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir (Hrabba Gunnarsdottir) has worked as a director and director of photography on U.S. and Icelandic films. She has won several awards for her work including her film, "Straight Out" (Hrein og bein) which won the title Best Documentary film at the 2003 San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Hrafnhildur has been a strong advocator for LGBT rights and she was the Chairman of Iceland´s National Queer Ogranization, Samtökin '78 from 2005 to 2007. Currently Hrafnhildur is working on a documentary titled People Like That in her native Iceland about the civil rights struggle for gay rights.
The US Embassy in Reykjavík is a proud sponsor and supporter of Reykjavik Gay Pride advocating LBGT rights in Iceland and around the world. In 2011 employees of the US embassy showed up in Reykjavik Gay Pride parade for the first time and were well received. "I am delighted to once again extend my greetings to all the participants in Reykjavík Pride. The U.S. Embassy in Iceland is proud to return as a supporter of Reykjavík Pride, a festival that brings together individuals and families from around Iceland and around the world for a joyful celebration" says US Ambassador Arreaga in a message to the people of Reykajvik and all visitors to Reykjavik Gay Pride 2013.
Congratulations everyone and happy Gay Pride!
