They are the first same-sex couple in Sweden to adopt internationally

Kalle and Erik from Stockholm had known for some time that they wanted to be parents. Adoption felt like the best alternative. Biological connection has never been of any relevance to either of the two and they believed that adopting a child would mean helping someone in need to a safe and stabile home. The only problem was that it has always been almost impossible.

– We had heard of a gay couple in Denmark who had managed to adopt from South Africa, but that was the only example where two men had adopted at an international level, completely without ties to the country in question, Kalle and Erik write in a blog post.

Previously, when same-sex couples have adopted internationally in Sweden, it has always involved one of the parents being a citizen of the relevant country.

– Then, it's a case of domestic adoption, says Kalle Norwald.

New legislation in Colombia

Coincidentally and luckily, adoption laws in Colombia had changed just as Kalle and Erik filed their adoption papers. From having defined a couple as a man and a woman, the country changed the definition so that gender identity was no longer relevant. That really was the only reason Colombia became the topic of discussion, the couple explains.

– We went into this process with a very open mindset and never considered nationality or ethnicity, Kalle Norwald says.

Now, after an adoption process that has lasted for two years, Kalle and Erik have received the news that they have been approved of for adoption. The only thing left for them to do now is to wait for the news that a Colombian child is awaiting them.

– We reacted like many others and were very happy, nervous and scared, says Kalle Norwald.

No guarantees

The process is equal for same-sex couples and heterosexual couples. It involves mandatory parental training and a family investigation.

– There are many things to keep in mind when you're to receive a child that's coming from an early separation. We've had talks about bringing up children and about our own upbringings.

Additional steps are added to the investigation by the Colombian authorities, meaning medical and psychological evaluations among other things. After that, they can only hope that there is a child in Colombia expecting new parents. However, there are no real guarantees until the courts paperwork is completely finished and their future child is safely in Sweden with Kalle and Erik. Best case scenario is that this might happen during the following year.

– This is really huge for us as future parents, but it's also a light of hope for all same-sex couples hoping to adopt.

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