Keski-Uusimaa Pride

• Laulukudelmia is the solo project of musician Hiski Pajuniemi. Pajuniemi is a children’s music composer from Oulu who has been creating music since 2012. He was named Newcomer of the Year at the Jellonagaala awards in 2024. The music, which he composes and writes the lyrics for himself, combines acoustic and electronic elements with looping techniques, creating immersive soundscapes for children.
• Cecil Opia is an artist, producer and songwriter whose dark-hued alt-pop draws inspiration from 90s trip-hop and shoegaze. Her music candidly addresses mental health challenges and the experience of being a trans woman, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, particularly to those who feel marginalised. Cecil is an important and courageous voice both in the field of mental health and within the LGBTQ+ community.
• My Letter to You is an anti-racist dance piece that combines African dance, hip hop and contemporary dance. The first version of the dance piece was aimed at primary and secondary school pupils as part of anti-racism work; a revised version will be performed at the Central Uusimaa Pride festival.
• F (Fanni Sjöholm) is a Finnish artist who blends R&B, pop and hip-hop, and is a powerful live performer. She has released four thematic albums, the latest of which, *Self-helpless*, came out in spring 2024, and is currently putting the finishing touches to her most personal album to date, due for release in autumn 2026. F is also known as an active participant in social debate.
• Pasi Autio’s *Lintudisco* gets the audience dancing to the beat of the ‘titityybeat’. Autio is fascinated by the rhythms and musicality of birdsong, and in this piece he has transformed authentic bird calls into rhythmic, minimalist and psychedelic ‘disco hits’. Dancer Saku Koistinen’s choreography draws on the movements of birds for its expressive language. In the performance, Koistinen also acts as a sort of dance teacher: the audience can join in by following his movements or dancing in their own style.

Pride activities are firmly rooted in promoting equality, diversity and safety. Our aim is to build a community where everyone can be themselves and be treated with respect.

Diversity

We value and cherish the diversity of all kinds of identities and experiences. At the heart of Pride is the promotion of the human rights of sexual and gender minorities and the strengthening of a diverse society.

Equality

Everyone is welcome to join us just as they are. We believe that everyone is equally valuable and that their contribution is important. We aim to organise our activities in such a way that everyone has an equal opportunity to take part.

Accessibility

Our aim is to make our events and activities as accessible as possible. We strive to remove barriers to participation and ensure that everyone can feel part of the community.

A sense of community

Our work is built on an open, safe and supportive community. This sense of community is evident in our day-to-day interactions, in our collaboration, and in the fact that we all have the opportunity to make a difference and play our part in building a better future.

Courage

Pride is a movement based on visibility and the courage to defend human rights. Our values include the courage to highlight injustices and promote change—even when this requires strong determination or raising difficult issues.