Kun saa rakasta Makes History: A Golden Venla Nomination That Honors LGBTQ+ Seniors and the Right to Be Seen
©Yle
A Historic Nomination That Changes the Narrative
This is not just a nomination. This is a cultural moment.
Right to Love (Kun saa rakastaa), the groundbreaking documentary series portraying the everyday lives and dreams of LGBTQ+ seniors, has been officially nominated for the Golden Venla Gala 2025 — Finland’s most prestigious television award. Let’s remember that the documentary series Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love), produced by Yle and set to premiere in 2025, was first presented last spring at Cinema Orion in Helsinki.
It is the first queer series ever to receive this recognition.
Let that sink in.
For a community that has so often been pushed to the margins — especially its elders — this nomination is a powerful reminder that our stories matter, at every stage of life.
©Kirsi Marie Liimatainenc - Mikko in Athens_looking for a former lover
“This nomination is not only about television excellence. It’s about visibility, dignity, and the freedom to love — at any age.”
What Is the Golden Venla Gala — and Why This Matters
The Golden Venla Gala (Kultainen Venla) is Finland’s highest television honor, comparable to the Emmy Awards in the U.S. or the BAFTAs in the UK. Organized by the Television Academy, it recognizes outstanding achievements voted on by industry professionals.
©Yle transfeminine couple Sandra (48) and Tanja (64)
The 2026 ceremony will take place on January 23, 2026.
And for the first time in its history, a queer documentary centered on LGBTQ+ seniors is part of that conversation.
That alone is revolutionary.
Right to Love: Stories That Refuse to Be Invisible
Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love) is a six-part documentary series directed by Kirsi Marie Liimatainen, offering an intimate look into the lives of LGBTQ+ seniors in Finland — people who have loved, lost, hidden, survived, and are still dreaming.
All episodes of the series can be watched on Yle Areena: CLICK HERE
"Kun saa rakasta" is a moving documentary series that explores the Everyday lives and Dreams of LGBTQ Seniors — and the freedom to love without fear.
©Yle
The gay couple Paavojuha (85) and Pekka (75), lesbian couple Hillevi (69) and Lissu (70), transfeminine couple Tanja (64) and Sandra (48) — along with single gay man Mikko (79), all belong to sexual or gender minorities. Through their stories, we witness the challenges of living a double life, the courage to come out, the journey towards self-acceptance — and, above all, the enduring power of love. Past hardships have left their mark, yet the present is alive with sparkling humor, profound emotion, and a fearless embrace of life in the moment.
Each story explores coming out later in life, navigating double lives, embracing self-acceptance, and finding joy after decades of silence.
There is pain here — but also humor, tenderness, resilience, and an incredible ability to live fully in the present.
Video Facebook ©Yle Areena
“The freedom to love doesn’t expire. Neither does our need to be seen.”
Why LGBTQ+ Aging Is Still a Blind Spot — Even Within Our Community
A hard truth we don’t talk about enough: LGBTQ+ seniors are often invisible — even to us.
©Yle
Aging is universal, but the experience of aging as an LGBTQ+ person is shaped by discrimination, stigma, and historical exclusion. Many elders lived through decades where being visible was dangerous. Some never had the chance to come out freely. Others still fear discrimination in healthcare, housing, or elder care.
This is why stories like Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love) are essential.
They remind us that:
The LGBTQ+ community is intergenerational
Diversity exists at every age
A dignified old age is a human right — not a privilege
The Vision Behind the Series
Kirsi Marie LiimatainenKirsi is in the back wearing an orange jacket. ©Picture by Kirsi Marie Facebook
Director Kirsi Marie Liimatainen is no stranger to powerful storytelling. A film and theatre director with a Master’s degree in Theatre and Cinematic Arts.
Kirsi Liimatainen work has been recognized internationally, including participation in the Cannes Film Festival residency program.
In 2025, Liimatainen received an honorary certificate from Sinuiksi ry for a long-standing contribution to highlighting LGBTQ+ experiences.
With Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love), Kirsi doesn’t just document lives — restores visibility.
Watch, Support, and Be Part of This Moment
©Yle
All episodes of Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love) are available on Yle Areena.
🗳 Voting for the Golden Venla Awards is open until January 13, 2026.
Another major highlight: Kun saa rakastaa (Right to Love) has earned a nomination at The Queer Gala 2025, competing in the category Queer Movie or TV Show of the Year.
This is our chance to support queer storytelling that truly matters.
Every vote is a statement.
Every share is visibility.
“Supporting queer stories means supporting queer futures — and honoring queer pasts.”
Why This Matters Beyond Finland
This nomination sends a message far beyond borders.
It says:
LGBTQ+ seniors exist
Their stories deserve prime-time recognition
Love, identity, and dignity do not have an age limit
At Queerland Media, we believe representation is not a trend — it’s a responsibility.
Join the Conversation
Support LGBTQ+ visibility across generations.
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Because the LGBTQ+ community is not one generation.
It’s a living, breathing continuum — and every story counts.
