{"id":8639,"date":"2026-05-29T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sumud.fi\/?p=8639"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:39:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T09:39:05","slug":"intersectionality-and-solidarity-need-to-be-consistent-helsinki-pride-must-stand-behind-its-values-in-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sumud.fi\/en\/intersectionality-and-solidarity-need-to-be-consistent-helsinki-pride-must-stand-behind-its-values-in-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Intersectionality and solidarity need to be consistent \u2013 Helsinki Pride must stand behind its values in practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Image: Hannu H\u00e4kkinen

Helsinki Pride has done important work in the field of Rainbow Rights. Helsinki Pride says it is committed to human rights and respect for diversity \u2013 principles according to which \u201cwe do not compromise on human rights\u201d.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, these principles are not fully realized in practice. Helsinki Pride has been slow to respond to the occupation, colonialism, and genocide experienced by Palestinians, just as it was previously slow to critically examine whiteness and privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are glad that Helsinki Pride signed the statement in June 2025 \u201cFinnish decision-makers must do everything to stop the genocide in Gaza<\/a>\u201d. In addition, during Pride Week 2025, Helsinki Pride organized an event with Sumud – the Finnish Palestine Network, and Helsinki Pride has demanded<\/a> that Israel should be excluded from Eurovision. We are also grateful that Sumud has been offered a free block in the Helsinki Pride parade since 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we hope that Helsinki Pride would pay more attention to its own activities. A concrete way Helsinki Pride could demonstrate support for Palestinian rights would be to commit to the cultural boycott<\/a> This is what Palestinian civil society and Palestinian rainbow organizations are asking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helsinki Pride \u2013 the largest human rights event in Finland \u2013 has not officially joined the cultural boycott, unlike, for example, the Love & Anarchy International Film Festival and the Finnish Museum of Photography. The partners of Helsinki Pride in 2025 did not include any entities subject to the cultural boycott, so adopting the boycott would not even require Pride to end any current partnerships \u2013 only the same scrutiny going forward. Committing to the cultural boycott would be a clear message that Pride refuses to serve as a platform for pinkwashing.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are disappointed that the Helsinki Pride’s board has not been willing to join the boycott. When we have discussed the matter with them, the board representatives have cited as a reason that they focus primarily on advancing the rights of sexual and gender minorities, even though they do commit to intersectionality. Fear of losing sponsors and responding to potential criticism has also been strongly present in the discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public commitment to avoiding cooperation with the Israeli state and its supported institutions while occupation, apartheid, and genocide continue is essential \u2013 not only to support the Palestinian people, but also to defend human rights globally. Silence normalizes oppression everywhere. Failure to commit to the cultural boycott makes Pride spaces less safe for many BIPOC and Palestinian queer people. When a community asks for concrete action in the name of safety and solidarity, symbolic support alone is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a shame if Helsinki Pride forgets the original spirit of the Pride movement, which was born from grassroots resistance. The movement’s pioneers Rivera and Johnson did not settle for symbolic actions \u2013 they went directly against the structures of oppression and created concrete support for marginalized people. They founded, for example, the STAR organization, which provided shelter and housing for homeless queer youth and trans women. They remind us that Pride cannot be merely a celebration \u2013 it must also be a political act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, we the undersigned ask that Helsinki Pride join the cultural boycott. Solidarity cannot be limited to words \u2013 it must show in actions, especially in difficult times. In a world where the rights of minorities are constantly under threat, we cannot practice selective solidarity. If we want to defend human rights, we must do so consistently \u2013 for everyone and always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiskars Pride is leading the way<\/a> \u2013 on 23rd of April 2026 it became the first Pride event to commit to the cultural boycott and declare itself an Apartheid Free Zone<\/a>. We invite Helsinki Pride and other Pride communities to follow in Fiskars Pride’s footsteps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumud offers free consultation for those interested in joining the cultural boycott. Sumud is also still willing to discuss the matter with Helsinki Pride.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Pinkwashing refers to the practice of companies or states presenting themselves as supporters of rainbow rights in order to soften or conceal other activities. Israel is known to use pinkwashing to justify settler colonialism, apartheid, and the associated violations of Palestinian human rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why BDS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palestinian civil society is asking the international community for one thing: boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel and those supporting its apartheid regime. The BDS movement, based on the Palestinian BDS Call<\/a> issued in 2005, has become the most significant counterforce to Israel’s apartheid globally. Read more about boycotts on Sumud’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Pride?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helsinki Pride is the largest human rights event in Finland. Pride also says it is committed to intersectionality,<\/a> which means committing to the rights of every oppressed group of people. It should listen to the voice of the Palestinian civil society.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Sign the petition<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Signatures<\/span><\/strong>
(Updated 2.7.2026)<\/em>

Communities<\/strong>
Global Sumud Finland
Jewish Bund Finland
Lakeuden Sateenkaari ry
Meri-Lapin Seta ry
Nahlieli
Qaareva ry
Regnb\u00e5gsallians r.f.
