The attacks against the Helsinki Pride event, and the subsequent vandalism of SETA headquarters in Finland, and bomb threats against the Oulu Pride parade have actually led to a backlash of sympathy for the gay rights cause. Many have applied to join SETA, whose local Helsinki offices have received a surge of enquiries about joining the group.
Normally, only a handful of applications come in the summer. A similar surge of interest has been reported in other local organisations.
SETA board member Manne Malismaa is pleased that the attacks against the Pride parade have raised awareness among Finns about hate crimes against sexual minorities.
“It is important that we acknowledge the existence of these crimes, and that they are serious.”
Membership Seen as Expression of Solidarity
SETA feels that its new members are significant both economically and symbolically. New members are not asked the reasons for joining, but the assumption in the organisation is that many have joined as an expression of solidarity for the cause. Manne Malismaa says that before the membership surge, SETA had about 2,000 members.
“Anyone can join SETA. We do not ask about anyone’s sexual orientation or anything else. My view is that joining is more an expression of solidarity than anything else. We certainly hope that through the new members we might get more active members who take part in the events, for instance.”