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Welcome to the official site of Artist, Activist, Director, Songwriter, Producer, Filmmaker and Author Petter Wallenberg. Information and updates from all of Petter's artistic and humanitarian projects can be viewed here, including Rainbow Riots, House of Wallenberg, and Bland drakar och dragqueens. See below for the latest updates from Petter's creative outputs. |
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News
17 May: Happy IDAHOT Day!
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Happy International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2020!
3 years ago me and my organization Rainbow Riots released the single "Equal Rights" as part of an official campaign for the United Nations' Global Goals For Sustainable Development! "Equal Rights" is composed and produced by me and on the mic is Jamaican rapper and activist Mista Majah P. The message is clear - equal rights for LGBT people globally now! |
3 April: TV4 inslag om vår coronainsats!
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”Drag queens lär barnen tvätta händerna”
TV4 gjorde ett inslag om mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens och vår insats under coronakrisen. I dessa sjukdomstider är det jätteviktigt att tvätta händerna ordentligt. För att de ska bli riktigt rena ska tvättningen ta ungefär lika lång tid som det tar att sjunga sången Blinka lilla stjärna. När vår sagodrottning Tant Henrik kom till Örebro visade de duktiga barnen hur det ska gå till! ❤️ Se klippet här: |
17 Mars: Stadsbiblioteket avbokat!
På grund av krisläget med Corona just nu räknar vi med att flera av mitt projekt "Bland drakar och dragqueens" inplanerade sagostunder den närmaste tiden kommer bli inställda. Vi kommer att gå ut med senaste nytt allteftersom för att hålla er underrättade.
Tidigare idag fick vi beskedet att Stockholms Stadsbibliotek har ställt in samtliga program fram till 30 april. Vi kommer alltså inte kunna göra våra sagostunder som planerat där den 29:e mars. 😢😢
Det är såklart tråkigt men kanske inte helt oväntat just nu. Det viktigaste är att tills vidare följa riktlinjerna. Men för alla som planerat att komma på sagostunderna så kommer möjligheten åter, eftersom vi planerar att skjuta fram programmet till i höst. Vi återkommer med datum när allt lugnat sig.
Ta hand om varandra! ❤️❤️❤️
Tidigare idag fick vi beskedet att Stockholms Stadsbibliotek har ställt in samtliga program fram till 30 april. Vi kommer alltså inte kunna göra våra sagostunder som planerat där den 29:e mars. 😢😢
Det är såklart tråkigt men kanske inte helt oväntat just nu. Det viktigaste är att tills vidare följa riktlinjerna. Men för alla som planerat att komma på sagostunderna så kommer möjligheten åter, eftersom vi planerar att skjuta fram programmet till i höst. Vi återkommer med datum när allt lugnat sig.
Ta hand om varandra! ❤️❤️❤️
2 mars: Bland drakar och dragqueens i Stockholm!
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Sista söndagen i mars kommer mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens stora Sverigeturné hem till huvudstaden och platsen där vi först började - Stadsbiblioteket Stockholm! Dagen till ära blir det inte bara en sagodrottning utan två och dessutom hela fyra sagostunder. Det blir en heldag av färgsprakande sagor, glitter och magi!
Skynda er att boka plats innan de ryker! Bokning görs direkt via bibliotekets hemsida: |
12 feb: Gay bar supports my work in Uganda!
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The fabulous Stockholm gay bar Side Track created special Rainbow Riots themed cocktails and donated part of the proceeds to my organisation Rainbow Riots and our work in Uganda! Thank you so much!
💓 Sweden's biggest gay site QX wrote about it (in Swedish): "I ett halvårs tid har gaybaren Side Track sålt specialdrinkar där del av intäkterna skänkts till den svenska hbt-organisationen Rainbow Riots. Sammanlagt har baren fått ihop 4610 kronor, vilket under pompa och ståt lämnades över i slitet av januari. Donationen ska gå till det uppmärksammade hbt-center som Rainbow Riots nyligen etablerat i Uganda, berättar Rainbow Riots Petter Wallenberg. – Landet är ökänt som ett av världens farligaste länder för hbt-personer, där det är olagligt att vara gay och lever i ständig rädsla. För att hjälpa dem har Rainbow Riots etablerat ett hbt-community center i Kampala. – Vårt center i Uganda är en säker plats där hbt-personer kan vara sig själva. Precis som i en gaybar, vilket inte får finnas där. Det är därför med glädje som vi välkomnat detta fantastiska intiativ från Side Track. Denna insamling kommer hjälpa oss i vårt arbete med att hjälpa utsatta ugandiska hbt-personer. Det är väldigt uppskattat. Vi vill tacka Side Track och alla dess gäster som stöttat initiativet genom att köpa drinkarna!" Read here: |
7 Feb: Jag är med i Stil i P1!
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Jag medverkar i det senaste avsnittet av det ikoniska radioprogrammet Stil i P1. Jag pratar om dragshow ur olika perspektiv, historiskt, ute i världen och om mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens där svenska dragqueens läser sagor för barn.
Lyssna här: |
14 jan: Bland drakar och dragqueens svensk vårturné 2020!
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Mitt projekt ”Bland drakar och dragqueens” där svenska dragartister läser sagor för barn går från styrka till styrka. Nu ger vi oss ut på vårturné över hela landet, från Rosengård i söder till Nordmaling i norr, och här nedan finner ni alla datum!
Om du inte ser din stad på listan så får du gärna kontakta ditt lokala bibliotek eller annan valfri lokal och be dem kontakta oss! SVERIGETURNÉ VÅR 2020 JANUARI 24/1 – Akalla Grundskola, Stockholm FEBRUARI 2/2 – Kumla bibliotek 6/2 – Vaggeryds bibliotek 7/2 – Värnamo stadsbibliotek 8/2 – Ljungby bibliotek 14/2 – Nordmalings bibliotek 18/2 – Kulturhuset Multeum, Strängnäs 18/2 – Mariefreds bibliotek MARS 21/3 – Rimbo bibliotek 25/3 – Rosengårdsskolan, Malmö 29/3 – Stockholms stadsbibliotek APRIL 4/4 – Östhammars stadsbibliotek 18/4 – Södertälje stadsbibliotek Arrangeras med stöd från Kulturrådet |
23 Dec: Nomination for award!
I have been nominated for an award at Sweden's largest LGBT awards ceremony QX Gaygalan!! The category is "Keep up the good work" 💥🎉
You can vote for me here:
You can vote for me here:
15 nov: QX skriver om vårt community center i Uganda!
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"Hbtq-personer i Uganda lever under ständigt hot och senast i lördags arresterades 100 personer i en homofobisk polisrazzia i Kampala. Nu har svensken Petter Wallenberg öppnat ett centrum i landet där hbtq-personer kan finna trygghet."
Sveriges största gay-tidning QX skriver om community centret som jag och min organisation Rainbow Riots öppnat i Uganda. Läs här: |
We have opened Uganda's first LGBT community centre!
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I am so proud to announce one of the most important projects I have ever created. Me and my organisation Rainbow Riots have succeed with something that seemed impossible - we have opened Uganda's first LGBTQ community centre!
In Uganda it’s illegal to be gay. LGBT people risk being arrested or becoming victims of violence. There is no safe space. As a gay man you are considered a devil, and enemy of society. Since I started working in Uganda I have received death threats and hate mail regularly trying to stop me. This is just a small part of the danger Ugandan LGBT people face daily. In 2016 me and my Ugandan friends were held hostage at gunpoint as the police stormed in and raided Pride Uganda. We didn't know if we were gonna life or die. I decided there and then that I wanted to keep fighting for a change. After a long time of preparations and with the help from global organization All Out and from donations from private individuals around the world, we have finally succeeded in opening Uganda's first LGBT community centre. The centre is a safe space to welcome the Ugandan LGBT community. It also offers advice and a diverse range of recreation programmes and services including arts, cultural activities and community gatherings. I want everyone around the world to help us fight against the horrific injustice against LGBT people in Uganda. By supporting this centre you can take a stand for every human’s right to equality and love. Here is a short documentary I have made about our community centre. If you want to donate towards please do so here. |
10 oct: "Sveriges mest älskade alternativa queerklubb är tillbaka!"
"Sveriges mest älskade alternativa queerklubb är tillbaka!"
Tack Allt om Stockholm. Vi ses imorgon (fredag) från kl 20 på min klubb Mums Mums på Bar Brooklyn i Stockholm!
Mer info här:
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Tack Allt om Stockholm. Vi ses imorgon (fredag) från kl 20 på min klubb Mums Mums på Bar Brooklyn i Stockholm!
Mer info här:
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8 Oct: Qweerist interview!
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I was interviewed by Qweerist about the story behind my latest Rainbow Riots project in India. Read here:
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17 Sep: My song celebrates freedom in India!
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Last week an event was held in Mumbai to celebrate the one year anniversary of India’s decriminalization of same-sex love. India’s first transgender dance group Dancing Queens performed our song ”Freedom” that our Swedish founder Petter Wallenberg made with our LGBT collaborators in Uganda.
This display of unity shows that we are all connected to our LGBT brothers and sisters around the world. As the lyrics to ”Freedom” say: ”We’re beautiful, phenomenal. Nobody gonna stop our love.” ❤️❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈 |
6 Sep: My collaboration with India's first queer rapper!
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Today is the First Independence Day for Indian LGBT people as it marks the one year anniversary since the law against same-sex relations was abolished in India. To celebrate this I'm launching the final release from my album Rainbow Riots India featuring India’s first openly LGBT singers!
The track is called “Tropical Queen” and it is a collaboration between me, Indian DJ Bombay Base and India’s first queer rapper Tropical Marca! It's been so much working with Marca, who has become a good friend in the process. We had a blast mixing Indian instruments with rap and elctronic sounds. Check out the tropical themed music video filmed in Bombay. It even has underwater scenes. :) |
30 Aug: Min klubb kommer tillbaka!
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Goda nyheter: Stockholmsnatten är räddad! Den 11:e oktober kommer min nattklubb Mums Mums tillbaka!
Jag har i flera år varit upptagen med mina andra projekt och tänkt att min tid som klubbdiva är slut. Men jag ger nu efter för påtryckningar. ;) Många har saknat den helt mixade fristad som Mums Mums utgör. Nu i höst när många av Stockholms gayställen stänger känns därför tiden mogen. Med start den 11:e oktober kommer Mums Mums tillbaka som ”pop up”-klubb i Bar Brooklyn en gång i halvåret! På Mums Mums samlas den finaste blandningen av könsöverskridare, klubbkids, kulturmaffia och alla som älskar konstnärlig dragshow och experimentell queerkultur. Mums Mums är queer men öppet för alla! Mums Mums är också den enda klubben i Sverige som spelar klassisk piano house från tiden när housemusiken var svart, gay och trodde på fred på jorden! På premiären den 11:e oktober uppträder Mums Mums legendariska dragsångerska Pianotransan och hennes kör The Pips med live-tolkningar av ikoniska James Bond-låtar från Shirley Bassey till Gladys Knight! Senare på kvällen blir det mer barnförbjuden underhållning med Mums Mums legendariska stjärna Discokuken som introducerar nya stjärnskottet Disco Butt i en striptease i gränslandet mellan performance art och pure trash! Peace, love and piano house! LIVE: Pianotransan & The Pips Discokuken & Disco Butt DJ:s: Petter Wallenberg Carnita Molida och Shade Bornbitter Lucky Slut Bonita VÄRDINNA: Inga Tvivel Mer info här: |
20 Aug: My collaboration with India's first LGBT choir!
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Check out this little video I have made about my musical collaboration with India’s first LGBT choir. 🌈🌈
It’s not just a story about the making of our music, but about the lives affected on the journey from when same-sex love was a crime to a new India where everyone is free to love! View here: |
11 Aug: Underklädesbart!
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”Naket, svettigt och underklädesbart!”
