Pride flags are flying near the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
- Previous Article Government’s fixed-term job reform draws criticism from both sides
- Next Article Fewer Finnish children starting school with smartphones
President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will serve as official patrons of Helsinki Pride Week 2025, the event’s organisers confirmed on Monday.
This year’s Pride Week will take place from 23 to 29 June. The programme will conclude with a parade through the centre of Helsinki on Saturday 28 June. Tens of thousands are expected to attend.
In a joint statement, the presidential couple said they support equality and reject all forms of discrimination.
“As patrons of the Helsinki Pride event, we stand on the side of equality, we’re always against discrimination and all forms of harassment. Every person has the right to dignity and self-determination and to be treated with respect, regardless of personal characteristics,” the statement read.
Chair of Helsinki Pride Senni Moilanen welcomed the announcement and said it reflects broader political support for the rights of sexual and gender minorities.
“We are very pleased and honoured that the president and his spouse will be the patrons of Helsinki Pride Week. This show of support is especially meaningful at a time when human rights are under threat worldwide,” Moilanen said.
The theme for Helsinki Pride Week 2025 is “Pride without borders”. The theme recognises work done over the past decade to support asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants from LGBTQ+ communities.
“With [this year’s theme], we want to highlight that Finland is not just a country where you are born — it’s a place that invites everyone who believes in equality, justice and human dignity,” Moilanen said.
She added that by taking on the patron role, the presidential couple affirms their support for the rights and dignity of those in vulnerable situations both in Finland and globally.
HT
- Previous Article Government’s fixed-term job reform draws criticism from both sides
- Next Article Fewer Finnish children starting school with smartphones
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
