On this day in 1979, approximately forty activists with the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL) occupied a government office to protest homosexuality being classified as a mental disorder.

RFSL planned the action during Gay Liberation Week in August 1979, occupying the offices of the National Board of Health and Welfare, the government agency responsible for classifying diseases.

The protesters were prepared to occupy the offices for a week. Some called in sick to work to allow for this, leading one worker to get sick pay on the basis of being gay.

Despite this preparation, the protesters were quickly met by the new director-general of Social Security, Barbro Westerholm, who indicated she agreed with protesters and was willing to help with their cause.

By October 19th, 1979, the agency agreed to change their diagnosis registry and remove homosexuality from the list of illnesses.