STATEMENT: LGBTQ+ -people should be provided with more support throughout the year
Oulu Pride took place a month ago. It’s truly amazing that Pride is such a prominent part of Oulu’s summer, especially during the year which Oulu is the European Capital of Culture. Pride reminds us that the culture of gender and sexual minorities is also an important part of the wider culture. It is precisely thanks to Pride that we are able to broaden our own perspectives and gain new experiences. Pride is celebrated to increase the visibility of these minorities and raise awareness.
Visible and meaningful support for minorities is more important than ever. This support should be provided all year round, not just for one week. Minorities, however, live their everyday lives all year round in a world where diversity is all too easily overlooked and microaggressions are commonplace. It is hardly surprising that so many members of gender and sexual minorities experience minority stress in their daily lives. They can be in a constant state of stress due to discrimination and the fear of it. Long-term minority stress has been found to cause, amongst other things, mental health problems.
It is easy to believe that people belonging to LGBTQ+ groups in Oulu also experience minority stress. This is evident from the fact that the amount of hate speech directed at minorities is on the rise. For example, during Pride Week, Yle reported on how the City of Oulu and Oulu Pride were forced to disable comments on social media due to hateful comments. There were so many hateful comments that it was impossible to moderate the discussion.
It is cruel that, whilst support is loudly offered during Pride Week and people’s wonderful diversity is celebrated, the amount of hate speech rises at the same time. There is not enough support outside of Pride Week. Pride is celebrated precisely so that the rights and treatment of gender and sexual minorities can be brought into the public discourse and so that people will pause to consider how they can support them in their own lives.
It is important to offer more support, as well as to prevent and eradicate hate speech at all times, not just during Pride. Now that the academic year at universities has only just begun and new students have moved to Oulu, it is particularly important that they feel welcome. Fortunately, Oulu Pride has many partners, including the University of Oulu and the student union. Through this partnership, the university has also committed to promoting equality and non-discrimination.
Both the university staff and numerous student organisations go to great lengths to ensure that new students feel welcome. Student organisations, in particular, are at their best when they invest heavily in fostering a sense of community amongst students. It is precisely the members of the community who support one another by addressing inappropriate behaviour and pointing out shortcomings. We must all do the same. In the spirit of Pride, raising awareness of minority issues is everyone’s daily responsibility. The whole city must commit to inclusivity. An open and welcoming Oulu is a much more homely place for everyone than a closed-off one.
Miikka Lukkaroinen, member of the board