Seta, a major national organisation for LGBTI Rights in Finland, hosted a series of IDAHOT events in several different cities across the country. Highlights included demonstrations, picnics, street art, a candle light vigil and a house warming party. Cities with IDAHOT 2014 actions included Helsinki, Joensuu, Tampere, Lahti and Turku.

Helsinki

LGBTI Rights in Finland, Seta, Amnesty Finland, No Hate Speech Movement and other organisations hosted an information booth where people were invited to sign solidarity cards for Belgrade Pride (where authorities have previously banned parades before, most recently in 2013). People also wrote messages against Hate Speech and for Freedom of Expression for LGBTI people at the tent, where pictures were also taken.

IDAHOT event in Helsinki. Source: IDAHOT Finland

Joensuu

HOHTO, the regional Seta member organisation, hosted a whole ‘rainbow week’ of activities around IDAHOT, which started on May 8th. Actions included a rainbow mass, info desk, book club meeting, the Hohto parade, parties, free hugs action, a discussion on the political aspect of love and a Youth group get-together. On May 17, there was a silent demonstration in the city centre against hate and discrimination, and a picnic at Ilosaari. You can find more details of the week on their Facebook page.

Hohto’s promo material for IDAHOT 2014

Photos from silent protest against hate and discrimination. Source: Hohto

Lahti

In commemoration of IDAHOT 2014, activists organised a knitted rainbow graffiti installation at Pikku-Vesijärvi park. The event also included street art activities for LGBTI young people, near the central bus station. A picnic was also held to commemorate the Day at Pikku-Vesijärvi.

Tampere

In Tampere, the local organisation Pirkanmaan Seta held a memorial & candle light vigil for victims of homophobia and transphobia on May 17 at Keskustori. You can find more information on the event’s Facebook page.

Candle Light Vigil In Tampere. Source: Pirkanmaan Seta

Turku

In Turku, local community groups organised a dance flashmob on the Market Square, as well as film screenings, and a house warming party at the regional Seta office on May 17. You can find out more about the regional Seta group on their website.

Further information

Find more Information about the organisation Seta on their website and Facebook page.
They have also made a small video at the event in Helsinki which you can watch here.