Queer History Month
Queer History Month is celebrated in Finland during the whole of November 2019. The month was celebrated for the first time in Finland last year. The Society for Queer Research in Finland awarded the Queer Action of the Year 2018 (Vuoden pervoteko) award to Queer History Month.
The purpose of the month is to review Finnish history and culture from a queer perspective and include the queer narratives into our common cultural heritage. This year Queer History Month is celebrated through queer guided tours, lectures, exhibitions and seminars among other events. Museums, private persons and memory organisations such as libraries and archives take part by shedding light on the queer material in their collections. You can also take part in Queer History Month by for example posting on social media!
The history of sexual and gender minorities has always existed and been present during all times, cultures and social classes, but it has mostly been written out or silenced. To find it requires sensibility and ability to see differently.
Excerpts from the program this year
1.11.2019-27.9.2020 Genderfuck 1900 exhibition
The exhibition opens astonishing perspectives on recent debates about gender and its discontents by turning attention to forgotten history. Showcased are roughly 300 postcards, studio photos and snapshots that date back more than a hundred years. More information about Genderfuck 1900 exhibition
11.-14.11. Celebrating Rainbow History Month colloquium, public talks and workshops.
To overcome some of the obstacles for addressing LGBTQ histories and related themes in Finnish schools and memory institutions, this colloquium Celebrating Rainbow History Month focuses on the different ways in which queer history and lives can be integrated into the classroom and other sites of learning. Program and registration
All events
More events and queer guided tours in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Jyväskylä among other places. See the whole program on Queer History Months calender.
Also you can participate!
Queer History Month is an event that is open for all and you can join for example by some of the following activities.
Bring LGBTIQ history to everyday life: Libraries can take part by organising exhibitions with books and/or other material related to the theme. Schools can organise theme days, invite experts to speak and discuss or arrange workshops.
Tell about LGBTIQ history: Share material and images associated with queer history on social media with the hashtags #sateenkaarihistoriakuukausi #queerhistoriskmånad #queerhistorymonth and on the Facebook page of Queer History Month
Tools and more ideas for queering culture can be found on the Queer History Month webpage.
More information
Christine Langinauer, 040 353 3234, christine.langinauer(a)cultureforall.fi / www.cultureforall.fi
Kerttu Tarjamo, 050 309 8108, paasihteeri(a)seta.fi / www.seta.fi
