Tag Archives: in english

Pinkkimustamarssi / Pink Black Parade 1.7.2016

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Perjantaina 1. heinäkuuta marssimme Rautatientorilta Tokoinrantaan. Meitä oli pari sataa. Mielenosoitus pysähtyi Kansalaistorilla EuroGames Villagessa, koska Helsingissä järjestettävää EuroGamesia tukee Israelin valtio ja EuroGames markkinoi Tel Avivia homoparatiisina. Muistutimme siitä, että tällainen toiminta on pinkkipesua, jolla halutaan viedä huomio pois Israelin apartheid-järjestelmästä ja ihmisoikeusrikkomuksista.

On Friday June 1 we had Pink Black Parade. Before the parade arrived to Tokoinranta we had a demonstration at EuroGames Village. Two hundred demonstrators paid attention to how EuroGames is sponsored by the Israeli Embassy in Finland, and EuroGames markets Tel Aviv as a gay tourist destination. This is pinkwashing, which tries to divert attention from Israel’s apartheid regime and human rights violations.

pääbandis

joukko

kyltit

antirasismi

WHAT? WHERE?

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QUEERIZATION 2016 EVENTS & VENUES: PRACTICAL INFO 

The queerization workshops and other events take place in various locations in Helsinki.

In this post you will find specific information on the venues, including how-to-get-there and accessibility info. All spaces are by little walking, by rails and by other public transport. All toilets are uni(corn)sex / gender neutral.

We want to create space for encounters and learning. Queerization is an anti-capitalist, grassroot-level, DIY-event. Therefore shared effort and responsibility for coziness, safety and promotion is not only recommended but vitally important. The workshop holders are not professionals, nor deities, even if not the most “normal” of people! The safer space principles apply in all Queerization events.

Signing up in beforehand required in some of the workshops due to limited space and number of participants. All the events are non-profit, most of them free of cost. Donations to cover material costs are collected for example in the Whip workshop and the Stick´n´poke workshop. If you don’t have the money to donate, that’s okay, too.

The most up to date programme info can be found here.

 

ACCOMMODATION

The festival does not offer shared accommodation. If you need a place to stay in Helsinki during the festival, email to queerization[at]riseup.net and we will do our best to help! Please let us know if you have specific needs (regarding pet/food allergies, kids, accessibility etc.).

 

FOODSTUFF

Coffee and tea will be served at the venues. Some vegan food or pick-up snacks will also be organised by collective effort at the venues. You may donate what you wish/are able to.

If you want to help, let us know via email and we’ll be superhappy! Everyone is welcome to contribute, by bringing baked stuff, by cooking, by picking up groceries or by helping out with cleaning. And for the sake of Anarchy & Happiness, let’s all wash our own dishes!

 

SPACES

Lymy

Street Address: Hämeentie 30

Nearest stops: Haapaniemi (tram lines 6 and 7A/B, buses 62-77). Metro: 600 m walk from Sörnäinen and 700 m walks from Hakaniemi metro stations.

Lymy is a collectively organized workspace and event place. It is a space for “thoughts / action / work / laziness / struggle. Lymy is a space where these can be inseparable. At Lymy we are hidden, but not separated.”

Accessibility:

There are two steps to the main door. However, there is an entrance to the space, through a corridor, which has no stairs. The entrance to the corridor has a 6 cm step. The gate to the corridor opens completely. The entrance from the corridor is 81 cm; the inner door to Lymy is wider and has a 2cm high threshold. It is only possible to access the corridor from inside, so contact us beforehand or knock, and we will open the door. The space has a narrow toilet, unfortunately not large enough for wheelchair. The nearest public toilet is a few hundred meters away, located at the Väinö Tanner field.

 

Third Space

Address: Tarkk’ampujankatu 18

Nearest stop: Viiskulma (tram lines 3/2, buses 14, 17, 18) 100 m walk from stop.

Third Space is gallery / workspace / event venue run by the Third Space collective.

