The largest human rights and cultural event in Finland, Helsinki Pride, will be celebrated again throughout June. The City of Helsinki will continue as the event’s main partner.
This year, the Mayors of the City of Helsinki will serve as the patrons of Helsinki Pride. Together, the Mayors send a strong message in support of equality and non-discrimination:
“Promoting human rights and equality is our shared task. Helsinki is a city with room for different lifestyles and opinions. For us, diversity is an asset. All the Mayors of Helsinki are proud to serve as patrons of Helsinki Pride. This year’s theme of the event, peace and hope, also speaks to us and the entire city at large,” say Mayor Juhana Vartiainen and Deputy Mayors Daniel Sazonov, Anni Sinnemäki, Johanna Laisaari and Paavo Arhinmäki.
“As a city, Helsinki must be good, equal and, above all, full of hope for rainbow people as well. It is important to us that the patron of the event also carries this message. That is why the Mayors, who represent patrons across party lines, are the right people to convey the objectives of Helsinki Pride. Hope is made of actions, and we are now building peace and a better future – together,” says Senni Moilanen, chair of the Helsinki Pride Community.
Pride tram on the move all summer
During Pride Month, the City of Helsinki organises many rainbow events for both residents and staff. Libraries, cultural centres and youth services celebrate Pride by organising a large number of events promoting the equality of sexual and gender minorities, such as workshops, film screenings and Youth Pride evenings.Training and a joint film evening will also be organised for personnel, among other things.
One of the actions most visible to city residents is a tram covered with rainbow decals in cooperation with Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd and the Helsinki Pride Community. The tram car operates on different lines and runs in various parts of Helsinki until autumn. Pride Month culminates in Pride Week, which takes place from 24 to 30 June. The parade and park festival will be held on Pride Week Saturday on 29 June as usual. City of Helsinki staff will also participate in the parade.
The Helsinki Pride Community is a non-governmental association and expert organisation whose aim is to eliminate inequalities in culture, language and society's structures, values and standards. The association carries out community, social and youth work throughout the year and organises the Helsinki Pride event annually. The City of Helsinki is the main partner of the event.