Learn more about the history of Helsinki Pride, from its beginnings as a small protest in the 1970s advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, to its evolution into Finland’s largest cultural and human rights event, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the ongoing fight for equality.

Visibility and acceptance help to reduce discrimination and improve mental health. As we continue to make progress, it’s important to remember that the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality is not just about advancing one group’s rights—it’s about championing human rights for all and building a more compassionate world.

LGBTQ+ rights in Finland have seen a remarkable transformation, evolving from strict legal restrictions to progressive equality. Once a country where homosexuality was criminalized, Finland now stands as a beacon of inclusivity and human rights in Northern Europe.