University of Turku participates again in Turku Pride

The University of Turku participates in the Turku Pride week, which starts today on Monday, as an official partner and by organising programme on sexual and gender minorities.

The University of Turku is an open and diverse community where everyone is equal. Participating in Turku Pride week is an important message both within the University community and outside the University.

In the Turku Pride parade on Saturday, 31 August, the members of the University community march together with the Student Union of the University of Turku. The parade starts from the Old Great Square at 12 noon towards Puolalanpuisto park.

Rector Marjo Kaartinen will also participate in the parade. All University students and staff are welcome to participate in the joint block of the University of Turku and Student Union.

"We work constantly to ensure that everyone feels valued as a member of the University community, just as they are. I warmly encourage staff and students to join the parade to show their support for equal human rights," says Rector Kaartinen.

Selmi Holopainen, the Chair of the Student Union Council, reminds that a safe learning environment belongs to everyone.

"By fostering diversity, the higher education community together with the City of Turku will create the most thriving student city in Finland, where everyone can call Turku their home".

Researched information on queer themes

The University of Turku organises two events as part of the official Turku Pride programme. On Tuesday, the University organises a discussion session on researched information on queer themes (the event will be held in Finnish).

Joining the discussion are Professor Anu Koivunen, University Lecturer Riikka Taavetti and Postdoctoral Researcher Varpu Alasuutari. The discussion will be chaired by Professor of Practice and Journalist Riitta Monto. The audience is encouraged to ask the researchers questions. The event is organised on 27 August at 15-16 at Rebelle Café Bakery Bistro (Eerikinkatu 7b).

In addition, on Friday 30 August, two new thematic journal issues will be launched: The history of sexuality theme issue of the Historical Journal and the queer biography theme issue of the SQS Journal of the Society for Queer Studies in Finland (SQS).

The editors and authors of the issues published in June, researchers Varpu Alasuutari and Mari Välimäki from the University of Turku, will discuss and reflect on the connections between the history of sexuality and queer studies. The event will be organised at the Faculty of Humanities, Arcanum, room A112, Arcanuminkuja 1 (the event will be held in Finnish).

Both events are open to all, accessible and do not require advance registration. Welcome!

Caption: The University of Turku and the Student Union marched together in the Turku Pride parade in August 2023. Photo: Sini Saarinen / Study in Turku

More information:
[email protected]