Over 100,000 Participate in Helsinki Pride Parade, Featuring Accessible Participation

(CNA, Helsinki, June 30) -- Helsinki Pride attracted over 100,000 participants to its street parade. This year, the organizers particularly implemented the spirit of accessibility by arranging a dedicated rainbow tram for the elderly and having trucks filled with wheelchair users lead the procession. Through these thoughtful arrangements, they embodied the spirit of walking alongside diverse communities.

This grand event, held last weekend, saw an estimated 100,000 people participate, according to police and organizers. The parade route started from Senate Square, passing through major roads and quiet alleys in the city center, including Mannerheimintie, and finally arriving at Kaivopuisto. During the parade, several anti-rainbow individuals and groups protested the parade's theme with signs, but the overall event was peaceful and smooth.

Along the parade route, large crowds of citizens cheered with rainbow flags, and some joined the procession to participate firsthand. After reaching the destination, people picnicked under the shade trees in the park. Activity booths for all age groups were scattered throughout, and a large music stage and outdoor dance floor took turns performing. The park party continued from afternoon into the evening, becoming a day-long festival.

Aura Aaltonen, wearing a Samba school costume and marching in the parade, was interviewed by CNA. She is from the Helsinki Samba school "Imperio de Papagayo," and other members from different dance schools also marched with them. When asked about her feelings at the moment, she smiled and said, "It feels great, it's fun to be a part of it."

The Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported that this year's parade theme was "Freedom to Grow," and the Parliament's Rainbow Network served as the event's patron. Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz appeared in the parade. In an interview with "Ilta-Sanomat," he emphasized that many younger groups still face discrimination and bullying in schools, and society must work to build an inclusive environment to achieve an equal Finland.

This year, Helsinki Pride awarded the annual "Pride Changes the World" human rights prize to IrisHelsinki, a rainbow youth center under the City of Helsinki Youth Services. IrisHelsinki serves LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-25 and their friends, guided by peer workers and youth workers with expertise in LGBTQ+ issues. They also conduct outreach in educational institutions like schools, aiming to make rainbow youth feel safe in their environments, reduce youth loneliness, and help them find their community. They strive to create a safe space where everyone can be themselves. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 06/30/2024

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