People marching at the 2024 Helsinki Pride parade on Aleksanterinkatu. Photo: Hanna Hirvonen / Helsinki Pride Community
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Helsinki Pride Week will take place from 23 to 30 June, with more than 200 events planned to celebrate and defend the rights of sexual and gender minorities. This year’s theme, “Pride without Borders,” underscores inclusivity and international solidarity.
The highlight of the week will be the traditional Helsinki Pride Parade on Saturday, 28 June. More than 100,000 participants are expected to gather at Senate Square at 12:00. The parade will include floats, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, and notably, an accessible rainbow tram.
It will lead through the city centre and conclude at the free Park Festival in Kaivopuisto, running from 13:00 to 21:00.
The Park Festival stage will host artists from the rainbow community and allies, including Yeboyah, Kuopus, Sonia, and debut performer Miki Ratsula, as well as international acts: Black Peppa from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, drag artist Pola Ivanka, and a showcase by Ballroom with Pride.
“For us, community is at the heart of Pride celebrations. Regardless of growing attendance, we’ve kept the Park Festival free. That’s thanks to our partners, without whom we couldn’t offer a large, safe public event without charge,” said Executive Director Annu Kemppainen.
The campaign theme highlights the organisation’s ongoing “Together with Pride” work, which for a decade has supported LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants year-round. “Pride without Borders” signifies Finland’s openness to everyone believing in equality, justice, and dignity. Senni Moilanen, Chair of Helsinki Pride, noted the theme amplifies voices of particularly vulnerable community members.
Helsinki’s Pride House, located in Hobo Helsinki on Kluuvikatu 4, will serve as the week’s central venue. It will host more than 40 free events, including performances and workshops. Throughout the week, over 200 events will take place across various partner venues.
This year’s Pride events are supported by more than 200 organisations, including businesses, trade unions, NGOs, and nonprofits.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
