During Pride, we both celebrate and advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. Even though many might believe that the world has already achieved equality, many people in sexual and gender minorities still face hate speech or violence in their daily lives. That’s why it’s so important to continue long-term work for equity every day – not just during Pride Month.
It can take a long time to discover your identity as part of a minority – and that identity may change several times throughout your life. To me, Pride is about finding myself and celebrating it. I hope for a world where no one is discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or identity, and where diversity is valued and celebrated. Pride represents all of this. At AYY, I’ve had the opportunity to be myself safely – and I’m happy about it.
Before I joined the AYY Board, I had no idea how much the student union was doing to promote equity. The rights and inclusion of rainbow minorities play a central role in our equity work. We train our associations, volunteers, and tutors on equity. AYY completed an equity plan in 2024, and we also have an updated safer space policy that addresses the inclusion and safety of minorities.
One of our advocacy goals for rainbow minority rights is promoting the inclusiveness of the student register Sisu. Changing a preferred name and gender information is difficult or even impossible for students, and this issue needs to be resolved. We have had many discussions on the matter and are optimistic about the progress being made.
However, AYY is by no means perfect or finished in this work. Our efforts to promote these issues continue so that everyone can be themselves in the Aalto community.
Together with GAYY, KY, and TOKYO, we will arrange a group departure to Helsinki Pride Parade on Saturday, 28 June, leaving from the University of Helsinki metro station at 10.45.
Everyone who wants to show their support for rainbow rights is welcome to join the parade. Have a lovely Pride Week, everyone! <3
Elina Ståhlberg
Vice Chair of the AYY Board
You can read more about the topic in the guest blog posts by GAYY, the Aalto community’s rainbow student organisation:
Why do we still celebrate Pride?
How to be a good ally to the LGBTQ+ community