SHADOWPRIDE
Skp:n Janakkalan osasto Ry
Trans Library Helsinki
Trans ry

Individuals<\/strong>
Eero Kivist\u00f6
Eero Yli-Vakkuri
Lumi Halla-Sepp\u00e4l\u00e4
Sini Tahvonen
Anna-Riitta K\u00e4ssi
Mimosa Puumalainen
Kirsi Halla-Sepp\u00e4l\u00e4
Matja Rapeli
Piia Pentti
Alice Hardman
Jasmin Partanen
Lina Jarallah
Mikaela Leuschel
Jutta Nummela
Sini Pallasvuo
Hilma Kallio
Marjukka Mykk\u00e4nen
Tea Nikunen
Saru Rinne
Bianca Nyblom
Helene Santala
Virta Kainulainen
Henri Jurvanen
Emmi Heinonen
Jonna Husa
Joonatan Neittamo
Heidi Kuusisto
Saana Paaso-Rantala
Sami Suhonen
Ellen Wicht
Sara Siimes
Matti Pihlajamaa
Kati Sinisalo
Greggory Haueter
Aarni Pieski
Ellen Ormio
Merja Rankinen
Johanna Tuomi
Taru Luojola
Risto Paalanen
Akira Siivonen
Havu P\u00e4rn\u00e4nen
Outi Popp
Nova Aul\u00e9n
Stacy Siivonen
Toni Kallioinen
Jiri M\u00e4ntysalo
Elina Kauppila
Jukka S\u00e4rkij\u00e4rvi
Havu H\u00e4rm\u00e4
Sumu Torkkel
Liina Poropudas
Adrian Hogan
Ilmari Lahti
Iris Karlsson
Silja Meronen
Eelis Kettinen
Annina Kortelainen
Jenni Virkam\u00e4ki
Nina Ratavaara
Kaneli Samola
Leevi Nora
Xuefei Wu
Kia Skytt\u00e4
Iida Kautto
Noia Kekoni-Kattelus
Elina Malmberg
Lari Lindqvist
Eeva Talvikallio
Riina Heikura
Anni Laiho
Eli Olvio
Varpu Kurvinen
Syksy R\u00e4s\u00e4nen
Pauliina Purhonen
Khalil Reijonen
Anniina Kalmari
Helvi Soinranta
Ilona Hankosalo
Elsa Heikkil\u00e4
Elian Kivipuro
Talisa Baldassini
Ville Aalto
Mikko L\u00e4hteinen
Leik Silvestrini
Minja
Tytti Aalto
Rae Reinvall
Milja
Meri Toivakka
Sole Auvinen
Iria Welander
Teittinen Kaski
Mio Heikkinen
Vilja Westerberg
Harri Simolin
Kaisa Elovaara
Emmi Rantanen
Joonas Lehto
Mira McLennan
Johan Dahlbo
August Joensalo
Zoe Elischka
Meeri Nuutinen
Aino
Julia Krautsuk
Kajo Mets\u00e4nen
Sofiya Egorova
Asla Tiainen
Venla Leimu
Lumi Suomi
Kuisma Eskola
Yunus Celik
Ainokaisa Huusko
Mai F\u00f6rbom
Kaamos Korpinsoidin
Taika Sorjonen
Marta Serrano Lopez
Jade Ora
Melinda Laitinen
Jemina Nylund
Ida Kalliokorpi
Kristian Paltima
Sohvi Nortunen
Pinja Snellman
Maria Rosenholm
Charlotta Boucht
Frida Krohn
Ari Krogell
Unna Aimonaho
Sara Siimes
Emmi Heinonen
Vattu Korhonen
Alan Avila
Reija Pekkinen
Henna Lahtinen
Anni Pallaspuro
Tytti Tikkakoski
Varpu Sole
Pilvi Pulma
Heta Heikkala
Shia Conlon
Sini Hintsala
Erika It\u00e4ranta
Linda Meril\u00e4inen
Jasmin Mora
Adalmiina
Essi Kriikku
Kristo Kulmala
Karita Hotti
Emil Vauto
Iina Ukkonen
aleksandra Rauhaniemi
Ida-Emilia Reini
P\u00e4\u00e4sky Miettinen
Anna Gartagani
Tiina Pajunen
Alia Maharzah
Ronja Koskivaara
Hannu H\u00e4kkinen
