Rainbow History Month in Finland: A Journey Through Queer Memory
Information and inspiration sourced from sateenkaarihistoria.fi — a living archive of Finland’s queer past and present.
©sateenkaarihistoria - Liberation Days in Helsinki 1981. Photographer: Matti Saves / Uusi Suomi – Iltalehti / Journalistic Photo Archive JOKA / Finnish National Board of Antiquities
November Belongs to Queer History
Every November, Finland shines a light on the stories, struggles, and triumphs of its LGBTQ+ community through Rainbow History Month — a nationwide event celebrating queer culture, history, and resilience.
From museum tours and exhibitions to lectures and theatre performances, institutions across the country — including archives, libraries, and cultural centers — come together to review Finnish history from a queer perspective. For more information about the events in November, click here. Important: The information will only be available in Finnish.
“Rainbow History Month is not only about remembering — it’s about reclaiming space in Finland’s shared cultural memory.”
Where It All Began
The movement traces its roots to the Finland 100 – In Rainbow Colours project in 2018, which brought queer narratives into the story of independent Finland. By 2020, the association Friends of Queer History (Sateenkaarihistorian ystävät) took the lead in coordinating events, ensuring the month remains both a cultural and educational milestone.
But the history goes further back. In 1981, the streets of Helsinki witnessed a defining moment — the first Liberation Day march for sexual and gender minority rights, inspired by Stockholm’s Pride movement. That day marked a new era of visibility and activism.
Friends of Queer History: Keeping Memory Alive
©Sateenkaarihistorian - Friends of Rainbow History Association wins 2024 State Prize for Information Disclosure.
Founded in 2020, Friends of Queer History works to research, document, and share Finland’s queer history. Their collaborations with archives, museums, and universities ensure that LGBTQIA+ voices — often erased from mainstream narratives — are preserved and celebrated.
“We welcome anyone who feels close to queer history — join us in preserving and telling these stories.””
They don’t just study history; they build community. Through ongoing projects, workshops, and publications, they invite everyone to take part in keeping queer heritage alive.
Explore, Learn, Celebrate
This November, explore Finland’s queer past through the Rainbow History Month event calendar at sateenkaarihistoria.fi. You’ll find exhibitions, theatre, panel talks, and creative gatherings happening across the country — all shedding light on the lives, art, and love that have shaped queer Finland.
“Our history is not hidden anymore — it’s alive, archived, and waiting to be rediscovered.”
So whether you’re in Helsinki or following from afar, take a moment this November to celebrate the people who opened doors, marched, and dreamed so we can live freely today.
Discover More at Queerland Media
We wanted to take a moment and share something really special with you. It's a shout-out to our community's history in Finland, the journey that got us here, and all the amazing people who made it possible. We've been diving into some incredible stories from sateenkaarihistoria.fi, and honestly, we’re filled with so much gratitude.
Every door that’s open for us today—every bit of freedom and acceptance—is thanks to the brave folks who came before us. They fought, they lived, and they loved fearlessly, paving the way for our generation. Now, it's our turn. Our responsibility is to hold these doors open wider, to stand tall on their shoulders, and to make sure their legacies are never forgotten. Let’s keep their stories alive, celebrate our progress, and continue building a future where everyone belongs.
Thank you to our Finnish LGBTQ+ ancestors. We see you, we honor you, and we’re forever grateful."
At Queerland Media, we celebrate stories that matter — stories that make us visible, proud, and connected. Dive deeper into Finland’s Rainbow History Month and explore more inspiring queer history at sateenkaarihistoria.fi
