Helsinki Pride 2010

[Yannee]

Helsinki Pride Parade in Finland was celebrated last weekend in amazing summer weather.

The parade of around 5,000 people (more people than ever before) proceeded nicely and in good spirit until halfway through a group of black-clothed 20-something-year-old men attacked the parade with teargas. Luckily noone was hurt badly but a handful of people reported pain in their lungs and eyes. The youngest victim was under 1 year old. The baby's family wasn't participating in the parade itself but they were watching the parade from the sidewalk and unfortunately got involved in the attack. Three of the attackers were caught immediately after the attack but the police are still looking for more people suspected of being involved. All evidence so far seems to tell that the attack was well planned and premaditated, not a random act of violence to vent frustrations against minorities.

Helsinki Pride has been celebrated for around 10 years (I hope I'm not totally off with this...) without any incidents before, this was the first time the parade was attacked and I'm deeply disturbed because of this. I'm not at all happy to have something like this happen in my city, which I have always felt to be very safe. Even more concerning are the comments online, where lots of people seem to SUPPORT the attack and are happy that "someone is showing the gays their place".

Despite the gas attack I would say the pride week was a great success. There were lots and lots of activities throughout the week: stand up comedy, concerts, discussion forums on gay issues, meetings for different lgbtq groups (teenagers, bears, trans gendered, lgbt families, you name it and they probably had a meeting), Mr Gay Finland competition and what not. Truly something for everyone.

Next year's Pride week can't come soon enough, and hopefully it'll be without incidents!

Just to let you guys know what's happening in the cold north of Europe

[IsItSo]

Originally Posted by Yannee

...until halfway through a group of black-clothed 20-something-year-old men attacked the parade with teargas.

What the hell? People need to relax.