Sweden is "getting its first LGBT-certified sports stadium," in the student city of Uppsala, according to Catherine Edwards of THE LOCAL. All staff at the Studenternas Stadium, an hour north of Stockholm, will be "trained in LGBT issues in order to create a welcoming environment at the venue," and the facilities will be designed to be "as inclusive as possible." The LGBT certification means that "all toilets and dressing rooms will be adapted so that there are accessible options for all athletes and spectators, regardless of their gender identity, including gender neutral toilets where possible." Uppsala Marketing Dir for Sport & Leisure Danne Eriksson said, "We want to guarantee equal treatment in all areas, regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation." Eriksson added that the aims of introducing LGBT-certification to the stadium are "to increase the feeling of belonging, comfort, and safety" as well as "improving knowledge and understanding of LGBT people and equality" within the municipality, Eriksson added (THE LOCAL, 6/27).
