Mon 13/5 at 15:30–19

Workshop and gig: Arion Raudes

Arion Raudes is a rapper and a trans activist from Tampere. In his songs Arion covers his own experiences with transmasculinity, the longing to be seen and finding yourself. Arion’s intense and poetic rap invites you to cherish your core and the power of sensitivity.

 

15:30–17:30 Lecture and creative writing workshop in Muikku-sali of Joensuu Main Library

No registration in advance. Take your own pen and paper!

 

18:00 Performance at the music department

Joensuu Main Library, Muikku-sali & music department (3rd floor), Koskikatu 25
Accessibility info

Mon 13/5 at 18:30

Movie: Blue Jean (Nurmes)

England, 1988 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government is about to pass a law stigmatizing gays and lesbians, forcing Jean, a gym teacher, to live a double life. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new girl at school catalyses a crisis that will challenge Jean to her core.

United Kingdom, 2022

Director: Georgia Oaley

Age limit: 12

Duration: 97 min

Language: English

Subtitles: Finnish

Collaboration with North Karelia film association (Pohjois-Karjalan elokuvayhdistys).

Tickets: Elokuvahommia Joensuussa and Seta members: 6 €, normal price: 8 €.

Movie theatre Kino Hannikainen

Kötsintie 2, 75500 Nurmes

Mon 13/5 at 17–19

English speaking hangout

English speaking hangout goes pride! Special program: Boy George’s 1970s Save Me From Suburbia -documentary and Speed Friending! Snacks, coffee and tea. For more information, please contact Vlad: vlad@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi

Community space Helmi, Rantakatu 23 B, downstairs

Mon 13/5 at 16–19

Shibari workshop

The space is not accessible.

Keltainen talo, Sairaalakatu 8

Joensuu

Mon 13/5 at 19:30–20:30

Body care

Body care hour aimed at LGBTQ+ people with sports instructor student Elias. We’ll do moves that are familiar from yoga and stretch with calm music. There will be a relaxation moment at the end that will strengthen the connection between the body and mind.

The space is not accessible.

Keltainen talo, Sairaalakatu 8

Tue 14/5 at 15–19

Polvijärvi Pride

Solidarity walk starts from the market square at 15. After that there will be an after party at the youth center and in the yard of Vapari until 19. We’ll offer a free bus ride from Joensuu to Polvijärvi and back. The departure from Joensuu is at 14:00. People under 18 years old must be accompanied by a person over 18.

Polvijärvi market place, Polvijärventie 2
Polvijärvi youth center, Räätälintie 6

Tue 14/5 at 17–19

Sign and art workshop

Workshop for making signs and flags for the Pride parade on Saturday. You can also come hang out and make art. There are some materials ready to use, but if you’re planning to make a bigger sign, please bring your own materials, for example cardboard.

Community space Helmi, Rantakatu 23, downstairs
Accessibility info in Finnish

Tue 14/5 at 17:30–18:30

Lecture: Monsters and queer

History of monsters from a queer point of view by author and monster researcher Lauri Lattu. The lecture will be in Finnish.

Content warnings: racism, homofobia, transfobia, gender-based discrimination, violence. Free admission.

Restaurant Kerubi, Sali, Siltakatu 1

Tue 14/5 at 18–20

Play and discussion: PASI WAS HERE (Outokumpu)

This play is in Finnish.

Theater Rajarikko is visiting Outokumpu with their play called PASI WAS HERE in Kulttuuritalo Marita at 18:00. The discussion starts after the play at 19:30. You can ask questions and discuss the general themes of the play. The ticket is 8 €, and the proceeds go to Pohjois-Karjalan Seta.

Theater Rajarikko deals with identity issues.

The spring production of Riveria’s theater students covers the themes of being different, norms and nostalgia. The script they chose is PASI WAS HERE, which is written by Veikko Nuutinen in 2016 and is situated in Savonlinna. It premiered in KOM-teatteri the same year.

Pasi is a normie. Pasi is just Pasi, whose best friend Hemmo is questioning small town norms. Later as Pasi suddenly passes away, Hemmo returns to Savonlinna of his childhood and youth and reminisces their childhood. At the same time he is trying to understand the reasons and consequences how differents kinds of backgrouds and choices shape the world view and future choices of individuals.

Content warning: The play includes flashbacks to youth language / slang of the 80’s, including explicit language, references to mental and physical violence and discrimination of different ethnic groups and sexual minorities.

Direction: Janne Hyytiäinen

Set design: Riveria set design students, Outokumpu

Roles:

Katja tarvainen – Pasi

Anni Mehtonen – Hemmo

Hanna-Leena Rettijeff – Sinikka Pillukka Pallukka Pollukka / Hemmon äiti / Normityttö / Sarah Young / Opettaja

Samu Niiranen – Sernopililapsi / Normijätkä / Laktoosilerssi / Pasin isä

Hermanni Nieminen – Turnajaiskeppi

 

Kulttuuritalo Marita, Koulukatu 1

Outokumpu

Tue 14/5 at 19–22

Queer barn dancing

Barn dancing, except not in a barn and it’s queer!