QX rapporterar från mitt årliga party 'Underklädesfesten' förra veckan. Läs här: |
6 Aug: Sweden's biggest gay magazine calls our show 'historic'!
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"Historic performance at Stockholm Pride: "It's like experiencing Stonewall.
This weekend Petter Wallenberg's Rainbow Riots India performed at Stockholm Pride. Their performance will be historic as the first time Indian performers performed at an International Pride." Thank you Sweden's biggest gay magazine QX for this wonderful article about our performance at Stockholm Pride! Read here: |
3 Aug: Sweden's biggest news show!
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Thank you so much Sweden's biggest news show TV4 Nyheterna for making this wonderful feature about my new project Rainbow Riots India and calling our show tonight at Stockholm Pride "historic". Watch here:
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2 Aug: Seminar today!
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Today at 12 me and my Indian collaborators are doing a seminar about our project at Pride House. Come down and hear India's LGBT pioneers talk about life after decriminalization of same-ex love in the worlds largest democracy! More info here:
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31 July: Sweden's biggest tabloid!
"För nio månader sedan var de olagliga. Nu besöker Indiens främsta hbtq-pionjärer Stockholm Pride.
I julisolen strålar Tropical Marca, Indiens första queer-rappare, med sina metallsmycken och Dancing Queens, Indiens första transsexuella dansgrupp, exploderar av färger och vackra tyger. De är pionjärer; Indiens just nu hetaste hbtq-profiler och alla vittnen till en lång kamp för acceptans.
Situationen lockade svenska musikern Petter Wallenberg som med sitt musikprojekt för mänskliga rättigheter, Rainbow Riots, tidigare gjort aktioner med lokala profiler i några av världens farligaste länder för hbtq-personer: Uganda, Malawi, Sydafrika och Jamaica.
– Jag kände, ”hej, vi är fortfarande olagliga i världens största demokrati”, så jag åkte dit, som en då kriminell gayman, och började göra protestmusik med de här fantastiska drottningarna."
Sweden's biggest tabloid Aftonbladet interviewed me and my Indian music collaborators and it looks pretty fab!
Read and see web TV feature here:
I julisolen strålar Tropical Marca, Indiens första queer-rappare, med sina metallsmycken och Dancing Queens, Indiens första transsexuella dansgrupp, exploderar av färger och vackra tyger. De är pionjärer; Indiens just nu hetaste hbtq-profiler och alla vittnen till en lång kamp för acceptans.
Situationen lockade svenska musikern Petter Wallenberg som med sitt musikprojekt för mänskliga rättigheter, Rainbow Riots, tidigare gjort aktioner med lokala profiler i några av världens farligaste länder för hbtq-personer: Uganda, Malawi, Sydafrika och Jamaica.
– Jag kände, ”hej, vi är fortfarande olagliga i världens största demokrati”, så jag åkte dit, som en då kriminell gayman, och började göra protestmusik med de här fantastiska drottningarna."
Sweden's biggest tabloid Aftonbladet interviewed me and my Indian music collaborators and it looks pretty fab!
Read and see web TV feature here:
26 July: My new song and video!
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I'm so proud to present mine and Rainbow Riots new single and video ”I’m Coming Out” featuring India’s first gay celebrity Sushant Divgikar and India’s first LGBT choir Rainbow Voices Mumbai!
”I’m Coming Out” is a a soulful disco anthem that mixes gospel and sitars in celebration of the new freedom for LGBT people in India. I also directed the music video, which smashes steretypes and breaks taboos by showing Sushant as his drag avatar Rani Ko-HE-Nur, male dancers in high heels and same sex couples embracing - all outside on the streets of Mumbai. This is queer love ”coming out” publicly which would have been a crime in India less than a year ago! View here: |
23 July: My concert LIVE at Stockholm Pride!
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The news is out! My new project Rainbow Riots India will premiere LIVE at Stockholm Pride 2019!
Saturday 3 August at 20:30: I invite my Indian collaborators to Sweden and together we will perform the music from our collaboration Rainbow Riots India LIVE on the main stage at Stockholm Pride! This will be the first time that Indian singers and dancers have ever headlined an international Pride stage! You also have the chance to hear me and the group discuss the project during a seminar in Pride House on Friday 2 August at 12:00 PM |
12 July: Download my new album for free!
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This year marks the 50 year anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which was the start of the modern LGBT movement. My new project for my organisation Rainbow Riots is part of the Stonewall of our time, In India - where same sex love has just been legalized after more than 150 years of criminalization!
To celebrate this, for a limited time I am giving away free downloads of my new album "Rainbow Riots India" that I have written and produced in collaboration with India's first openly LGBTQ singers! Download for free here: |
10 July: "Swedish music sensation"!
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"For those who found his single 'Legendary' featuring Leila K quite Interesting, Petter Wallenberg needs no introduction. The Swedish music sensation, song writer, producer, author and activist Petter Wallenberg was in the city of Mumbai recently. 'Love is Love', his recent outing, is not just a single for the man. It’s symbolic of a glimmer of hope for the LGBTQ community in India.
In his exclusive chat with LatestLY Petter talked about Bollywood music, his favourite Mithu Da numbers (Yes, he is pretty old school even in terms of getting his beats right) and is fond of Indian cuisine. He even crooned his favourite Bollywood track in this video and explained why he loves Mumbai, the city that he now knows like his own backyard!" I loved doing this interview with Indian Latestly. Check it out here: |
24 June: Gay Times Magazine!
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“With this album I wanted to create something completely new, and mix my musical roots of Western club music, rap, pop and soul with Bollywood sounds and classical indian influences,” explained Wallenberg.
“I wanted to break new ground and smash stereotypes, to widen musical landscapes, expand horizons and open minds.” Thank you Gay Times Magazine! Read the full article here: |
23 June: Underwear Party!
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Every year during Stockholm Pride I throw my famous Underwear Party!
Since 2008 it's the only party of its kind in the world. It's a magical place where people of all nationalities, gender identities, sexualities, body types and ages all dance half naked together to the best uplifting soulful disco music. The concept is simple - when people take off their clothes, they take off their attitude. 💓 This years Underwear Party is on Thursday August 1'st. I'll see you all there! More info: |
17 June: Big Indian newspaper DNA!
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"As a gay man, you are constantly seen as less of a human. But this won’t stop me. I hope my work with Rainbow Riots shows people that we are all connected, across every border. We can fight hatred with creativity and by sticking together. Sometimes we move mountains simply by daring to be who we are."
I was interviewed by huge Indian newspaper DNA India about my new Rainbow Riots album "Rainbow Riots India" featuring India's first openly LGBT singers! Read the full article here: |
14 June: My new album "Rainbow Riots India" out today!
11 June: My new song + short film!
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I am really proud to announce the latest music video/short documentary that I have directed. I wanted to mix music, documentary, performing arts and social commentary. It's been filmed over the last couple of years in Bombay, India, as part of my new project "Rainbow Riots India".
The music is my new song ‘Never Look Back’ - a disco anthem celebrating a world where people are free to be who they are, which I've made in collaboration with India’s first openly lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi. The music video is also a short documentary film about one of the dancers in the project, Paras, a member of Dancing Queens, India's first transgender dance group. Paras is from the Hijra community - the Indian transgenders who have long been believed to have divine powers yet are still marginalized. In the film we follow Paras on her journey from the slums of Mumbai, overcoming sex work and begging - to becoming the first transgender person in India to get a job in a bank. As Paras says: ”India is changing.” My album "Rainbow Riots India" is released worldwide on June 14th. |
3 June: Interview in big Indian newspaper!
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”Petter Wallenberg’s connection with India goes way beyond music. It is more a case of identity and respect”
Thank you big Indian newspaper Indulge - The New Indian Express for this big interview with me! God know how many millions of people this will reach... :) Read the full interview here: 😮😮😃 |
25 May: Bland drakar och dragqueens ute i landet!
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Igår besökte mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens Regnbågshelgen i Hästholmens bygdegård i Ödeshög. Det blev så lyckat! Alla barnen var väldigt nöjda med att ha sjungit, dansat och läst tillsammans med vår fina sagodrottning Robert Fux. En flicka sa: "Det fina är att man kan glittra på kläderna, i ögonen eller i hjärtat" ❤️
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21 May: GAFFA!
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"Arbetet har i bland varit farligt. I Uganda är det ju olagligt att vara gay och det brukar kallas "världens mest homofoba land." 2016 hölls jag och mina ugandiska samarbetspartners som gisslan i två timmar under en våldsam polisräd av Pride Uganda. Det var fruktansvärt, men samtidigt så sporras man att kämpa vidare. Det finns så mycket kvar att göra. Så efter det förra musikalbumet var jag redo för att ta mig an ett nytt land."
Tack GAFFA för intervjun! Läs hela här: |
13 May: Talare på Sergels Torg!
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I söndags höll jag tal på Sergels Torg i Stockholm under demonstrationen Rädda biblioteken! Jag berättade om bakgrunden till mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens och vår sagodrottning Inga Tvivel höll i sagostund där hela "Plattan" var med. Vår första mass-sagostund på offentlig plats!
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10 May: Mashable India!
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”The song is a mix of Hindi and English vocals with kickass rap chorus’ too (what!). The single is just filled with so many cool moments. We are majorly crushing on the bold voices in the track, the colourful video and the wholesome vibes.”
Thank you Mashable India for love bombing my new single and video "Love At First Right" featuring India's first openly lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi! Read the full article here: |
8 May: Attitude magazine!
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Thank you Attitude Magazine for premiering my new song and music video "Love At First Right" that I have created with India's first openly lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi!
See article here: |
3 May: My new music video!
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This has been such an amazing journey, let me share it with you!
I am really proud to announce the new music video I have directed for my new single "Love At First Right" featuring India's first openly lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi. It is the second single from my forthcoming album ”Rainbow Riots India” released through my organisation Rainbow Riots. I went to India to fight for equality through music and arts and to work with the countrys first openly queer singers. The defining moment of this project was when homosexuality was decriminalized in India. We all became part of a big revolution. My idea behind this video was to explore how I could tell this story through a mix of a documentary filming, performing arts and advocacy. I wanted to both create awareness and capture joy and resilience. There is still much more to be done. As the message of the song says: ”don’t give up the fight.” We filmed this video on the streets of Bombay, ’guerilla style’ running from location to location performing the song, hoping no one would stop us. The crescendo of the video shows The Yaariyan LGBT flashmob, a group of young Indian LGBT people who created a dance flashmob to our song in the street! It was amazing! Just a short few months earlier, same-sex love was illegal in India, so this manifest of daring to be yourself really is revolutionary. I feel proud to have created the musical backdrop to this revolution! I hope you enjoy it! |
3 May: My new single out today!
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Out May 3, My brand new song and video ‘Love At First Right' is released through my organisation Rainbow Riots and features India’s first openly lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi. The track is the second release from my forthcoming album ‘Rainbow Riots India'.
‘Love At First Right’ is a fusion of Western pop, dance, rap and Indian sounds and instruments. The lyrics are both in Hindi and English and convey a powerful message of the ongoing fight for equal rights. The single release also includes a club remix by London DJ Silverhook. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4tZclpb2EF1GXPbD52OxkK iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/love-at-first-right-feat-pragya-pallavi-single/1459415827 |
29 April: Gay Star News!
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Decriminalizing gay sex in India is “Stonewall of our time”, says Petter Wallenberg“
Thank you British gay site Gay Star News for this great interview with me about my new Rainbow Riots music and advocacy project which is already taking India by storm! Read here: |
27 april: Bollywood media!
Wow! When I created my new Rainbow Riots project in India I was inspired Bollywood but I didn’t dare to dream that it would be make an impression on the legendary Indian creative industry. But that’s just what’s happened as important Indian Bollywood media outlet BollywoodFlash hailed my new single ”Love is Love” featuring India’s first openly gay singer, as ”India’s first Pride anthem” and called my forthcoming album ”Rainbow Riots India” ’groundbreaking’! Yay! 🎉🎉🎉
24 April: Sweden's biggest morning TV show!
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This morning Sweden’s biggest morning TV show featured iconic music journalist Fredrik Strage who championed my new single and video ”Love is Love” from my new Rainbow Riots album featuring Indian LGBT singers.
The track features India's first openly gay singer Sushant Divgikar and has been hailed as India’s first Pride anthem. The video that I directed for it was filmed at India’s historic first legal Pride parade. Remember, it’s less than a year ago that same-sex relations became legal in India! I’m very proud and glad this project is receiving so much support. 💜 Watch the TV segment here: |
20 April: Interview in Indian newspaper!
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I look like I'm channeling Stevie Wonder in this photo! 😂
Big thanks to Indian newspaper MiD DAY! You can read the interview with me here: |
18 April: Climbing the chart!
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Wow! My latest single ”Love is Love” is climber of the week at UK’s LGBTQ Music Chart! ”Love is Love” is released through my organisation Rainbow Riots and features India’s first openly gay singer Sushant Divgikar and is available on iTunes, Spotify etc worldwide. You can vote for it to rise up the chart here: |
12 April: Rave review in India!
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Omg I am so overjoyed!
My new song and video ”Love is Love” with my organization Rainbow Riots and Indian singer Sushant Divgikr just received the most amazing review ever! An Indian newspaper wrote that it is ”a piece of art”, ”the first if its kind ever” and ”another step toward complete freedom for the LGBTQ community.” This is such a wonderful proof that my whole purpose of creating music as advocacy works! I am so grateful to Telangana Today for showing so much love to our new single and video. They wrote: "The Pride Anthem “Love is Love” is out, and, for India, it is the first-of-its-kind track ever. India made a big stride forward with the striking down of the part of Article 377 of the Constitution that criminalises homosexuality, and this anthem is another step toward complete freedom for people of the LGBTQ community. The actual song focuses on the theme ‘love is love’, as the name suggests, and conveys that love is the same, no matter your sexuality and that everyone needs someone to love. The video shows the parade in Mumbai and the masses of people celebrating. The anthem is the first song in the album that Wallenberg is making and is a piece of art that is filled with motion and love.” Read article here: |
10 April: Intervju i QX!
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Tack QX för intervjun!
"För några år sedan bestämde sig Petter Wallenberg för att kämpa mot förtrycket av hbtq-personer i världen. Han grundade organisationen Rainbow Riots, som med hjälp av kreativitet ger en röst till utsatta queers. Petter har bland annat varit verksam i Uganda, men har nu tagit sig an ett nytt land. De senaste två åren har han varit i Indien där han bland annat producerat Indiens första officiella Pridelåt, ”Love is Love”. Varför just Indien? – Indien kändes spännande. Det är ju världens största demokrati, men ändå var samkönade relationer olagliga när jag kom dit för snart två år sedan. Jag bestämde mig för att göra ett musikalbum med queera indiska sångare och dansare, som en protest. – I höstas upphävdes den indiska lagen mot homosexualitet, efter mer än 150 år! I februari hölls Indiens första lagliga Pride, och jag var inbjuden att hålla tal. Det var en fantastisk ära att få vara del av en historisk milstolpe. Vår tids Stonewall. På den här singeln är Sushant Divgikar med, Indiens första öppna gay-kändis och drag. Finns det några risker för Sushant att ställa upp och vara med på sånt här? – Sushant är ett stort namn i Indien, som medverkar i tv-shower och i nattklubbssvängen. Han är en välkänd artist så det är inte farligt för honom att synas offentligt, utan mer som när Christer Lindarw slog igenom i Sverige på 70-talet – den första drag-kändisen i ett kontext där det förfarande är tabu att vara gay bland gemene man. I videon till ”Love is Love” medverkar också Dancing Queens, Indiens första dansgrupp som helt och hållet består av transpersoner. Transkvinnor i Indien, hijras, anses ha övernaturliga krafter. Men på grund av rädsla och fördomar är de ofta utsatta och tvingas till tiggeri eller sexarbete. ”Love is Love” låter om en titel på en klassisk officiell pridelåt, vilket den även redan har kallats av många i Indien. Vad mer kan vi förvänta oss från albumet, är det Pride hela vägen? – När avkriminaliseringen skedde i Indien var det som att locket åkte av. Hbt är ett superhett ämne nu och alla indiska medier är jätteintresserade av frågan. Det här musikprojektet har blivit soundet av Indiens regnbågsrevolution. – Albumet har flera pridevänliga låtar, men en hel del annat också. Det är en blandning av västerländsk och indisk musik. Disco-, pop-, soul-, rapmusik möter indisk klassik musik, med sång på både engelska och hindi. Det rymmer både kamp, sorg och glädje. Vi kan alla känna igen oss i hur ont det gör att inte bli accepterad för den man är. Det spelar ingen roll om man är från Bombay eller Borås – vi finns överallt, i alla kulturer." Läs intervjun här: |
6 April: Amazing review in India!
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Wow! My new single and video "Love is Love" received a fantastic review in Indian magazine AskMen India!
"We would say it’s the perfect song that evokes strong emotions of the struggle, love, and liberation of queer lives. The underlying language of gender and sexual identities has been perfectly portrayed in a pompous manner. It’s really impressive to see something so refreshingly new with a great message about boundary-less love. Our verdict? Well, it was the need of the hour. And we people need to accept the LGBTQ community in India as our own. This song will not only raise our hope for a better India, but also believe in a beautiful country that accepts people for who they are." Read here: |
Mar 3: My new music video + single!
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Today I proudly announce the video and first single ”Love is Love” from my forthcoming album ”Rainbow Riots India.” ”Love is Love” is my collaboration with India's first openly gay celebrity and drag queen, Sushant Divgikar. The song celebrates the new freedom for LGBT people in India and has already been hailed as ”India's first Pride Anthem”!
I first came to India nearly two years ago, and when I arrived, as a gay man - I was a criminal. I had a determination to create music and direct music videos with India’s first openly gay, lesbian and trans singers and dancers. Along the way I ended up in the heart of a revolution. In September 2018, the controversial British colonial law ‘Section 377’ that criminalized homosexuality was abolished and after over 157 years, all Indians are now free to love. This is the biggest victory for human rights in our time. I wanted this back story to be part of the music video I directed for ”Love is Love.” We filmed the video at India’s first legally recognized Pride in February 2019. I was invited as one of the speakers, which was one of the most amazing moments of this project. So many people came out into the street and showed that they were no longer afraid to show who they were. You could feel the wind of change in the air. The video also features Dancing Queens, India’s first transgender dance group. I wanted to break down barriers and make a video that is like a big rainbow coloured Indian wedding. A wedding is the ultimate manifestation of love, and something LGBT people have long been excluded from. But this is a wedding where everyone’s invited. As the song’s message says - love is love. Ultimately we are all human beings. And like all humans - we need love. And love always wins. "Love is Love" is released through my organization Rainbow Riots and is out on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify and all major platforms worldwide. |
2 April: My new single out today!
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Out April 2nd: The first single from my forthcoming album "Rainbow Riots India": Petter Wallenberg & Rainbow Riots – ‘Love is Love’ feat. Sushant Divgikar.
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/1iNosqlli7YMDrsFRRoQy7 ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/love-is-love-feat-sushant-divgikar-single/1456316371 The international LGBTQ organisation Rainbow Riots’ founder, Swedish musician and activist Petter Wallenberg has been in Mumbai for nearly two years, collaborating with India's first openly gay, trans and lesbian singers and dancers. The result is upcoming music and activist project ‘Rainbow Riots India’. The first single Petter Wallenberg & Rainbow Riots - ’Love is Love’ (feat. Sushant Divgikar) is released April 2. The accompanying video was shot onsite at India’s first legally recognised Pride in February 2019 and also stars India’s first transgender dance group Dancing Queens. |
28 Mar: Media support in India!
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"You can’t hide freedom from people anymore. Sooner or later they will stand up for their rights."
I'm overjoyed that my new music and film project is getting so much media support in India! Thank you Mashable India for this big feature on me and India's first gay celebrity drag queen Sushant Divgikar. In this interview we talk about our musical collaboration on the new single "Love is Love" - already hailed as "India's first pride anthem". Read the interview to find the story behind it here: |
27 Mar: My new video teaser!
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Love who you are, love who you want, love is equal, LOVE IS LOVE!
I have teamed up with India’s first openly gay celebrity and drag queen Sushant Divgikar AKA Rani Ku-He-Nur and created India’s first Pride anthem ”Love is Love”! Here is a sneak preview of the music video which I have directed for it which also features India’s first transgender dance group Dancing Queens! Released worldwide by my organisation Rainbow Riots on April 2nd! |
26 Mar: My new single art work!
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Today I proudly announce the first look at the artwork for the forthcoming single ”Love is Love" that I have composed and produced featuring India’s first openly gay celebrity drag queen Sushant Divgikar AKA Rani Ko-He-Nur.
It's already been hailed as "India's first Pride Anthem" by Indian media! Out worldwide April 2nd! Photo: Johannes Helje Make up: Adam Spjuth Graphic design: Johan Mauritzson |
25 Mar: Rainbow Riots India!
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I am very proud to finally announce my new Rainbow Riots project!
