Giving Voice to Visibility: The Friends of Dorothy and the Power of Queer Art in Finland
When harmony becomes a form of activism
©Pietari Purovaara. The Friends of Dorothy group
In Finland, where silence often speaks louder than words, a queer a cappella group is changing that melody.
Meet The Friends of Dorothy (FroDo) — a Helsinki-based collective blending art, activism, and unapologetic queerness.
©The Friends of Dorothy Facebook page
Founded in Helsinki in 2018, this group of five artists — Kim Gustafsson, Salla Markkanen, Petriikka Pohjanheimo, Mikko Rantonen, and Aleksi Vasko — have turned music into activism.
Their performances blend singing, spoken word, and emotion into something that goes beyond entertainment; it’s a statement.
“They’re reclaiming voice.They’re turning music into resistance.”
Art that dares to tell the truth
The Friends of Dorothy’s concerts are a mix of song, spoken word, and emotion — each performance a conversation between sound and silence.
Their repertoire travels from folk songs in minority languages to classical pieces and even Eurovision pop hits.
But what makes them stand out isn’t the music alone.
It’s the message.
Their spoken word moments are drawn from real stories — voices from the margins of society, people whose well-being and rights are restricted by prejudice and outdated laws.
Through song, those voices find light.
Through harmony, they find freedom.
From Helsinki to Madrid: Queer voices crossing borders
Recently, The Friends of Dorothy performed at the Nordic Equality and Non-Discrimination Ombudsmen’s celebration, a symbolic stage for a group that lives what they sing: equality, diversity, and visibility.
©The Friends of Dorothy Facebook page
And now, they’re heading to Madrid, joining Voces LGTBQ+ Madrid for an Erasmus exchange experience that connects queer activism across Europe. And remember free concert on October 14th, 19:00h at the Escuela Superior de Canto de Madrid.
©The Friends of Dorothy and Erasmus+ project together with @voceslgtbmadrid
It’s not just about performing — it’s about sharing cultures, struggles, and hope through art.
Visibility still matters — even here
Finland is often seen as a progressive nation.
But progress doesn’t mean perfection.
Queer voices still navigate invisibility, silence, and social barriers.
Groups like The Friends of Dorothy remind us that visibility is a daily act of courage — one that transforms the stage into a platform, and art into activism.
©The Friends of Dorothy Facebook page
“Our music isn’t just harmony. It’s honesty,” says one of the members — a truth that resonates in every note.”
Happy Holigays: where joy meets community
As the year closes, The Friends of Dorothy prepare for their legendary “Happy Holigays” concert at KokoTeatteri — a mix of queer carols, laughter, and love.
It’s more than a concert.
It’s a celebration of chosen family, of resilience, of joy that refuses to be silenced.
©The Friends of Dorothy Instagram
Because giving visibility to queer art isn’t just about being seen.
It’s about being heard.
And The Friends of Dorothy are making sure the world listens.
Discover more
Follow their journey and upcoming performances at
👉 thefriendsofdorothy.fi
