I am originally from Canada but after many years here, first as a student and now working for a Swedish company, I definitely see myself as a seasoned “Oldbie” here in Sweden, full of advice for Newbies! I blog about LGTB life here in Sweden. Probably not too much about the latest club or who’s gay on the latest docusåpa (look it up), but more about things I’ve learned about living in Sweden, where being gay is at least part of my identity. My one piece of advice for all Newbies if you want to enjoy living here – gay, straight, or any flavour of the rainbow: Learn Swedish and do it now! It doesn’t have to be perfect, but just understanding what’s being said around you in the office, understanding a joke cracked at lunch, or being able to “harumph” properly in Swedish at the parent who just ran over your foot with the triple-wide pram on the bus — all this is so much easier and enjoyable when you understand this Swedish chef language we Newbies and Oldbies are immersed in here. Let me know if there’s any Swedish LGBT Newbie questions you’re curious about!