|
Welcome to the official site of Artist, Activist, Director, Songwriter, Producer and Author Petter Wallenberg. Information and updates from all of Petter's artistic and cultural 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. |
|
News
21 aug: Hate in every language
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
28 Aug: Help me start Uganda's first LGBT community centre!
|
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!
|
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!
|
"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!
|
"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
|
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!
|
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!
|
4 aug: My big EuroPride party tonight!
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
"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!
|
|
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!
|
July 29th: Radio P5!
Jag blir intervjuad i radio P5 Stockholm imorgon kl 8:15
July 25: Latest episode of my podcast out today!
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
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!
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
My podcast Rainbow Riots Radio is now on Spotify! Listen here:
|
1/7/18: Elle magazine!
|
Swedish fashion designer Martin Bergström gave a shout out about my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio in the latest issue of Elle magazine Sweden!
|
27/6/18: Third episode of my podcast!
|
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!
|
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!
|
|
The subtitled version of the second episode of my podcast Rainbow Riots Radio is out on YouTube!
|
18/6/18: Financial Times!
|
Wow! My podcast Rainbow Riots Radio got a glowing review in leading global media outlet Financial Times!
|
14/6/18: I have written for Gay Star News!
|
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!
|
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!
|
"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!
|
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”
|
7/6/18: Swedish news!
|
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:
|
2/6/18: In newspapers all over Sweden!
|
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:
|
1/6/18: QX magazine!
|
Qx magazine Sweden interviewed me about my new podcast Rainbow Riots Radio! Read here:
|
31/5/18: My new podcast out on Apple Podcasts!
|
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:
|
30/5/18: My new podcast out today!
|
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!
|
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:
|
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!
|
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:
|
21/5/18: I have created a new podcast!
|
‘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!
|
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: |
|
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!
|
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!
|
|
12/4/18: Italian media coverage!
|
I'm very pleased that my project Rainbow Riots keeps getting recognition and media support around the world. This time in Italy! Read here:
|
6/4/18: New single out!
|
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!
|
"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!
|
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!
|
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.
|
13/3/18: Radio P1!
|
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:
|
8/3/18: Advisor to the government!
|
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! |
|
7/3/18: My song at Mardi Gras in Australia!
|
|
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!
|
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:
|
|
26/2/18: French magazine!
|
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!
|
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. |
|
21/2/18: My new video has 90 000 + views!
|
|
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!
|
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: |
|
20/1/18: Award!
|
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” |