For nearly two years, I have been in Mumbai, India writing and producing music with India's first openly gay, lesbian and trans singers, rappers and dancers. The result is the upcoming music album and advocacy project "Rainbow Riots India"! When I first arrived in India nearly two years ago, as a gay man - I was a criminal. But soon I was part of a revolution, right at the heart of the biggest victory for equality in our time. During the making of this album, the controversial British colonial law Section 377 that criminalized homosexuality was abolished in India. After over 157 years, all Indians are now free to love! This isn’t just music - it’s the sound of India’s rainbow revolution. On April 2, the first single titled ‘Love is Love’ is released. ‘Love Is Love’ has already been hailed by Indian media as the country’s first ever pride anthem, and is composed and produced by me, featuring India’s first openly gay celebrity and drag queen, Sushant Divgikar AKA Rani Kohinoor. “The single ‘Love is Love’ speaks about equal love about being true to one’s authentic self”, Sushant Divgikar said. “This track is very close to my heart and spreads the message that love always wins. This is a great time for this to be introduced to the world and a new India that finally allows people to love freely and without fear.” Petter Wallenberg & Rainbow Riots – ‘Love is Love’ feat. Sushant Divgikar will be out on iTunes, Spotify and all major digital platforms worldwide on April 2nd. The album ‘Rainbow Riots India’ will follow later this year. Photo: Johannes Helje |
13 March: Tribute from Brazil!
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The activist art project I have created, Rainbow Riots, has received a wonderful tribute from Brazil!
Brazil has one of the world’s highest rates of murders of LGBTQ people. Inspired by Rainbow Riots, this group of black Brazilian LGBTQ artists and dancers called Afrobapho gathered to fight homophobia with creativity. The group recorded their own video to my song "Freedom” in Brazil and added their own spoken word intro in Portuguese. They sent us a message: ”This video was inspired by your work. We hope you enjoy this homage from our LGBTQ group in Brazil.” The song ”Freedom” is written and produced by me and I also directed the original music video with the LGBTQ community in Uganda. Check out this wonderful Brazilian tribute! |
5 March: Amongst dragons and drag queens!
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I never thought I’d be making children’s entertainment but here I am. This is me with the cast of drag queens in my production Bland drakar och dragqueens (”Among dragons and drag queens”). Since 2017 we have toured libraries, kindergartens and theatres in Sweden, where the queens read stories to children.
Working with kids is amazing - anything can, and does, happen. But not a single one of the kids ever has a problem with the storytellers being in drag. They just appreciate the stories. Kids understand the magic of dressing up and playing with different personae and gender roles. They don’t judge - until grown ups teach them to. A month back, one of our shows was interrupted by a nazi, who was angry at children being exposed to drag queens. We didn’t let that stop the show, and our brave performer Henrik Johansson soldiered on, handing out glitter to any child that wanted it. We won’t let the haters win. This project is about showing kids that they are free to be what they want to be. As one of the little girls in the audience told our story teller: ”Since you’re allowed to become a princess, I am allowed to become a unicorn. I understand that now." Photo: Peter Knutson |
22 Feb: QX magazine!
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Here is a photo of when I held a speech in front of the crowd at India's first legal Pride parade in Bombay.
Swedish LGBT magazine QX wrote about Bombay Pride and all the activities that I and my project Rainbow Riots collaborated on, including a dance flashmob with young Indian LGBT people and a concert with India's first LGBT choir. More pics in the article here: |
18 Feb: Norrlandsturné!
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Min produktion Bland drakar och dragqueens avslutade vår lilla norrlandsturné med en magisk sagostund i ett fullsatt Skellefteå Stadsbibliotek i lördags.
Som avslutning gav vår sagodrottning Carnita Molida varje barn en hjärtformad magisk önskesten. Med hjälp av stenen fick barnen önska sig vad de ville, utan att avslöja sin önskan. Alla barn sprang fram och valde varsin sten, även de som först varit lite blyga. Flera ställde sig i ett hörn, tryckte stenen mot bröstet och viskade sin önskan. En liten pojke kunde dock inte hålla sig utan skrek ut sin önskan: att bli en av de tecknade figurerna i ”Turtles”. Tack Norrland! ❤️ |
13 Feb: My new single and music video!
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"We are different, but love is love and it is no different."
Those words mean a lot when they come from someone living in fear of their life just for being themselves. Check out this new music video I have directed, starring my friends and collaborators in the Ugandan LGBT community. It's called "Unmask" and is based on a musical collaboration between me and Ugandan poet Duncan Free Speech, out now on Spotify etc. All proceeds go towards the community centre me and my organisation Rainbow Riots are launching in Kampala, Uganda. |
6 Feb: Indian newspaper!
2 Feb: Speaker at India's first legal Pride!
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Today was India's first legal Pride parade was held in Bombay. What a landmark! India has the world's 2nd biggest population. Imagine how much that means to millions of people. I was invited to speak at the event, as founder of Rainbow Riots, in front of thousands. This was the first Pride where indian LGBT people were free citizens and not criminals. There were at least 22 000 people out in the streets. This is a new dawn of equality for everyone in India!
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30 Jan: Hot mot min produktion!
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"Vi får enormt mycket stöd, vi vet att vi behövs och vi är inte rädda. Turnén fortsätter som planerat. Vi kommer att föra en tätare dialog om säkerhetsaspekten med varje plats vi besöker framöver. Vi ger inte upp utan kommer fortsätta att sprida magi och glädje och visa barn att alla får vara den de är."
Jag berättar för QX om det som hände när min produktion Bland drakar och dragqueens besökte Östersund. Läs här: |
30 Jan: Nazist försökte stoppa min produktion!
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När min produktion ”Bland drakar och dragqueens” i söndags kom till Östersunds bibliotek dök en hotfull man upp och polis kallades till platsen. SVT Jämtland skriver att mannen är känd för att ha sympatier inom Nordiska motståndsrörelsen, NMR.
Henrik Johansson, skådespelare, dragshowartist som är en av medverkande i ”Bland drakar och dragqueens”: – Jag kom till Östersunds bibliotek och blev väl mottagen. Bibliotekarien frågade mig om vi tagit emot några hot och jag ställde samma fråga. Då kom det fram att NMR varit där tidigare. Jag bytte om och gick ner för att börja den första sagostunden. Barnen var glada och engagerade, de klädde ut sig till drakar, prinsessor, rödluvor och superhjältar. Efter första sagostunden ser jag att en man ställt sig i närheten och stirrar på mig medan jag intervjuad av Östersunds-Posten. Jag får höra att han tidigare setts i NMR-sammanhang. När reportern uppmärksammar honom blir han aggressiv i tonen och uttrycker sin avsky mot arrangemanget. Ordföranden för RFSL i Östersund fick ta emot flera hot från mannen. Polis kallades till platsen. Efter att mannen till slut lämnat biblioteket kunde söndagens andra sagostund börja. – Hela händelsen var väldigt obehaglig men sköttes bra av alla på plats så att barnen inte kände sig obekväma. Jag blev skakad men var fast besluten att genomföra den andra sagostunden. Det blev till slut ännu en jättefin stund och det kändes som en seger, säger Henrik Johansson. Petter Wallenberg, initiativtagare och konstnärlig ledare för ”Bland drakar och dragqueens”: – Det här är ett projekt som är väldigt uppskattat bland barn runt om i landet, och samtidigt finns det en liten grupp vuxna som hatar oss. Men vi får enormt mycket stöd, vi vet att vi behövs och vi är inte rädda. Turnén fortsätter som planerat. Vi kommer att föra en tätare dialog om säkerhetsaspekten med varje plats vi besöker framöver. Vi ger inte upp utan kommer fortsätta att sprida magi och glädje och visa barn att alla får vara den de är, säger Petter Wallenberg. Ett flertal svenska medier skriver om incidenten: SVT Nyheter rapporterar om det här: QX rapporterar om det här: Östersundsposten rapporterar om det här: |
28 Jan: Concert in Bombay!
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World premiere last night in Bombay: I have written and produced a new musical collaboration with India’s first LGBT choir Rainbow Voices Mumbai which we performed last night as part of a concert during India’s first legal Pride festival, Bombay Pride. The musical piece will be released globally later in the spring as part of the new music album ”Rainbow Riots India” written and produced by me featuring queer Indian singers. ❤️
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22 Jan: Flashmob in India!
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We did it! After three months of rehearsals, this group of young Indian LGBT people did a dance flashmob on the streets of Bombay. The music was my new track that I have made with Indian lesbian singer Pragya Pallavi called ”Love at first right” which is coming out soon as part of my new Rainbow Riots project.
At the first location the flashmob was stopped by the police, but we moved to another one - and succeeded! The energy was amazing! After 157 years of criminalization, same sex is now legal in India. It’s epic to be a part of this revolution! |
17 jan: Vårturné!
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Min produktion Bland drakar och dragqueens vårturné 2019 blir vår största någonsin med över 30 sagostunder över hela Sverige. Vi har dessutom utökat ensemblen med två nya sagodrottningar! Bokning sker som vanligt via respektive bibliotek eller lokal. Vi ses i vår! :) :)
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14 Jan: Min bok "Historien om Leila K" som ljudbok!
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Den 16:e januari släpps min bok "Historien om Leila K" som ljudbok!
Sommaren 1989 slog Leila K igenom. Hon var 17 år, på rymmen och blev plötsligt världstjärna. Men efter bara några turbulenta år i rampljuset försvann hon. Än idag är hon mytomspunnen. Jag växte upp med hennes hesa stämma i hörlurarna och efter att ha bott många år utomlands sprang jag vid slutet av 00-talet på Leila på gatan i Stockholm. Vi bestämde oss för att göra ny musik ihop. Det blev början på en stormig resa. En resa genom svensk musikhistoria, hedersproblematik och livet i samhällets utkant. Jag spenderade flera år med Leila och de människor jag mötte i den undre världen. Resultatet blev den här boken som släpptes på Lind & Co år 2013. Med den här berättelsen ville jag inte bara placera Leila i historieskrivningen om viktiga svenska världsstjärnor, utan också spräcka hål på en del myter, och utforska hur en människa kan hamna utanför samhället. ”Historien om Leila K” är inte bara en bok för alla oss som älskar Leila K, utan också en skildring av ett Sverige utanför alla skyddsnät. Släpps som ljudbok på bl.a Storytel: |
7 January: Donate!
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Me and my organisation Rainbow Riots are starting Uganda’s first LGBT community centre - help us make this happen!
In Uganda it’s illegal to be gay. Queer people live in fear of being arrested or getting beaten up or killed. Help us by donating today! No amount is too small. By creating this centre we can take a stand for every human’s right to equality and love. Donate here: |
27 Dec: Interview in Australia's biggest gay mag!
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"It started five years ago in Sweden as a protest against homophobia. Now, Rainbow Riots is a global movement, encouraging LGBTIQ freedom through the transformative power of music. Along the way, songwriter and project leader Petter Wallenberg has stared down the barrel of guns but he’s making a real difference in Africa and India. He’s also getting drag queens to read stories to kids. What’s not to love?"
I got interviewed by Australia's biggest gay magazine DNA Magazine. Check it out: |
22 Dec: My new documentary!
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I'm very excited to share this new short documentary film I have directed about my project Rainbow Riots.
