Iceland’s 2025 Year in Review: A Gay Rights Activist’s Perspective
By Eldur Ísidór
The year 2025 has been both challenging and inspiring amid the ongoing struggle for gay rights, free speech, and the protection of children in the face of the growing influence of gender ideology. At 45, as a writer and committed activist for LGB Alliance Iceland (formerly Samtökin 22), I’ve faced intense legal pressures, achieved meaningful international milestones, and uncovered deep-rooted issues within Iceland’s institutions. This year has underscored the conflicts between true progress and what I see as ideological excess, turning my homeland—known for its dramatic volcanoes—into a key arena for these vital debates.
Legal Hurdles and the Power of Community Support
The year started under the strain of a criminal investigation from 2024, motivated by my parliamentary candidacy and triggered by social media posts in which I questioned whether biologically male individuals can safely breastfeed infants. This inquiry expanded to scrutinize my broader criticisms of transgender ideology, carrying the risk of up to two years in prison. I’ve always viewed this as an infringement on free speech. I know it is driven by my commitment to upholding biological facts and safeguarding children and same-sex attracted people—it weighs heavily on me, but it only strengthens my resolve. My detractors have never found the courage to debate me on a level playing field, and we all know why. Their ideas cannot withstand any meaningful scrutiny. It’s dogma.
This was compounded by my defamation case against RÚV and journalist Bergsteinn Sigurðsson. Their 2024 election reporting wrongly claimed that I had photographed children at school and had been removed by police. These accusations have harmed my reputation and stirred unnecessary controversy. The Reykjavík District Court’s decision on November 3 went against me, acquitting the defendants and leaving me with significant costs. Ordering me to pay the legal costs of the State Broadcaster cemented my fears that I had just been through a kangaroo court.
Nevertheless, I took my case to the Court of Appeal on November 28, highlighting RÚV’s lack of impartiality and failure to allow me a fair response. These struggles have been draining, both emotionally and financially, testing my endurance.
But amid the difficulties, I’ve been deeply moved by the incredible support I have received. Backing from figures like Graham Linehan, Andrew Doyle, Josh Howie, and many more helped frame this as a broader fight against suppression. The collective generosity has not only eased the burden but also reaffirmed my sense of connection and purpose.
Gaining International Momentum and Revealing Institutional Capture
I experienced a significant boost when I presented at Genspect’s “The Bigger Picture” conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 27-28. In my talk, “Speaking Truth to Power in a Nation of Fire and Ice,” I outlined how gender ideology has permeated Iceland’s state systems—from education and healthcare to media and government. It’s disheartening to see the evolution of gay rights advocacy shift toward policies that I believe put children at risk, while stifling open discussion. The speech, which is available on YouTube, has resonated with many people. Sharing concerns about diminishing freedoms in a nation that was once praised for equality and human rights has been both cathartic and motivating.
A major highlight was the establishment of LGB International on September 20. This is a global network for lesbian, gay, and bisexual organizations that has broken away from LGBTQ+ structures heavily influenced by transgender ideology. In conjunction with this launch, I stepped down as chair of LGB Alliance Iceland to the new role of international liaison officer, while also serving on the LGB International board. This change has expanded my reach, allowing me to focus on core same-sex rights without compromise—it’s invigorating to build these alliances.
I’ve actively opposed puberty blocker trials, viewing them as lacking solid evidence and potentially harmful to young people. Becoming a signatory to Genspect’s Memorandum of Understanding reinforced my dedication to evidence-based gender care.
An Alarming Development: Asa Radix’s Role in Icelandic Healthcare
Late November brought a disturbing turn with the appointment of Asa Radix, WPATH president, as head of transgender medicine at Iceland’s National University Hospital. This decision concerns me greatly, as it seems to solidify approaches based on WPATH’s debated guidelines, which prioritize gender-affirming care without sufficient evidence. The media coverage that followed has sparked important discussions on institutional influence and aligns with growing international calls for reevaluation—it’s a wake-up call that fuels my advocacy.
Setting Sights on 2026: Key Goals
Looking back on 2025—a mix of setbacks and successes—I’m motivated by the progress amid the trials. My continuing legal efforts, including the RÚV appeal and resolving the criminal probe, are crucial, with the potential to establish stronger free speech safeguards. I’ll push hard for repealing self-ID laws in Iceland, which I see as eroding essential sex-based protections. Central to my work will be advocating against non-evidence-based interventions like puberty blockers for minors, leveraging partnerships with LGB International and Genspect.
This year has shown me the real costs of standing up to dominant narratives, but it has also highlighted the strength there is in perseverance. In a time of heated identity discussions, my experiences in Iceland offer a sobering reminder and an invitation to others: let’s prioritize evidence and truth over unchecked ideology.
As part of this global movement, I’ve been following the case of Jasmine Sussex in Australia with great interest and solidarity. Sussex, a breastfeeding expert, is facing a vilification complaint under Queensland’s anti-discrimination laws for criticizing the practice of breastfeeding by trans-identified males (biological males), calling it potentially dangerous and not equivalent to natural breastfeeding. Her ongoing legal battle, which pits scientific reality against ideological claims, mirrors my own struggles and underscores the international scope of these issues—it’s a poignant example of how speaking out on child safety and biology can lead to persecution, and I stand with her in this fight for truth.
As we near the close of this pivotal year, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has supported me through 2025—your solidarity has been my anchor in these stormy times. For those inspired to continue standing with me in the battles ahead, contributions to my ongoing legal fund on GoFundMe are always welcome and make a real difference.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with clarity, courage, and renewed commitment to what truly matters.
Eldur Smári Kristinsson is a gay-rights activist in Iceland
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