Heidi Stenman
Minea Tarkiainen
Amanda Ripatti
Ambrosius Wollsten
Heidi Lehto
Kiia Beilinson
Lauri Lohi
Sanna Pettersson
Sara Kansonen
Aava Kaurala
Noora Uusipaasto
Frans Paldanius
Francesca De Sanctis
Veronika Hristova
Joonas Vola
Eeri Lapilainen
Valo Laapas
Juno Kiero
Terva
Jessica de Bruin
Eleni Kavouki
Amelia Jones
Kolbr\u00fan Inga S\u00f6ring
Elsa
Victoria
Rapha\u00ebl Beau
Matti Eskelinen
Tiina k\u00e4nk\u00e4nen
Seija-Leena Salo
Sallamarianne Markkanen
Nadia V\u00e4h\u00e4passi
Kiira Halenius
Lasse Jalonen
Anna Hirvi
Para Valta
Hassen Hnini
Ida Teili
Heta Nuutinen
Harri Stenstr\u00f6m
Leea Paloj\u00e4rvi
Minna Savolainen
Eugenie Touma van der Meulen
T\u00e4hk\u00e4 Aalto
Aatu Aarnio
Ada Kilpel\u00e4inen
Tytti Aalto
Vilma Aliklaavu
Sohvi Nortunen
Veronika Koponen
Anu
Valma Wuori
Oscar Arminen
Venla Leimu
Aleks Borzecka
Kirsi Huotari
Saara-Maria Koivu
Malika-Aisha El Bardi
Pekka Riikonen
Ulla Haapaniemi
Paula Karhunen
Sirkku Kangas
Havu Palviainen
Mirja Liikkanen
Taija Kuosa
Edviina Saarinen
Fanny Qvickstr\u00f6m
Inari Torniainen
Kari Veps\u00e4l\u00e4inen
Riikka Vepsalainen
Sini Harjula
Tina Jeranko
Lea Korhonen
Jakob Wartiovaara
Vera Ainamo
Satu H\u00e4m\u00e4l\u00e4inen
Outi Salminen
Emmy Snickars
Piritta Mettinen
Selja Puolakka
Iida Kautto
Kai Larinen
Cecilia Bostr\u00f6m
Emma Reijonen
Aamu Tornivuori
Minka Virtanen
Elli Koskivirta
Minna Kaattari
Erica Rowan Mena
Shaun Green
Roosa Laitinen
Maria Kiukkola
Sanni Tuomiluoma
Amanda Landstr\u00f6m
Niilo Helminen
Gyan Dookie
Aino Hollo
Riikka H\u00e4meenoja
Rasmus M\u00e4kel\u00e4
Karoliina Valalehto
Sarah Ajlan
Maliiha Al Natsheh
Milja Aho
Petri Laitinen
Anniina Kalmari
Emma Mannfors
Venla Rossi
Kid Kokko
Jorma Joppe Talikka
Caapo Nurminen
Salomon B\u00e4ckman
Helvi Soinranta
Harri Simolin
Annariikka Lehtinen
Pasi Salonen
Jonna Kouvalainen
Minna Sumelius
Aino Uitamo
Riikka Palosuo
Ursula Sadinmaa
Ellen Wicht
Mikaela Vaismaa
Kapa Monola-Lemi\u00e8re
Mikaela Leuschel
Simo Jalonen
Alisa Valkama
Hilu Toivonen-Alastalo
Viivi Kinnunen
Viivi Kainulainen
P\u00e4ivi Kokkonen
Sofia Sarkava
Nella Kangaslampi
Roosa K\u00e4\u00e4p\u00e4
Pilvi-Leena Peltom\u00e4ki
Greta Gran\u00f6
Claire Saint-Germain
Nea Sohlman
Moona Kinnunen
Nikita N\u00e4ttil\u00e4
Aura Antikainen
Sere D\u00fcrr
Esmen Tolla
Soile Koskinen
Papu Kallio
Mette R\u00f6nnberg
Birk Johansson
Milja
Annastiina Airaksinen
Ilmari Laasasenaho
Esteri Suomalainen
Elsi Kervinen
Rebecca summerfield
Essi Huhtala
Seven Loukko
Veera Nurmenniemi
Aini Aintila
Hanna-Miia Siisi\u00e4inen
