Axel Gran (born 1950)

Translator's Note: This is a machine-assisted translation completed on June 2, 2025. While care has been taken to maintain accuracy, this translation has not yet undergone human review or validation.

Gran has lived in both Eastern Norway and Northern Norway. In 1979, he was among those who helped establish the 'Homosexual Movement in Tromsø' and also illustrated the cover of the first issue of the internal newsletter, Hominor.

In our interview with him, he speaks about his time in Tromsø, as well as the period when he lived intermittently in Bergen and participated in the queer community there. Outside of his brief artistic career, he has worked as a teacher and ceramicist.

In 1977, Gran was invited to participate in the Norwegian final of the Melodi Grand Prix. The plan was to change the lyrics of the song he was to perform, Ikke mitt bord (“Not My Table”), during the live broadcast, replacing them with lyrics addressing the oppression of homosexuals. However, that year NRK decided that the final would not be broadcast live, but pre-recorded. As a result, the plan was abandoned.

In an excerpt from the interview, Gran shares the story behind what would become Norway’s very first gay-themed record, with lyrics exploring inner emotions and the struggles of coming out. He also recounts how he ended up participating in the Melodi Grand Prix.

The full interview is available in our reading room. Queer Archive met Axel Gran at his home in Lena in October 2018.