19–20 Gender neutral dance lessons from Joni Pakarinen of Baile Social

20–22 Free dancing

Event is admission free, age limit is 18.

Restaurant Kerubi, Sali, Siltakatu 1

Wed 15/5 at 14:30

Kitee Pride

Pride parade and a gathering at the market square in Kitee. The parade leaves leaves from near the youth and community space Link, from the yard of the old fire station. The parade ends up at the market square where there will be speaches and an open mic. After the event people can hang out in Link.

Leipurintie 4, 82500 Kitee

Kitee market square

Wed 15/5 at 16–17:30

Empowering singing workshop

In this empowering singing workshop aimed at LGTBQ+ people we’ll dive into the world of singing together and observe the things and beliefs that limit our vocal expression. We will use our voice, move and sing together and separately.

Anybody with any kind of singing background can attend. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never sang before. All voices deserve to be heard!

Taught by musician and singing teacher Ida-Meri Havukainen. There is no upper limit on participants, but you must sign up beforehand here.

The space is not accessible.

Contact person: mira@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi

Keltainen talo, Sairaalakatu 8

Wed 15/5 at 16:30–19:30

Pride Café

Coffee, delicious pastries and hanging out in the theme of pride. Pohjois-Karjalan Seta items also on sale. Payment is optional, you can pay with cash, card or MobilePay.

Free entry to the Cafe, you don’t have to buy anything.

Community space Helmi, Rantakatu 23, downstairs

Wed 15/5 at 19–24

Rainbow karaoke

Las Palmas uses Singa karaoke program.

Cloak room and hosting by the employees of Pohjois-Karjalan Seta. Voluntary cloak room fee.

Age limit is 18 years. Accessible entry to the space is possible. Come to the cloak room and ask for assistance, someone will help you.

Restaurant Las Palmas, Itäranta 1

Thu 16/5 at 15–19

Youth evening

Setlementti hosts a queer youth evening for people who are 12–22 years old, queer or questioning their identity. There will be snacks and Pride-themed program.

Joensuun Setlementti, Siltakatu 10 A 13

Thu 16/5 at 15–16

Walking tour: North Karelia is queer!

Walking tour and a lecture about queer history of North Karelia. The tour is guided by researcher Iiris Lehto. The tour starts at the Pohjois-Karjalan Seta office at 15, dress according to the weather. The lecture will be in Finnish.

Pohjois-Karjalan Seta office, Rantakatu 23 B, 2nd floor (commmunity space Aava)

Thu 16/5 at 17:00

Movie: Blue Jean

England, 1988 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government is about to pass a law stigmatizing gays and lesbians, forcing Jean, a gym teacher, to live a double life. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new girl at school catalyses a crisis that will challenge Jean to her core.

United Kingdom, 2022

Director: Georgia Oaley

Age limit: 12

Duration: 97 min

Language: English

Subtitles: Finnish

Collaboration with North Karelia film association (Pohjois-Karjalan elokuvayhdistys).

Tickets: Elokuvahommia Joensuussa and Seta members: 6 €, normal price: 8 €.

Movie theatre Kino Tapio

Kauppakatu 27, room 3

Thu 16/5 at 17–21

Pride X Northern Karelia kinky people meetup

Meetup especially for queer kinky people: casual conversation, meeting other kinky people and exploring the spaces of Punainen Solmu.

There will also be a small shibari show.

The event follows safer space guidelines and is free of charge.

The meetup is organised by the kinky community of Northern Karelia with Pohjois-Karjalan Seta.

Note! You need to sign up in advance. The sign-up opens soon and the first 25 people will be able to attend.

Contact person: iro@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi

The space is not accessible.

(Photos: Janne Kuivalainen and Mervi Holopainen)

Punainen Solmu, Kuurnankatu 34 

Joensuu

Thu 16/5 at 17–19

Aro/ace meetup

We’ll discuss asexuality and aromanticism, give and receive peer support and get to know other people on the aro/ace spectrum!

All people from the asexuality and aromanticism spectrum are welcome to the meetup, for example people who are demisexual or gray aro/ace and people questioning their identity.

Hanging out, coffee, tea and snacks available.

Community space Helmi, Rantakatu 23 B, downstairs
Accessibility info in Finnish

Thu 16/5 at 18

Rainbow mass

Joensuu Lutheran Church, Papinkatu 1

Fri–Sat 17/5–18/5

Exhibition: North Karelia is queer!

