Pride in Finland shows history and inclusivity of country
July 1, 2024In Turku, Finland, the nation's oldest city and its former capital, thousands congregated last August for the city's Pride Parade—officially termed a “protest march.” The parade wound its way through the 13th-century streets and across the Aura River, which divides the Old City.
Photographer Patricia Bertenyi was present to capture numerous images of the day’s happenings.
“All kinds of people—straight, gay, trans and all between—showed up to march for the colors and against bigotry,” Bertenyi tells ‘LGBTQ Nation’.
According to Equaldex, Finland ranks among the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Europe and the world, closely trailing Iceland at #1 and neighboring Norway at #2. A large majority believe Finland is a “good place” for gay and lesbian people (83%), and almost 90% are content with having LGBTQ+ neighbors.
Image Credit: Canva
Bertenyi mentions there was a sense of unease that August morning as the march set off, following the election of Finland’s most conservative government in decades earlier that year—a development possibly attributable to Finnish voters' tough stance in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland had joined NATO just weeks before the election.
People marched against bigotry and also against “the right-wing government that was elected that spring,” says Bertenyi. It was an inspiring demonstration of unity and resilience.
“This day and march gave me hope,” the photographer says. “Still does as I look at the pics I took.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Thousands attend Budapest Pride in protest against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
Actor and LGBTQ+ ally David Tennant wears powerful trans rights t-shirt for Pride
Ukraine just held its first Pride event in years despite Russia’s continued invasion
Pride was banned but over 150,000 South Koreans still marched
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews