Helsinki Pride is preparing for its annual parade amid recent elevation of anti-LGBTQ+ tensions, according to the organisers of the event.
The parade is Finland's largest LGBTQ+ rights and cultural event, and will take place on Saturday 1 July.
Finnish media have reported a number cases of hate crimes targetting the community in recent months, including the stabbing of a Finn taking part in a Pride event in Tallinn, Estonia and an attack outside an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Tampere.
Executive Director of Helsinki Pride, Annu Kemppainen, told Yle that the past 12 months have been the most violent for sexual minorities in Europe and Central Asia in more than a decade.
The European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, ILGA agreed with that sentiment:
"The situation is worrying and sad. But at the same time, we have a growing supporter base, so we are heading towards Pride week with confidence," Kemppainen said.
Trans law debate raised tensions
Kemppainen noted that the issue of amending Finland's much-debated trans law attracted additional hate speech and discriminatory treatment towards the queer community.
"At that time, there were some really transphobic and violent speeches against our community. It seems that when speeches get louder, unfortunately, even louder actions follow."
The events surrounding the Finnish trans law debate also prompted Helsinki's Pride committee to partially leave the National Coalition Party and Centre Party out of this year's festivities.
Centre Party and NCP MPs were allowed to vote freely as a matter of individual conscience in February's vote - rather than according to a united party line.
Some 10 NCP and 13 Centre Party MPs voted against the law change.
This is why Helsinki Pride only formally invited the youth wings of the two parties to be partners.
The Pride parade has expanded in recent years with businesses and political parties joining to declare their support for LGBTQ+ communities.
"Companies and organisations are nowadays publicly demonstrating their values in Finland too. It also informs consumers and job seekers, in how they want to spend their money or where they'd like to work," Kemppainen said.
Helsinki's Pride parade are generally free of disruptions, despite the large number of people taking part.
The event also has its own patrons. Last year, it was Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen. This year former President Tarja Halonen was chosen for the role.
Police officers are also onsite to ensure public order and safety. Kemppainen said that organisers are confident that this year's events will also be peaceful.
"The theme of Pride week is triumph and rebellion. We exist, we are all wonderful and we have the right to rejoice," Kemppainen said.