President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will serve as official patrons of Helsinki Pride Week 2025, taking place from 23 to 29 June. The announcement was made by the event’s organisers on 2 June and marks a significant gesture of support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in Finland.
Pride without borders: theme of inclusion
The theme for this year’s festival is “Pride without borders”, a call to recognise and support asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants who belong to sexual and gender minority groups. For over a decade, Helsinki Pride has worked to amplify the voices of people in these communities, who often face heightened vulnerability.
“Finland is not just a country where you are born — it’s a place that invites everyone who believes in equality, justice and human dignity,” said Senni Moilanen, chair of Helsinki Pride.
Presidential support for human rights
In a joint statement, Stubb and Innes-Stubb expressed their commitment to human rights and opposition to discrimination: “We stand on the side of equality, we’re always against discrimination and all forms of harassment. Every person has the right to dignity and self-determination and to be treated with respect, regardless of personal characteristics.”
The organisers highlighted the symbolic importance of the presidential couple’s support. “This show of support is especially meaningful at a time when human rights are under threat worldwide,” Moilanen noted.
A visible act of solidarity
Helsinki Pride Week will culminate in the traditional parade in downtown Helsinki on Saturday 28 June, an event that typically draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators. The president’s and first lady’s endorsement is expected to send a strong message of solidarity, both nationally and internationally.
While Finland ranks high in global human rights indexes, advocacy groups continue to underline the importance of political visibility and institutional backing for LGBTQ+ causes. The involvement of the presidential couple signals continued progress, especially in light of growing concerns over anti-LGBTQ+ policies in other parts of Europe and the world.
