“I didn’t really understand the significance and value of the Pride Festival in these small towns, until now…” – QX

Markus Jeslin, you are the new COO of RFSL Sjuhärad! our end!
– Thank you so much! I am very happy and grateful for this because yesI missed the time when I was active on LGBTQI issues in different ways and felt I also missed a meeting place for our community. Here I was met by a great business manager and office by name take over And an equally wonderful board of directors welcomed me all with open arms and really made me want this job.

Tell us about Sjuhärad!
– Sjuhärad consists of eight municipalities and a large catchment area RFSL Sjuhärad is currently the fourth largest RFSL district in Sweden and was founded in 1971 with its office and premises in the center of Borås. Apart from the office area, the building is a comfortable place for meetings. There is a bar, a dance floor and comfortable sections with sofas and armchairs. We are working actively and seriously to make our presence visible and spread awareness and knowledge throughout the catchment area.
– Previously, I did not really understand the importance and value of the Pride Festival in these small towns, until now when I am more aware and visit and participate in it. Now I understand that it is in these places that pride festivals are, if possible, more important. That an individual who might feel something they think they are alone in feeling receives recognition that it is acceptable to feel that way and that the person is not alone in it.

What will your job be as Operations Manager for Unga & Socialt?
– I don’t really like the word “business manager”… It seems like I’m trying to be cool… (LaughWe work together in both office and board, but part of my job is school education, HIV prevention, youth center, cafe, pub, club…
The goal is to spread knowledge and awareness, but also to provide a meeting place and a living room for our members. A safe place, support for those who need it.

And how’s it going, how was the first time?
– Indescribable! Working with issues that are very close to one’s heart is a blessing. Seeing so many people working so hard and volunteering is impressive. It’s fun and inspiring and we’ve put a lot of focus on trying to get the work started on site, in our facilities. We start Rainbow Bar once a month, have a cafe every Wednesday, and a night club once a month. We work a lot trying to find different artists, lecturers, topics, etc. to give our members something extra. This was received in a way I could never have dreamed of. At the Queer Youth Farm, we had 88 guys (!) last time! At the new premiere of Club Magasinet we had more than 100 guests, yesterday in the pub we have about 60 guests … and this is in “Little” Boras! This proves that the need exists.

What dreams and thoughts do you have about work?
– The dream is for the RFSL Sjuhärad to become a visible association to become a member of and support. Our activities are well attended and appreciated, but we have also succeeded in spreading knowledge in the region, preferably abroad, so that more people understand that feelings are not an option and that LGBT people are an asset to al-Qaeda.

You have a background in the LGBTQ world as you were for many years the face of BeeBar, how do you see that time?
I miss that time and come back often. I started with Gossip and then Bee Bar. Besides parties, people, and all my DJ trips around the Nordics, there were countless QX parties, but also in that time there was a huge commitment to spreading awareness and talking to people. I missed you so much!

When did you leave BeeBar?
– I remember it was 2014…

What have you been doing since then?
I have mostly run my own business in the form of selling dog grooming products. An intense passion in life is dogs…I have been breeding Tibetan kennels for years and have been active in the “dog trade” since 1990. In 2016, I trained as a conformation judge, and this has made me travel the world to judge dogs at dog shows. Some of the countries besides the Nordic countries are Israel, Great Britain, Germany and Estonia.

Otherwise, how do you live and where do you live?
– I live as a bachelor, have a son every two weeks and live in a small house in Sandard outside Borás. My ex-husband and I adopted the most beautiful 4-month-old baby in the world in 2012. He was born with a serious heart defect and required major and difficult surgeries and a long hospital stay. We decided to move to the old former house area and here we are because Son’s School is completely unbeatable when it comes to listening and adapting the students’ school education, as well as their view of the rainbow families. I’m enjoying myself, but I can totally miss the pulse of the city.

Finally, what are you going to do this weekend?
Today begins Father’s Week. I’m going to spend the weekend with my son, if he decides, we’ll go out for a bike ride. However, I will try to convince him that we have to do something more fun and important … go shopping, for example! (Laugh)

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