Emil Otto Syvertsen (born 1948)

Translator's Note: This is a machine-assisted translation completed on May 28, 2025. While care has been taken to maintain accuracy, this translation has not yet undergone human review or validation.

Syvertsen was married to a woman with whom he had two children. It was only after their divorce that he began living openly as a gay man.

In the interview, Syvertsen reflects on his upbringing in a traditional household in Kristiansand. When he came out in his mid-thirties, it caused a major upheaval within the family; however, they maintain a good relationship today. He also discusses how, after coming out, he had to redefine his personal narrative and understanding of his own identity.

Syvertsen worked for many years as a journalist at Fædrelandsvennen and also held a position as a secondary school teacher. In addition, he was actively involved in the Southern Pride Days (Skeive Sørlandsdager) during the 1990s.

In an excerpt from the interview, Syvertsen speaks about the experience of being openly gay while working as a high school teacher.

The full interview is available in our reading room. Skeivt Arkiv met Emil Otto Syvertsen at his home in Kristiansand in February 2020.