The film follows my Ugandan friends on their journey from one of the world's most homophobic countries to the international Pride stage, as we performed our music together at Stockholm Pride. It's been a very emotional journey. Most of our Ugandan team of singers didn't get their visa applications approved, for fear that they would escape and seek asylum in Sweden. Out of fifteen, only three were allowed to leave Uganda. And the challenges continued. Backstage, moments before the gig, our Jamaican collaborator revealed he had received a death threat. That's the price he pays for speaking up against homophobia. Against this backdrop of danger, when we hit that stage, it became a triumphant victory. The love from the audience was overwhelming and confirmed that creativity and love forms a strong defense against hatred. |
20 Dec: Forthcoming project in India!
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Here is a sneak preview of my new forthcoming project in India: This is me and my wonderful and very talented musical collaborator, singer Pragya Pallavi and India’s first trans led dance group the Dancing Queens when we were performing on the streets of Bombay. The result will be a new album and multimedia project called ”Rainbow Riots India” created by me featuring Indian LGBT singers. Watch this space!
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1 Dec: Love Yourself Test Yourself 5 years!
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Today it’s World AIDS Day. It’s been five years since I released my single "Love Yourself Test Yourself" as the signature track for a StopHiv campaign to encourage people to test for HIV. It opened Stockholm Pride 2013 and was celebrated by US blogger Perez Hilton, reaching a total of more than 18 million people.
But most importantly, the message of the song actually led to the number of HIV tests increasing for the first time in a long time in Sweden. In 2014, ”Love Yourself Test Yourself” won an Award at the international campaign competition the Clio Healthcare Awards. Watch the video that I directed for it here: |
28 Nov: QX idag!
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"Föreställningen "Bland drakar och Dragqueens" har gjort succé i Sverige under hösten och för inte längesedan var det dags för internationell debut. Sveriges mest erkända dragqueens tog med sagoböckerna till New York."
Idag i Qx - ett reportage om vårt gästspel i New York. Läs här: |
16 Nov: My new short film out today!
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Out now! Here is my new short film about my organisation Rainbow Riots' journey from the world's most anti-gay countries to the Pride stage!
In 2017 our founder, Swedish artist and musician Petter Wallenberg, created the music album Rainbow Riots featuring queer voices from the world's most anti-gay countries. In this short film we follow the Ugandan singers of Rainbow Riots who, against all odds, became the first ever to perform at an international Pride event. Film directed by Petter Wallenberg. Cinematography Tania Marti and Miguel Angel Regalado. Editing and post production by Miguel Angel Regalado. View film here: |
15 Nov: Have a drink to support vulnerable LGBT people!
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If you're in Stockholm, Sweden - head down the fabulous gay bar Side Track! They have created a special cocktail named after my track "Equal Rights"! 10 SEK of each cocktail goes towards my organisation Rainbow Riots' forthcoming LGBT centre in Uganda!
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13 Nov: Intervju med P4 Extra
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Kolla in kommentarerna under min intervju med P4 Extra. Hoppas att det går att motbevisa dem.
Lyssna på intervjun här: |
11 Nov: Radio P4 Extra
Jag blir intervjuad i radio P4 Extra imorgon måndag kl 14:20. Kommer bl.a prata om mina planer på att öppna ett safe house för hbt-personer i Uganda.
5 Nov: New York!
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This fairtytale of New York is coming to an end, and we’ll live happily ever after!
It’s been a wonderful week in The Big Apple as my production Bland drakar och dragqueens did a guest show at Brooklyn Public Library. My cast of amazing drag queens surpassed themselves reading Swedish childrens books to an overjoyed audience of American kids. We’re heading back to Sweden, excited about the future and the new tour dates throughout the autumn!❤️ |
24 October: TT Nyhetsbyrån!
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TT Nyhetsbyrån uppmärksammar mitt och min organisation Rainbow Riots' arbete för att skapa ett hbtq-center i Uganda. Planerna och crowdfundingen fortsätter trots att det kraftigt fördömts av Simon Lokodo, Minister of State for Ethics & Integrity i Uganda, som kallat centret ”olagligt”.
Här kan ni läsa om det i Svenska Dagbladet: |
19 Oct: Interview in Jönköpings-posten!
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”– Jag skapade "Bland drakar och dragqueens" för att jag själv skulle ha älskat det när jag var liten, säger Petter Wallenberg.
– Det var en helt annan tid när jag växte upp. Könsrollerna satt väldigt hårt och om man ville vara annorlunda var det väldigt svårt. Jag blev nerslagen när jag ville vara Lucia. Även om vi har kommit långt så tror jag att det fortfarande är svårt för många barn. Det här är ett färgsprakande och fantasifullt sätt att visa att det är okej att vara annorlunda.” Intervju med mig i Jönköpings-Posten. Läs här: |
10 Oct: Intervju i Qx!
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"Det går inte att förändra världen över en natt, men man kan göra något konkret för att göra den till en lite bättre plats."
QX intervjuar mig om mina planer att öppna Ugandas första hbt-community center. Läs här: Kampen fortsätter! Ni kan nu vara med och stödja att detta center blir av genom SWISH: 1235617287 |
9 Oct: Interview in The Guardian!
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I have always wanted to be interviewed by legendary newspaper The Guardian. It's now happened - albeit in a context filled with mixed emotions.
Uganda's Minister of ethics has gone out publicly and condemned my initiative to start an LGBT centre in Kampala. Here is what he has say: “They will have to take it somewhere else. They can’t open a centre of LGBT activity here. Homosexuality is not allowed and completely unacceptable in Uganda,” he said. “We don’t and can’t allow it. LGBT activities are already banned and criminalised in this country. So popularising it is only committing a crime.” Read the article here to see my reply and comments from my Ugandan team. There is still time to help us fight this war for equal rights by donating towards the community centre here: |
3 Oct: Interview in QUEERIST!
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"Everyone was silent. All you could hear was someone crying. Later, we found out someone had jumped three stories to escape and broke their spine. I’ll never forget that night."
I was interviewed by QWEERIST about the story behind creating my project Rainbow Riots and my plans to launch Uganda's first LGBT community centre. Read here: |
26 September: My first fundraising result!
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I’m really proud to announce my first fundraising result towards launching Uganda’s first LGBT community centre!
My organisation Rainbow Riots' charity dinners and art event at Vassa Eggen in Stockholm raised the equivalent of around 4000 USD! Thanks everyone! If you want to help us make this happen, there is still time to donate here: |
21 aug: Hate in every language
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I woke up today to a hate storm. I guess there must be a full moon coming.
In my home country Sweden I have created the project Bland drakar och dragqueens (Amongst dragons and drag queens) where drag queens read stories to kids. Soon after launching it I received angry messages saying it’s ’disgusting’ and that I am ’sick and perverted’. I didn’t really take it seriously until we also received threats from neo nazis. In the international project I have created, Rainbow Riots, the hate and death threats have been coming in all day, from Uganda. Upon the news that me and my Ugandan team are starting a safe space for Ugandan LGBT people, some people wrote messages saying they will ’burn it down, and stone us.’ Other messages were even more extreme and graphic. There is hate in every language. These messages are not from extremists, but from regular people, men and women, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. People with the capacity to love - and hate what they don’t understand. When I went out into the street I realized I started feeling more reserved, observing people, and being more aware of any potential threats. This is what homophobia does. It shuts you off from the world, makes you lonely. I remembered how things were in Sweden, when I grew up. We were classified as mentally ill, and didn’t have full equal rights. As a child I got called ”fag” before I even knew what it meant. That still happens to kids everywhere. We can get married in some places but we are still the number one target in hate crime statistics. For a split second I felt tired. Like this is a never-ending battle. I wondered: ”what’s the point of it all?” Then I thought about how in India, homosexuality is finally decriminalized. After 157 years. I felt excited that I am actually working with the Indian LGBT movement, and get to be in the heart of change at this historic time. I felt excited about going back to Bombay. I thought about how some things are slowly changing in Uganda since I first started working there nearly 4 years ago. How some of the brave pioneers I work with are spearheading a change just by being themselves. I can’t wait to go back. I don’t even have to look that far to see the change. In my own lifetime in Sweden we have gone from mentally ill to equal by law. I have seen and lived through that change. So I stopped looking over my shoulder and resumed my day. Another day, another battle. You can’t change the whole world, but if you keep fighting - a change will come. That’s the point of it all. You can help us create the safe space in Uganda by donating here: here: |
11 sep: Help me open Uganda's first LGBT community centre!
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In Uganda it’s illegal to be gay. LGBT people risk being arrested or becoming victims of violence. They have no safe space. Me and my organisation Rainbow Riots want to change this.
I want to open Uganda’s first LGBT community centre. The centre will be a safe space to welcome the Ugandan LGBT community. With creative expression at the core of the activities, we will create inclusivity within the community whilst also reaching a wider audience through giving Ugandan LGBT people an important voice in the world. To make this happen, we need your help. Be a part of this historic project by donating today. Rainbow Riots' founder Petter Wallenberg said: "I want everyone around the world to help us fight against the horrific injustice against LGBT people in Uganda. By creating this centre we can take a stand for every human’s right to equality and love." Check out the fundraising film I have directed and see link to donate here: |
7 Sep: The latest episode of my podcast out now!
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Check out the latest episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio, Episode 8: A poem about a lesbian’s fear in Jamaica.
This time I meet poet Andreena Leeanne who tells me about just how dangerous life can be for a lesbian in Jamaica. The episode ends with a musical piece I made based on Andreena’s poem "Two weeks in Jamaica". Listen for free on Apple Podcasts here: |
6 sep: Victory in India!
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As of today, homosexuality is no longer a crime in India!
157 years of criminalization is over, and all Indians are now free to love! I am proud to be a part of this journey together with the Indian LGBT movement. In 2019 I will launch my groundbreaking new Rainbow Riots project featuring India's queer pioneers at the heart if this historic victory. In this photo you can see me and India's first LGBT choir Rainbow Voices Mumbai in Bombay, India. Watch this space! |
4 sep: Gay Times!
31 aug: Interview in Gay Star News!
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Gay Star News interviewed me and my Ugandan colleagues about the next exciting project we are creating: Uganda's first LGBT community centre!
Read here: |
30 Aug: Bland drakar och dragqueens höstturné!
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28 Aug: Help me start Uganda's first LGBT community centre!
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I have founded the organisation Rainbow Riots which works in Uganda using music and arts to protest homo- and transphobia.
But right now, there's no reliable and safe space for the LGBT community to come together and continue this powerful protest. That's why Rainbow Riots are partnering with the global organisation All Out to crowdfund enough to launch the first LGBT+ community centre in Uganda. The community centre will provide a safe space to practice and perform music, hold events and workshops, give advice on health and safety issues, screen films, create art, and mobilise against discrimination. Donate today to fund Uganda's first LGBT+ community centre! Rainbow Riots recently released their first album and Petter Wallenberg – Swedish artist, songwriter, producer and the founding director of Rainbow Riots – is gifting a FREE album to anyone who donates today! Donate here: |
17 Aug: 2 seminars at EuroPride today!
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I am hosting two Rainbow Riots seminars at EuroPride, Gothenburg, Sweden today. Come and find out more about our work and meet my team from Uganda, Kenya and Jamaica. This is a special chance to hear about life as LGBT in some of the world most dangerous countries for queer people.
