 Both factors created a perception that Faroese people were intolerant of LGBT individuals.In the past, the demonization of LGBT people as "monsters" or "freaks" by Faroese churches or religious leaders was quite common, and until recently there was limited knowledge or discussion of LGBT people and their rights, leading many Faroese LGBT people to remain in the closet for decades out of fear of discrimination.There were also cases of Faroese LGBT people being rejected by family or friends, and of LGBT people being forced to take refuge in other Nordic countries to escape discrimination or to have their rights recognized.