Helsinki Pride: Queer Rights in Emergencies
Sumud and Helsinki Pride Yhteisö will organise a panel discussion Queer Rights in Emergencies on Thursday, June 26, at 3-6 pm at the Pride House (Hobo Helsinki, Kluuvikatu 4).
15–16.30 Introductions (1,5 hours)
- Sumud: Lina Jarallah, secretary
- Helsinki Pride Community, Together with Pride: Yasmin Okpara, Expert on Social and Youth Services
- Lived experience speakers from Russia, Uganda and Iran
- Équité, Sri Lanka: Thushara Manoj, chairperson, supported by KIOS: Manoj will bring insights into the post-war realities of Sri Lanka and how the country’s complex post-conflict environment continues to affect the development of the LGBTIQ+ movement. The lingering ethnic tensions, coupled with nationalism and structural racism, have created significant divides between Sinhala-speaking and Tamil-speaking queer communities.
- Refugee Advice Centre: Pargol Miraftabi, lawyer: The significantly weakened human rights situation in many countries of sexual and gender minorities (e.g. Russia, Turkey and the United States) is hardly reflected in the decision-making practices of the Finnish Immigration Service. What does the situation look like from a lawyer’s perspective and how do the authorities’ practices relate to global developments?
- Amnesty International Finnish Section: Rainbow rights during armed conflict – forgotten, neglected, obstructed? Pia Puu Oksanen, Advisor, gender and sexuality based discrimination
16.30 Panel discussion (30 min.)
- What does creating a safe space mean for queer minorities facing multiple forms of discrimination? Ways diverse groups can recognize the intersecting experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. The panel includes speakers from marginalized and underrepresented communities, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
17–18: Social gathering (1 hour)
Music and performance, relaxed hangout time with the opportunity to exchange thoughts with other participants. Participation is voluntary and self-directed.
The event is free of charge and held in English. The event is accessible, more information about accessibility here.
