Katia Forbert Petersen

I feel 50% foreign. I know that I am slightly different, but this is not necessarily because I am from another country. It might just as well be due to my opinions or due to my height. When I lost my parents I had a thought; you can live all your life in a country, but it is not until you bury a relative that you really put down roots.

My husband and I sometimes talk about our being part of the happiest generation. We were both born after World War II during a time characterised by optimism. Gender equality, equal pay and free education were on the agenda. The standard of living gradually increased and children could look forward to a more privileged life than that of their parents. Unfortunately this development does not look like it can continue. The Copenhagen property market is characterised by speculation, inequality is growing, and Copenhagen risks ending as a ghetto for affluent citizens. As far as gender equality is concerned, there is still a lot to fight for too.

For example, as a citizen you have to be active if you want to ensure real equality in the judicial sector. Last April, the Roskilde Court acquitted three young men of the rape of a 16-year- old, and only after a media storm and public demonstrations, the regional court overruled this verdict. This was a prime example of poor juridical practice, where cultural issues on gender and sexuality shape the way the law is interpreted. The law is equal for everyone, but not everyone is equal before the law.

67 years / female / in a relationship / children / film director and photographer / Copenhagen Ø / from Poland / came to Denmark in 1969 / residence permit same year