The first one is at the amazing Human Rights Conference at Världskulturmuséet (The Museum of world culture) at 15:15 o clock. Find out more here: The second one is at Stadsbiblioteket (the Gothenburg public library) at 20:00. Find out more here: |
15 Aug: Intervju med mig i GP!
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"Polisen stormar in i lokalen med automatvapen, låser dörrarna. Sedan trycker de ner besökarna mot golvet och riktar vapnen mot dem. De som på något sätt ser gay eller könsöverskridande ut misshandlas. Året är 2016, det är pridefirande i Uganda.
Petter Wallenberg, grundare av Rainbow Riots, minns tillbaka på händelsen. Tankar av slaget "ska jag dö nu" snurrar, samtidigt finns en vilja att överleva för att kunna föra kampen vidare." Intervju med mig i Göteborgs-Posten om vår Rainbow Riots-konsert på EuroPride i Göteborg på torsdag kväll. Läs här: |
14 Aug: QX skriver om auktionen!
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"Genom att njuta av god mat och fin konst kunde gästerna samtidigt stödja vårt arbete och på ett konkret sätt hjälpa några av världens mest utsatta hbt-personer. Vi är glada att så många vill bidra till Rainbow Riots kamp för en värld med frihet, kärlek och jämlikhet för alla hbt-personer."
Qx rapporterar från eventet på Vassa Eggen till stöd för min organisation Rainbow Riots. Läs här: |
13 Aug: LIVE at EuroPride
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My international activist organisation and artist collective Rainbow Riots will be performing LIVE at EuroPride in Gothenburg on Thursday!
Rainbow Riots' founder, songwriter and music producer Petter Wallenberg (Sweden) will be joined onstage by rapper Mista Majah P (Jamaica), singer Brayo Bryans (Uganda), and singer and dancer Nimo (Kenya). This will be a unique chance to catch the international Rainbow Riots collective onstage performing their celebrated album, also by the name Rainbow Riots, as well as the world premiere of brand new song "We Don't Care"! Thursday 16th of August, 22:00-23:00, EuroPride Park stage, Gothenburg. More info here: |
8 aug: The charity event!
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Thanks everyone for supporting the art auction and charity dinners for my organisation Rainbow Riots at Vassa Eggen in Stockholm! It was a great evening, we sold some of our great art and raised funds for Uganda!
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4 aug: My big EuroPride party tonight!
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Tonight my party Mums Mums celebrates its 10 year anniversary with a EuroPride Extravaganza!
Mums Mums means "yum yum" in Swedish and since its opening in 2008, this party has become one of Sweden's most beloved alternative queer events. It's also a mecca for lovers of classic house music, experimental drag show and club culture as an art form. To celebrate our tenth birthday we take over Debaser Strand for an evening of the best of Mums Mums packed with drag stars, live performances and disco and house music full of heart and soul! Free entry before 21:00. Open till 3:00! Show time: 23:00 More info here: |
3 aug: Rainbow Riots event ikväll!
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Välkommen på cocktail och konstutställning tillsammans med den internationella hbt-organisationen Rainbow Riots och dess grundare Petter Wallenberg på Vassa Eggen fredagen 3 augusti mellan kl. 19.00 - 21.00. Under eventet och hela veckan kan du dessutom inta en specialmiddag för att stödja Rainbow Riots arbete med att hjälpa hbt-personer i Uganda.
Rainbow Riots kämpar för öppenhet, jämlikhet och hbt-rättigheter med fokus på Uganda där det är olagligt och farligt att vara hbt. Detta vill Rainbow Riots ändra på genom att skapa östra Afrikas första hbt-community center i Kampala. Under hela Pride-veckan ställs konstverk skapade av Rainbow Riots i Uganda ut exklusivt på Vassa Eggen. Hela veckan går det att buda på konstverken och på fredag auktioneras de ut under ett cocktailparty där summan oavkortat går till Rainbow Riots arbete i Uganda. Vi startar kvällen med att bjuda på en cocktail, musik och vänskapliga priser i baren. Om ni är hungriga finns det även möjlighet att boka en specialkomponerad regnbågsmiddag med vänskapliga priser där 20% av intäkterna oavkortat går till Rainbow Riots. Regnbågsmiddagarna finns på Vassa Eggen och TAKO under hela EuroPride mellan 24/7 - 4/8 och de samlande intäkterna går till Rainbow Riots arbete i Uganda. ”Under Pride vill vi påminna om att miljontals människor i världen inte har friheten att älska den de vill. Genom att stödja vårt arbete kan du på ett konkret sätt hjälpa en av världens mest utsatta grupper och därmed bidra till kampen för en värld med frihet, kärlek och jämlikhet för alla.” - Petter Wallenberg, Rainbow Riots. Dag: Fredag 3:e augusti Tid: 19.00-21.00. Auktionen avslutas kl. 21.00. Plats: Vassa Eggen, Birger Jarlsgatan 29 Boka regnbågsmiddag: www.vassaeggen.com alt. www.restaurangtako.se |
3 aug: Samtal med mig på Kulturhuset!
Idag kl 16:30 kommer jag att bli intervjuad live inför publik på Kulturbibilioteket på Kulturhuset Stadsteatern. De har bjudit in mig för att berätta mer om mina olika projekt och mitt konstnärsskap. Det känns superkul!
Kom och lyssna vet jag. Det är fri entré.
Läs mer här:
Kom och lyssna vet jag. Det är fri entré.
Läs mer här:
2 Aug: Tonight! Underklädesfesten - The Underwear party!
*IN ENGLISH BELOW*
Det här är originalet, glöm kopiorna!
Den legendariska Underklädesfesten fyller tio år under EuroPride 2018! Sedan 2008 har vi som Sveriges första fest av detta slag lockat till oss besökare från hela Europa. Underklädesfesten har blivit årets mest omtalade, älskade och efterlängtade happening där alla sorters sexualiteter, könsidentiteter, kroppar och åldrar slår klackarna i taket i bara underkläderna.
Underklädesfestens arrangör Petter Wallenberg berättar:
“Alla som kommer till Underklädesfesten för första gången säger att de minsann inte kommer våga ta av sig något, sen dröjer det två minuter så slänger de av sig kläderna och dansar tills svetten rinner. Det spelar ingen roll hur du ser ut eller vilken kropp du har. Det finns en glädje här som du inte hittar nån annanstans. Inga kläder= ingen attityd. Peace and love. Det är viktigt i dessa tider. Nu blir vi återigen glada grottmänniskor som dansar halvnakna i grottan!"
Underklädesfesten äger rum torsdagen 2:e augusti under EuroPride på Debaser Strand med två dansgolv och öppet till 03.
DJ’s:
Petter Wallenberg (House of Wallenberg)
Per QX (London)
Lucky Slut Bonita (Mums Mums)
Anton Palm
Veklla
Djanna
Underklädesfesten
Datum: Torsdag 2:a augusti
Tid: 21- 03
Lokal: Debaser Strand
Adress: Hornstull Strand 4
Entré: 200 kr inklusive garderob
Ålder: 18
ENGLISH:
This is the original, forget the copy cats!
It’s the 10 year anniversary of the legendary Underwear Party during EuroPride 2018! Since 2008, this has been the first party of its kind and has attracted visitors from all over Europe. The Underwear Party has become the year's most talked about, loved and awaited happening where people of all sexualities, gender identities, body types and ages dance in their underwear.
The Underwear Party’s organizer Petter Wallenberg says:
"Everyone who comes to The Underwear Party for the first time say they certainly won’t dare to take off something, then it takes two minutes until they throw off their clothes and go nuts. It doesn’t matter what you look like or what type of body you have. There is a joy here that you will not find anywhere else. No clothes = no attitude. Peace and love. It is important in these times. Now we’re once again cavemen dancing half-naked in the cave! "
The Underwear Party takes place on Thursday August 2nd during EuroPride at Debaser Strand with two dance floors and a late license until 3 AM.
DJ’s:
Petter Wallenberg (House of Wallenberg)
Per QX (London)
Lucky Slut Bonita (Mums Mums)
Anton Palm
Veklla
Djanna
The Underwear Party
Date: Thursday August 2
Times: 9 PM - 03 AM
Venue: Debaser Strand
Address: Hornstull Strand 4
Door price: 200 kr including coatcheck
Age: 18
Det här är originalet, glöm kopiorna!
Den legendariska Underklädesfesten fyller tio år under EuroPride 2018! Sedan 2008 har vi som Sveriges första fest av detta slag lockat till oss besökare från hela Europa. Underklädesfesten har blivit årets mest omtalade, älskade och efterlängtade happening där alla sorters sexualiteter, könsidentiteter, kroppar och åldrar slår klackarna i taket i bara underkläderna.
Underklädesfestens arrangör Petter Wallenberg berättar:
“Alla som kommer till Underklädesfesten för första gången säger att de minsann inte kommer våga ta av sig något, sen dröjer det två minuter så slänger de av sig kläderna och dansar tills svetten rinner. Det spelar ingen roll hur du ser ut eller vilken kropp du har. Det finns en glädje här som du inte hittar nån annanstans. Inga kläder= ingen attityd. Peace and love. Det är viktigt i dessa tider. Nu blir vi återigen glada grottmänniskor som dansar halvnakna i grottan!"
Underklädesfesten äger rum torsdagen 2:e augusti under EuroPride på Debaser Strand med två dansgolv och öppet till 03.
DJ’s:
Petter Wallenberg (House of Wallenberg)
Per QX (London)
Lucky Slut Bonita (Mums Mums)
Anton Palm
Veklla
Djanna
Underklädesfesten
Datum: Torsdag 2:a augusti
Tid: 21- 03
Lokal: Debaser Strand
Adress: Hornstull Strand 4
Entré: 200 kr inklusive garderob
Ålder: 18
ENGLISH:
This is the original, forget the copy cats!
It’s the 10 year anniversary of the legendary Underwear Party during EuroPride 2018! Since 2008, this has been the first party of its kind and has attracted visitors from all over Europe. The Underwear Party has become the year's most talked about, loved and awaited happening where people of all sexualities, gender identities, body types and ages dance in their underwear.
The Underwear Party’s organizer Petter Wallenberg says:
"Everyone who comes to The Underwear Party for the first time say they certainly won’t dare to take off something, then it takes two minutes until they throw off their clothes and go nuts. It doesn’t matter what you look like or what type of body you have. There is a joy here that you will not find anywhere else. No clothes = no attitude. Peace and love. It is important in these times. Now we’re once again cavemen dancing half-naked in the cave! "
The Underwear Party takes place on Thursday August 2nd during EuroPride at Debaser Strand with two dance floors and a late license until 3 AM.
DJ’s:
Petter Wallenberg (House of Wallenberg)
Per QX (London)
Lucky Slut Bonita (Mums Mums)
Anton Palm
Veklla
Djanna
The Underwear Party
Date: Thursday August 2
Times: 9 PM - 03 AM
Venue: Debaser Strand
Address: Hornstull Strand 4
Door price: 200 kr including coatcheck
Age: 18
2 aug: Ät middag och stöd kampen för jämlikhet!
