Jostein Pedersen (born 1959)

Translator's Note: This is a machine-assisted translation completed on July 25, 2025. While care has been taken to maintain accuracy, this translation has not yet undergone human review or validation. Please note that specialized terms, historical references, and nuanced content may benefit from expert review. 

Jostein Pedersen has been active in queer organizations since 1980. He became a well-known public figure through his long career at NRK, particularly as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest. Pedersen was one of the founders of the Virus Group, which raised significant funds for quality-of-life initiatives for people affected by HIV and AIDS.

He also contributed to the publications Løvetann and Lenka (the SLM magazine), and was one of the few who wrote under his full name.

Pedersen grew up in Nordland. In the interview, he reflects on his upbringing there and how, at a young age, he found his way to Oslo.

Together with Geir Morstad, Anders Rogg, and others, he helped organize the Viruskveldene events at Enka. Thanks to his extensive network within Norway’s cultural scene, Pedersen brought in both established and emerging stars to perform. Are Kalvø, for instance, made his stand-up debut at one of these evenings. Ole Paus, on the other hand, declined when he realized the nature of the event and its audience.

In an excerpt from the interview, Pedersen shares memories from the Viruskveldene.

The full interview is available in our reading room. Jostein Pedersen continues to work in broadcasting, currently as a host on Radio Vinyl. Skeivt arkiv met Pedersen in Oslo, June 2018.