Suzanne Gracio
Virpi Sipil\u00e4
Iivari Kemppinen
Riikka Lakea
Alina Sakko
Torsti Alhava
Lumi Ilvonfn
Kasper Salonen
Anni Rahkonen
Akseli Hakli
Samu Kuukka
Inari Pusa
Hertta Tuomi
Triine Isoahde
Heta Uhtio
Milma H\u00e4m\u00e4l\u00e4inen
Tom Kylm\u00e4niemi
Sine Piri
Milla Illikainen
Teemu Moilanen
Kide K\u00e4m\u00e4
Nika Tiira
Aino Vuotila
Timo Suutama
Tanja Saariaho
Victor Lind\u00e9n
tanu
Mia Hansson
Jussi Salmi
Aaron Saarinen
Hilmalyydia Nuolivaara
Salla Puranen
Pasi Pentik\u00e4inen
Vilma Posio
Juulia Niiranen
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Hannu H\u00e4kkinen Helsinki Pride has done important work in the field of Rainbow Rights. Helsinki Pride says it is committed to human rights and respect for diversity \u2013 principles according to which \u201cwe do not compromise on human rights\u201d. Unfortunately, these principles are not fully realized in practice. Helsinki Pride has been slow to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":8628,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[138,139,2],"tags":[],"hf_cat_post":[],"class_list":["post-8639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-posts-en","category-petition-en","category-press-release"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":138,"label":"blog posts en"},{"value":139,"label":"Petition"},{"value":2,"label":"Press release"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.sumud.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/54621056551_965037a297_o-1024x647.jpg",1024,647,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Sumud Office","author_link":"https:\/\/www.sumud.fi\/en\/author\/sumud-office\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":138,"name":"blog posts en","slug":"blog-posts-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":138,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":138,"category_count":6,"category_description":"","cat_name":"blog posts en","category_nicename":"blog-posts-en","category_parent":0},{"term_id":139,"name":"Petition","slug":"petition-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":139,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":139,"category_count":3,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Petition","category_nicename":"petition-en","category_parent":0},{"term_id":2,"name":"Press release","slug":"press-release","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2,"taxonomy":"category","description":"

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