Exhibition showcasing queer history of North Karelia in Kerubi (Kellari) on Friday and Saturday

Restaurant Kerubi, Siltakatu 1

Fri 17/5 at 17–20

Game night + Vaimola pre-party

Game Friday at 17–19 and Vaimola pre-party plus hanging out together and getting ready. You can use the shower and changing room in Helmi. If you bring cosmetics, please only bring unscented products.

We’ll go to Kerubi together at 8 pm.

Community space Helmi, Rantakatu 23 B, downstairs

Fri 17/5 at 21

Women’s party Vaimola

Women’s party & burlesque event Vaimola comes to Joensuu for the second time! Vaimola is the celebration of femininity and love between women, but also a charity event – we donate 20% of the proceeds to a women’s shelter in Joensuu.

LINEUP:

EVA EUFORIA

MOLLY MOONSTONE

VEDA DECADENZA

LADY LAVERNA

ROSETTA SWEET

MISS VELVET MELT

SWEET MELT

GLORIA GAY

 

The evening is hosted by Eva Euforia. Vaimola is meant for women, women-minded people and others, respecting everyone’s right to self-determination. The event is filled with amazing burlesque artists.

Get your tickets in advance from kide.app 4–12 € (support ticket 20 €).

Age limit is 18. Sale from the app ends at 8 pm on the day of the event, after which the remaining tickets are sold at the door. You can pay by card or MobilePay. If you pay by cash, we only accept exact change.

Restaurant Kerubi, Sali, Siltakatu 1

Sat 18/5 at 15

Pride parade

The parade starts moving at 15 from the yard of art museum Onni, and it ends in Ilosaari. Remember that the parade has to be kept one driving lane wide.

If you attend with small children or pets, you can join the silent block in the back of the parade. Ask more about the silent block by email: mira@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi

At 13–14:30 the community space Helmi will be available for getting ready for the parade.

Art museum Onni, Kirkkokatu 23
Ilosaari, Siltakatu 1

Sat 18/5 at 16–19

Pride picnic in the park

A picnic in Ilosaari after the parade. The event is suitable for the whole family, and the grass area has a lot of space for picnics.

Performers: DJ Vosuli (Tampere) and Makija.

There will be a self-service glitter table. You can also make flower coursages to put on your wrist for Queer Prom. Local LGBTQ+ artists will sell their crafts.

Ilosaari, Siltakatu 1

Sat 18/5 at 21–04

Pride party: QUEER PROM

Pride party with the theme QUEER PROM. Come alone, together with someone or bring your whole chosen family! Dress to impress or come as you are. The doors open at 9 pm and the disco will continue until 4 am.

21–23 Polaroid photo opportunity

22:00 Party band Rovio

00:00 Equal North Karelia (Yhdenvertainen Pohjois-Karjala) award ceremony and Prom queer 2024 awards

Age limit 18. Tickets 5/4 €, cloak room 3 €. Buy your tickets in advance from kide.app!

Restaurant Kerubi, Siltakatu 1

Sun 19/5 at 11–16

Punainen Solmu open doors and kinky second hand market

Open doors and kinky second hand market at Punainen Solmu. You can bring your own things to sell. Punainen solmu is a kink-positive party space in the Joensuu industrial area.

Kuurnankatu 34, 80130 Joensuu

Sun 19/5 at 14:00–15:30

TRE® exercise

LGBTQ+ focused introductory session where we will do the first movements of TRE and explore the tremor that comes naturally to the body as a self-relief method for tension and stress.

TRE® is an acronym for Tension, Stress & Trauma Releasing Exercises. At the end we will have a relaxation session and a feedback conversation where you can ask more questions about the exercise. TRE and especially this excercise in a group setting fits people whose physical and mental health is in a stable state. You can read more about TRE in Finnish here.

Tiina Sotkasiira will guide the session (in Finnish) and you can contact her also if you’re worried about whether this exercise is right for you. After signing up you will get detailed instructions in your email. The group will fit 8 people who sign up first. Sign up by email: tiina@tutkivaote.fi

 

Tutkiva ote, Penttilänkulma 4A, entrance from the riverside door

Joensuu

The space is accessible.

Sun 19/5 at 15–18

Forest pride

The well-established LGBTQ+ family event Forest pride at Kalmonkatiska, Kuhasalo. The event is open for people of all ages. Some activities might have to be cancelled if it rains. Contact person: mira@pohjoiskarjalanseta.fi

Scheduled program:
Child-friendly yoga at 16:00
Childrens’ forest disco at 17:00

Unscheduled program:
– Barbeque in a hut – we’ll offer the hot dog buns and condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, dried onion and relish), so bring your own sausages or other things to barbeque!
– Obstacle course
– Find the colours of the rainbow
– Face painting
– Finger painting on a fabric
– Photo spot and props that you can use to take pictures independently

The trail to the hut is accessible, but the hut itself is not.

Kalmonkatiska, Kuhasalo, map