Vaasa flies the flag for equality during Pride Week

Pride flags will fly on three flagpoles at the crossing of Hovioikeudenpuistikko and Raastuvankatu. One of the flagpoles currently flies the Ukrainian flag, which will be raised again after Pride.

The purpose of Vaasa Pride is to highlight that equal rights belong to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

Vaasa Pride is organised by Vaasan Seta ry.  Further information about the programme can be found on the association’s website.

Shared encounters increase understanding

This week, the City of Vaasa is flying the flag for equality and human rights.

– As an employer, we have zero tolerance for inappropriate treatment, and everyone must be able to live safely as their true selves, says Virve Flinkkilä, Director of Welfare with the City of Vaasa.

– One practical example is our ‘Talk to Someone New’ campaign, which has been running for a year now. Its aim is to encourage people from different backgrounds and experiences to share their thoughts. Shared encounters and conversations increase understanding and trust between people, reduce prejudices, and influence attitudes to help combat discrimination.

The City of Vaasa is also applying UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Municipality model.

– As part of the Child-Friendly Municipality work, early childhood education and schools have focused on emotional skills. Empathy towards people outside one’s own reference group also fosters tolerance of diversity, which in turn leads to a more equitable society, says Flinkkilä.

Programme for young people

The City of Vaasa’s Youth Services will participate in Vaasa’s official Pride parade, which sets off from the Market Square at 13 on Saturday 14 June. The Nuoli camper van, which part of the city’s outreach youth work, will also be at the parade’s final stop in Hietasaari.

Youth Services will also organise events during Pride Week in cooperation with other partners:

Youth Picnic on Wednesday 11 June

• from 16 to 19 at Kasarmintori Park
• Snacks and just hanging out
• Safe adult youth workers will be present. The event is free of charge and alcohol- and drug-free.
• Target group: 13 to 29-year-olds

Sign-making workshop on Thursday 12 June

• from 17 to 20 at Café Kultsa
• Target group: 13 to 29-year-olds
• Create signs and banners together for the Pride parade. Various materials will be available to use, and you’re also welcome to bring your own.

Youth Pride event on Friday 13 June

• from 18 to 21.30 at Café Kultsa (Raastuvankatu 30, 2nd floor)
• Target group: 13 to 29-year-olds
• The event is free of charge and alcohol- and drug-free.
• Headlining: Asla Jo
• Panel discussion on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth:
  • with school coach Sonja Ahola; city and regional councillor Lotta Alhonnoro; individual coach Jinna Vilponen from Mielle ry; sexual health advisor Eva-Maria Rajamäki; and Emmi Schlöbcke and Sanni Lehtinen from Vaasa Youth Council.
• Seta pop-up stand
• In collaboration with the Finnish Parish of Vaasa and Vaasan Seta ry