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Om ni vill äta middag ikväll, imorgon eller lördag:
På restaurang Vassa Eggen och TAKO finns speciella regnbåsgmenyer där 20% av intäkterna går till min organisation Rainbow Riots arbete med att hjälpa utsatta hbtq-personer i Uganda. Samtidigt som man firar Pride kan man alltså hjälpa våra utsatta hbt-bröder och systrar. Ät middag och bidra till kampen för en värld med frihet, kärlek och jämlikhet för alla! Boka regnbågsmiddag: www.vassaeggen.com alt. www.restaurangtako.se |
2 aug: Seminarium i Kulturhuset idag!
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Detta hände när min produktion Bland drakar och dragqueens kom till Bredäng:
Barn: "Varför är du klädd som prinsessa?" Sagodrottningen Pelle: "För att jag tycker om det." Barn: "Jag tycker om glass." För ett år sedan skapade jag projektet Bland drakar och dragqueens där några av landets mest erkända dragartister läser sagor för barn. Det var en udda idé och inte helt sjävklart hur den skulle tas emot. Det har kommit in några hot och arga mail om att jag är "en pervers jävel som låter barn vara med transor." Men nästan direkt hände nåt. Det klickade. Inom några timmar var alla biljetter fullbokade. Sedan starten har vi nu åkt runt på bibliotek och förskolor i hela Sverige. Och fler kommer det blir. Av all kärlek framgår det tydligt att fler därute vill ha Bland drakar och dragqueens. Det som är så roligt i detta projekt är att det är vuxna som läser in en massa olika symboler i att dragqueens läser sagor för barn. Barnen gör det inte. De njuter av sagan. Låter sagoläsaren få veta om de har några frågor. Det blir ett möte, som när Pelle och barnen på bilden träffades. Idag har vi ett seminarium om projektet i Pride House, Kulturhuset kl 14. Jag och ensemblen kommer att samtala om hela den här resan live inför publik. Kom! |
Aug 1: Charity dinners for Rainbow Riots!
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Exclusively during EuroPride week until Saturday 4th you can book a special dinner menu at restaurant Vassa Eggen in Stockholm, where % 20 of the proceeds go towards my organisation Rainbow Riots' work helping LGBT people in Uganda!
Celebrate Pride and take a stand for equality and love! Book here: www.vassaeggen.com |
Aug 1: Intervju i QX!
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"Samtidigt som man firar Pride kan man alltså hjälpa våra utsatta hbt-bröder och systrar. Kom och bidra till kampen för en värld med frihet, kärlek och jämlikhet för alla!"
Jag blir intervjuad i QX om mina events under årets EuroPride. Läs här: |
July 31st: New subtitled podcast episode!
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Here is the subtitled version of the latest episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio - where I have interviewed and made music with Africa's first openly gay reverend!
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July 29th: Radio P5!
Jag blir intervjuad i radio P5 Stockholm imorgon kl 8:15
July 25: Latest episode of my podcast out today!
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Out today: The latest episode of my podcast:
Rainbow Riots Radio - Episode 5: Africa's first openly gay reverend Rainbow Riots' founder Petter Wallenberg meets Nigerian Jide Macauley, Africa's first openly gay reverend. Jide explains how he, in spite of death threats, believes being a gay Christian means that ”God Adores You". The episode ends with Wallenberg's and Macauley's musical collaboration based on Jide's poem. Listen on Soundcloud: Created and presented by Petter Wallenberg. Guest: Jide Macauley. Music by Petter Wallenberg and Jide Macauley. |
24/7/18: Subtitled episode!
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Now you can view the subtitled version of my latest podcast episode!
Rainbow Riots Radio - Episode 4: The queer heroes of Uganda Rainbow Riots' founder Petter Wallenberg takes us to Kampala, Uganda, where we meet trans woman Alicia Houston and hear her story about her life as a sex worker living with HIV. We also meet lesbian activist Kowa Tigs who recently got arrested and evicted. Both of them fight against oppression using creativity, and the episode ends with Wallenberg's musical collaboration with Kowa. Created and presented by Petter Wallenberg. Guests: Alicia Houston and Kowa Tigs. Music by Petter Wallenberg, Kowa Tigs and Rainbow Riots. Visual design by Johan Mauritzson |
11/7/18: Episode 4 of Rainbow Riots Radio!
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The 4th episode of my podcast is out today: Rainbow Riots Radio - Episode 4: The queer heroes of Uganda
Rainbow Riots' founder Petter Wallenberg takes us to Kampala, Uganda, where we meet trans woman Alicia Houston and hear her story about her life as a sex worker living with HIV. We also meet lesbian activist Kowa Tigs who recently got arrested and evicted. Both of them fight against oppression using creativity, and the episode ends with Wallenberg's musical collaboration with Kowa. Listen on Spotify: Created and presented by Petter Wallenberg. Guests: Alicia Houston and Kowa Tigs Fats. Music by Petter Wallenberg, Kowa Tigs and Rainbow Riots. Photo: Tania Marti |
10/7/18: Media support in India!
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Wow! Media support in India!
The latest episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio was called "fantastic" by LGBT Events India. Read here: |
7/7/18: Latest episode with subtitles!
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Check out the lyric video for the latest episode of my podcast recorded in India!
Rainbow Riots Radio - Episode 3: The queer divinity of India Rainbow Riots’ founder Petter Wallenberg meets authors Devdutt Pattanaik and Jerry Johnson in Bombay to discuss their book about queerness in India's ancient religions and society. He also meets 22-year old trans woman Paras who is one of India's Hijras, the world’s oldest third gender community, who are both marginalized and believed to have divine powers. Created and presented by Petter Wallenberg. Guests: Devdutt Pattanaik, Jerry Johnson and Paras. Music by Petter Wallenberg. Visual design by Johan Mauritzson. |
4/7/18: Spotify!
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My podcast Rainbow Riots Radio is now on Spotify! Listen here:
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1/7/18: Elle magazine!
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Swedish fashion designer Martin Bergström gave a shout out about my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio in the latest issue of Elle magazine Sweden!
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27/6/18: Third episode of my podcast!
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The third episode of my podcast is out today: Rainbow Riots Radio - Episode 3: The queer divinity of India
Rainbow Riots’ founder Petter Wallenberg is in Bombay, India and meets authors Devdutt Pattanaik and Jerry Johnson to discuss their book about queerness in India's ancient religions and society. He also meets 22-year old trans woman Paras who is one of India's Hijras, the world’s oldest third gender community, who are both marginalized and believed to have divine powers. Listen and subscribe for free on iTunes: Created and presented by Petter Wallenberg. Guests: Devdutt Pattanaik, Jerry Johnson and Paras. Music by Petter Wallenberg. Photo by Johannes Helje |
25/6/18: My EuroPride party!
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My party Mums Mums has become one of Sweden’s most beloved alternative queer club. At this year's EuroPride Mums Mums celebrates its 10th birthday and we invite you to 2018’s fiercest Pride extravaganza with classic house, disco and experimental drag show! Free entry before 21:00 o’clock!
*Live on stage is Mums Mums own legendary drag queen superstar Pianotransan, performing her beautiful live renditions of classic pop hits featuring the gospel choir The Lovebirds! *Behind the decks are our most iconic DJ’s: Mums Mums founder Petter Wallenberg, Per QX (Berlin) and drag stars Carnita Molida, Lucky Slut Bonita and Shade Bornbitter playing the fiercest classic house and disco! More info here: |
19/6/18: Subtitled episode out now!
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The subtitled version of the second episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio is out on YouTube!
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18/6/18: Financial Times!
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Wow! My podcast Rainbow Riots Radio got a glowing review in leading global media outlet Financial Times!
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14/6/18: I have written for Gay Star News!
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I have written a piece for British news site Gay Star News which is out now:
"I’ve spent the last two years creating a new podcast called Rainbow Riots Radio, featuring queer stories from around the world. It’s both a web radio series and a musical collaboration I have made with some of the people I have met during my travels to fight for LGBTQ from Uganda to India, Australia, Jamaica and Nigeria. I wanted to give voice to my queer brothers and sisters who are often silenced. Little did I know, that I would barely unveil the podcast before it nearly got silenced. The first episode came out two weeks ago and features an intimate interview with 73-year old gay historian and author Lars Fimmerstad, who has lived through modern gay liberation and lost the love of his life during the Aids crisis in my native Sweden. In this episode we touch upon how gay people were vilified and silenced in mainstream media and society, not that long ago. It’s not an unfamiliar story, yet I had to fight to get it heard, as when I tried to run an ad for it on Facebook, they banned it, deeming the content too ‘political’. I was surprised. As queer people, we didn’t choose to be political. We just want to live our lives like everybody else. When two straight people hold hands in the street it’s viewed as personal – when queer people do it, it’s viewed as political. That a big American corporation censured our queer stories, was a dejavu moment to me. I remember when I was fifteen, and another big American corporation, The Disney Company, stopped the British pop group Erasure from performing on Swedish TV because front singer Andy Bell is openly gay, which went against the brand’s ‘family values’. This was in 1992. It’s really not that long ago. But people forget. Queer people forget. We are so eager to be accepted, that we happily bury the past and move on. But it’s important to remember our history, or it can easily repeat itself. So I protested and I went to the media. Last week the Facebook ban of Rainbow Riots Radio was all over the Swedish news. I think this helped my case, because after I demanded that they prepare a statement to the media, they finally budged and lifted the ban. ‘We have decided that the content is not political’ was Facebook’s somewhat puzzling explanation. It just shows that it’s worth fighting your corner. But the battle is not over. This is a conversation much larger than just content on Facebook. Many of the people who I have interviewed for Rainbow Riots Radio live in countries where it’s illegal and dangerous to be queer. In more than 70 countries around the world we as LGBTQ people risk being arrested for simply being ourselves. In regimes where we have no human rights – social media is often the the only voice we have. To take that away is to silence all of us. If we get complacent, we risk losing our rights. Not just us queer people, but everybody. Before we know it, freedom of speech can be taken away. That’s why it’s important that we keep getting our voices heard. Today we release the second episode of Rainbow Riots Radio, which is about Jamaica, a country so homophobic queer kids live in the sewers, fearing for their lives. The guest this time is my friend and collaborator Mista Majah P, a Jamaican rapper who is one of the few taking a stand against homophobia. This can be a dangerous thing to do. During our talk, things got deadly serious, as he suddenly received a death threat. No matter how far we have come, violent homophobia is still alive and kicking in 2018. This is what makes all queer lives political, regardless of whether we ourselves choose to be political or not." Read here: |
13/7/18: The second episode of my podcast is out today!
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The second episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio is out today: Episode 2: The Jamaican reggae artist who risks his life for gay rights
Rainbow Riots' founder Petter Wallenberg meets Mista Majah P, a Jamaican rapper and reggae artist who has a bounty on his head because he takes a stand against the violent homophobia in his country. To end the feature, Wallenberg and Majah P showcase their musical collaboration "Equal Rights" which is featured in a campaign for the UN's Global Goals. Listen here: Photo: Olav Holten |
11/6/18: Gay Times Magazine!
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"While we enjoy days of celebrations during Pride parades this summer, we must remember that the fight far far from over for many LGBTQ people across the world."
International LGBTQ magazine Gay Times wrote about the launch of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio. Read here: |
8/5/18: Swedish newspaper DN!
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Today Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter wrote about how Facebook stopped the ad for my new podcast Rainbow Riots Radio and quoted me: "We didn’t choose to be political, we just want to live our lives. We want love just like everyone else. It’s the homophobia that makes it political”
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7/6/18: Swedish news!
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I was just interviewed by Swedish news show Kulturnyheterna about my fight with Facebook after they deemed my new podcast Rainbow Riots Radio "too political". Check it out here:
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2/6/18: In newspapers all over Sweden!
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Swedish News agency TT Spektra picked up the news about my new podcast Rainbow Riots Radio and blasted the news out in papers all over Sweden. Read the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet feature here:
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1/6/18: QX magazine!
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Qx magazine Sweden interviewed me about my new podcast Rainbow Riots Radio! Read here:
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31/5/18: My new podcast out on Apple Podcasts!
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My new podcast series Rainbow Riots Radio is now on Apple Podcasts! You can listen and subscribe to it for free. Every 2 weeks for the next 5 months there will be a new episode! Listen here:
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30/5/18: My new podcast out today!
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Today I launch my new podcast series Rainbow Riots Radio! A new episode will be released every 2 weeks, free to listen to and download!
Episode 1: A lifetime of modern gay history in Sweden Rainbow Riots’ founder Petter Wallenberg visits 73-year old Swedish gay historian and author Lars Fimmerstadwho has lived through modern gay liberation. Through Lars’s memories we travel on a journey through the sexual revolution to the Aids crisis of the 80’s when he lost the love of his life. Listen and download for free here: |
28/5/18: DN interview!
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Sweden's biggest newspaper Dagens Nyheter published an interview with me today. The headline reads: "Petter Wallenberg takes the queer fight to higher heights". Read the article here:
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25/5/18: Radio P1 Kultur!
Jag var "divolog" och pratade om divor i Sveriges Radio P1. Vad är en diva och vad innebär det? Varför behövs divor? Jag gick loss totalt och här kan ni höra det. Jag kommer in från 16:06 minuter in. Här kan ni höra programmet:
23/5/18: US blog support!
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My project Rainbow Riots keeps getting support from the US hiphop world! American blog Triple HQ are pushing "We Need Love" the latest track I made, featuring Ugandan artist Brayo Music. View post + video here:
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21/5/18: I have created a new podcast!
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‘RAINBOW RIOTS RADIO’ - QUEER STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD OUT MAY 30th!
I'm excited to finally launch my new project: A podcast that I have created and am presenting, called Rainbow Riots Radio - queer stories from around the world! The show features interviews with people that I and my team have met during our travels around the world. All the music is created by me, featuring some of my guests on vocals. Rainbow Riots Radio is out on May 30th with a new episode every 2 weeks. Available on iTunes and all major digital platforms. Keep up to date here: |
14/5/18: Italian media support!
"We Need Love" - the new single I have written and produced for my project Rainbow Riots, featuring Ugandan singer Brayo Music is getting media support in Italy! Read here:
6/5/18: Jag är med i Sveriges Radio Live på Kulturhuset!
På tisdag kommer jag att vara med på Sveriges Radio live på Kulturhuset Stadsteatern i Stockholm kl 18 för att prata om divor tillsammans med sopranen Cornelia Beskow och sångaren Rickard Söderberg.
Kom och hör mig prata om mina favoritdivor, divan genom historien och vem som är/inte är en diva!
Mer info hittar ni här:
P1 Kultur live på scen: Leve divan – Birgit Nilsson 100 år.
Kom och hör mig prata om mina favoritdivor, divan genom historien och vem som är/inte är en diva!
Mer info hittar ni här:
P1 Kultur live på scen: Leve divan – Birgit Nilsson 100 år.
4/5/18: Gay Times Magazine!
2/5/18: TV 4 Nyhetsmorgon!
Imorse medverkade jag i TV4:s Nyhetsmorgon med mitt projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens som mina sagodrottningar framförde LIVE inför en sprattlig publik av femåringar! Här kan se klippet:
30/4/18: My new single out now!
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Out now: The new single “We Need Love” which I have written and produced for my project Rainbow Riots, featuring Ugandan singer Brayo Music on vocals.
“We Need Love” is the final single from the album Rainbow Riots featuring queer voices from some of the world’s most dangerous countries for LGBTQ people. All proceeds go towards fighting inequalities towards LGBTQ people in Uganda. “We Need Love is a song targeting hate and discrimination” said Petter Wallenberg and Brayo Music. ”The song is a direct message from the victims of hate and discrimination to the masses. As the lyrics explain, all we need is love, nothing less and nothing more.” Buy on iTunes: Stream on Spotify: |
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27/4/18: World premiere at Gay Star News!
I have written a produced a new protest song ”We Need Love” in collaboration with Ugandan singer Brayo Music. The world premiere of the video is at Gay Star News, who called the track a ”dance anthem” and wondered if it could be 2018’s unexpected hit. Hear the song, see the video and read the interview with me and Brayo Music here:
19/4/18: 100 000 views on YouTube!
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The video I have directed, "Set Me Free", now has over 100 000 views on YouTube! This is a great success for me, my organisation Rainbow Riots and the Ugandan LGBTQ movement. The world is listening!
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12/4/18: Italian media coverage!
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I'm very pleased that my project Rainbow Riots keeps getting recognition and media support around the world. This time in Italy! Read here:
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6/4/18: New single out!
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Out now: The new single ”Pride And Prejudice” that I have written and produced for my project Rainbow Riots!
I recorded ”Pride And Prejudice” with a spoken word poet and choir vocals by my Ugandan collaborators Rainbow Riots Uganda. All proceeds go towards Rainbow Riots' work empowering the Ugandan LGBT community. Stream on Spotify: Buy on iTunes: Cover photo: Tania Marti Design by: Johan Mauritzson |
23/3/18: UK music platform!
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"Using music to give the marginalised a voice, bring those together who thought they’d never belong, and reconcile outdated views, Rainbow Riots is a project which prides itself greatly on the achievements of these once neglected, amazing individuals."
British music platform Keep Hush championed my project Rainbow Riots and posted our video "Equal Rights", which is part of a campaign for the UN's Global Goals. Read here: |
20/3/18: BBC interview!
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BBC Cultural Frontline interviewed me and my Ugandan collaborator Kowa Tigs about how my Rainbow Riots project came about during the violent police raid of Pride Uganda 2016. To hear the feature and see the photo montage of our work in Uganda by Tania Marti and Kamoga Hassan, click here:
“Uplifting, defiant, uptempo… The ultimate protest…this is advocacy” - Tina Daheley, BBC Cultural Frontline |
15/3/18: Radio P4 Stockholm!
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Idag var jag inbjuden till P4 Stockholm för att prata live om min föreställning Bland drakar och dragqueens där dragartister framför sagor för barn. Med mig hade jag dragartisten Inga Tvivel AKA Jan Ericsson och vi pratade om hur denna smått galna idé blivit så populär.
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13/3/18: Radio P1!
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P1 Kultur gjorde idag ett reportage om mitt senaste projekt Bland drakar och dragqueens, där dragartister framför sagor för barn. De besökte mig och min sagodrottning Carnita Molida på vårpremiärens sagostund som ägde rum i mina gamla barndomshoods i Farsta. Lyssna på inslaget här:
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8/3/18: Advisor to the government!
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I’ve just been to a meeting with Sweden’s governmental international development agency Sida.
I was invited as one of the advisors for the development of new strategies in Uganda - and of course I made myself very clear about the need for equality for LGBTQ people. If we keep fighting, a change will come step by step! |
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7/3/18: My song at Mardi Gras in Australia!
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It makes me proud that ”Freedom", the song I wrote and produced, was a marching song in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the legendary Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia!
"Freedom" is taken from the album "Rainbow Riots" that I composed and produced, featuring queer voices from some of the world’s most dangerous countries for LGBTQ people. All proceeds go towards fighting inequalities towards LGBTQ people in Uganda. Buy on iTunes: https://goo.gl/DJ7ty8 Stream on Spotify: https://goo.gl/2RVw1G |
27/2/18: Brazilian magazine!
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It's thrilling to see that my project Rainbow Riots has such a big following in South America! Here is a big interview with us by a Brazilian web magazine:
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26/2/18: French magazine!
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If you speak French - check this out: French website Djolo wrote an article about my project Rainbow Riots and the new single "Set Me Free" that I have composed and produced, and the video I directed for it.
Read article here: |
23/2/18: Bland drakar och dragqueens vårturné!
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Här kan ni se filmen jag regisserat om Bland drakar och dragqueens!
Bland drakar och dragqueens är min föreställning där de kända svenska dragartisterna Robert Fux, Carnita Molida och Inga Tvivel framför sagor för barn på bibliotek . Efter succén med den fullbokade premiärsäsongen på Stadsbiblioteket är det nu dags för barn i hela Stockholm att få ta del av Bland drakar och dragqueens! Detta är vårens datum: *Farsta Bibliotek – Söndag 18:e februari 12.00 och 13.00 *Kista Bibliotek – Söndag 18 mars 14.00 *Kista Bibliotek – Söndag 15:e april 14:00 *Farsta Bibliotek – Söndag 6 maj 12.00 och 13.00 *Skärholmens Bibliotek – Lördag 2:a juni kl 14:00 Bokning sker via respektive bibliotek. Arrangeras med stöd från Stockholm Stad och Kulturrådet. |
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21/2/18: My new video has 90 000 + views!
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Check out the latest single “Set Me Free” that I have written and produced for my Rainbow Riots project featuring Ugandan singers Kowa Tigs and D Black. I also directed the video which was filmed in Uganda and now has over 90 000 views!
"Set Me Free" is the new single taken from the album "Rainbow Riots" composed and produced by me, featuring queer voices from some of the world’s most dangerous countries for LGBTQ people. Buy here: All proceeds go towards Rainbow Riots' work against inequalities towards LGBTQ people in Uganda. |
20/2/18: Bland drakar och dragqueens vårturné!
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När jag var liten kastade de sten på en om man stack ut från manlighetsnormen. Igår stod barnen på kö för att få glitter av vår dragqueen Carnita Molida. Det var nämligen turnépremiär för föreställningen jag skapat, Bland drakar och dragqueens - i mina gamla hoods i Farsta. Det kändes viktigt att ta ut det här projektet till barn som inte bor i innerstan och extra kul att börja i Farsta. Vi förändrar världen en sagoläsning åt gången! Följ Bland drakar och drqgqueens här: |
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20/1/18: Award!
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I have received an award from the Stockholm Arts Council! The jury’s motivation: ”Petter Wallenberg has a strong music profile which innovates the club scene through inclusiveness and solidarity. With his heart in queer culture he lifts house music to new colourful heights” |