Gothenburg's West Pride kicks off with music, drag shows and trans rights anthem

West Pride, Sweden's second‑largest pride festival, is underway in Gothenburg. The event features the official anthem "Girls & Dolls" by Swedish artist Tone Sekelius, a song that celebrates all women and specifically highlights trans women.

The programme includes a parade through the city on 13 June, performances by Queen Kerstin, drag and burlesque shows led by Vanity Vain, folk‑inspired music sets, an 80s‑90s themed club night, a discussion with Ukrainian activists on LGBTQ+ rights in wartime, an official after‑party at Pustervik, quizzes, workshops, and screenings of two Romani‑focused LGBTQ+ short films.

Organisers emphasise the festival’s focus on visibility, solidarity and cultural celebration for the LGBTQ+ community across Sweden.