Vaasa flies the flag for equality

The purpose of the Pride event is to remind everyone that equal rights belong to us all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

– As a city, we are committed to promoting equality as well as non-discrimination. Vaasa wants to be a city where human rights are widely realised and where no one faces harassment or discrimination, says City of Vaasa Welfare Director, Virve Flinkkilä.

The Pride event is organised by the association, Vaasan Seta ry. More information about the programme can be found on the association’s website.

Training and events for personnel

This year, the national Equality Days will be held in Vaasa on 11-12 October. The event is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the City of Vaasa, Åbo Akademi, the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia as well as the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia and a network of equality activists.

– This year, we are also organising a training series on equality and non-discrimination for our employees and trustees in cooperation with the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia and the Wellbeing Services County, says Flinkkilä.

Youth Services organises free movie night and information quiz

The Youth Services of the City of Vaasa is organising a programme in cooperation with Vaasa Seta during Pride week:

• Movie night at the Ritz on 15 June
  • Screening of the movie Girl Picture (Tytöt tytöt tytöt)
  • Mocktails and live music available before the movie.
  • Doors open to the public at 17:30, the movie starts at 19:00.
  • The free-entry alcohol-free event is aimed at people aged 13–29.
• A Pride-themed quiz arranged by the Youth Council at Café Kultsa on 13 June from 18:00-20:00
  • Fun quizzes, nice prizes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • The free-entry alcohol-free event is aimed at people aged 13–29.

Workers from Youth Services will also participate in the Pride parade organised by Seta on 17 June. The parade festival in Hietasaari Park will also feature the new campervan of Youth Services, which will serve as the new base for mobile youth work.

Rainbow youth work is an important part of activities

In Youth Services, group activities within rainbow youth work are carried out. Rainbow activities are low-threshold relaxed events aimed at young people over the age of 13.

– Once a week, we offer a safe space where you can come exactly as you are, alone or together. You can come along to drink a cup of coffee, meet nice people, talk to the leaders or just relax, say the youth leaders.

The activities follow established rules when providing a safe and equal space, which is free from discrimination.

– You don’t have to define yourself in any way to join. We avoid assumptions and respect everyone’s privacy. The duty of confidentiality is also observed in our activities.

Read more: www.vaasa.fi/asu-ja-ela/vapaa-aika/vapaa-aika-nuorille/sateenkaarinuorisotyo (in Finnish)