“Third Space is a collective seeking to unsettle preconceived notions of the other. As cross border transcultural operatives we seek to erase the invisible lines that separate us.”

Accessibility:

Door on street level, but down to the space there are three steps, approx 20 cm each. No railing. Toilet small and narrow. Nearest public toilet few hundred meters away at Johanneksenpuisto.

 

Pyöräpaja

Address: Parrulaituri 2.

Nearest stop: Kalasatama metro station, 350 m walk from station.

Pyöräpaja is located in a red brick building at Kalasatama, near the old plant area and Sompasaari. The entrance is on the side of the basketball court. The space is on the first floor, ground level, but at the door there are two low steps and the toilets are not accessible.
Accessibility:

When turning from the main road towards Pyöräpaja the pavement cuts for about 2 m length, and there is a gravel area in between, located at a lower level than the pavement. The pavement rises from the gravel area at a 13 degree angle for a 10 cm area. The street pavement area next to the gravel is also cut so that before the pavement there is a small area of gravel. The pavement changes to an even gravel area when going towards the space, remaining all the way to the entrance.

The space is on the first floor on ground level. Before the entrance there is a 4 cm high grid platform. At the entrance there are two doors, first has a 4 cm step and the other 5,5 cm step. Both doors are 96 cm wide, but the inner door opens partly on top of the outer door, so the actual width is 75 cm. Neither of the doors is automatic.

The toilet has a 5 cm step and the doorway is 68 cm wide. The toilets are narrow booths, with no railings.

 

Sarjakuvakeskus

Address: Hämeentie 150

Nearest stops: Arabiankatu (tram lines 6 and 8) 500 m walk,

Kairokatu (buses 52, 68, 71 ja 74) 200 m walk

Sarjakuvakeskus (Comic centre) is community centre for the field of comics, founded in 2008 at Arabia, Helsinki.

Accessibility:

A steep ramp leads to the entrance but it is unsteady and slippery, not safe for a wheelchair user without assistance. The door is 93 cm wide. The toilet is narrow, toilet door is 56 cm. The nearest accessible toilet is located across the road, in the premises of the School of Arts.

Some people sensitive to mold have had symptoms in the house.

 

Makamik

Address: Jyrängöntie 1

Nearest stop: Paavalin kirkko (tram lines 6 and 8; buses 73-77)

Makamik is originally a squatted space which has since been rented, with a symbolic fee. The house is run by volunteers and collective decision making. The building is located on the east side of the Kumpula Botanic Garden, alongside the road leading to the entrance.

Accessibility:

Makamik is located on a small hill, the way to the entrance is a steep gravel path. There are stairs leading to the doors and high steps. The toilet is a small outhouse located in the end of a steep narrow path. There is no running water in the house. Water damage has impacted one of the rooms. There has been renovations since, but some people sensitive to mold still get symptoms in the house.

NB! Makamik is a fully substance-free space!

 

QUESTIONS & CONTACTS

Please email any concerns or questions regarding workshops, accomodation etc. to queerization[at]riseup.net, and we will reply as quickly and as good as we can.

Media inquiries we might answer if the Consensus Fairy is in favorable mood, and has the time and energy.

★

 

PROGRAM 2016

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Here it is – the program!
Details about venues – their accessibility and how to get there – can be found in the ‘Where, What’ info-post asap.

 

★ Monday 27th June:

 

STICK ’N’ POKE / D.I.Y. TATTOO WORKSHOP
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
@ Lymy (Hämeentie 30)

During the workshop you are taught how to make yourself small tattoos. The workshop has room for 9 participants. We have three workspots, so be ready for some waiting or let us know when you can come. We have time slots starting 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Please sign up in advance by emailling to: queerization[at]riseup.net.
Recommended donation to cover material costs is 3-6€.

 

ZINE WORKSHOP
4pm
@ Third Space (Tarkk’amppujankatu 18)

Drop in & make your own zines!

 

★ Tuesday 28th June:

 

STENCIL & BANNER MAKING
3pm @ Bike workshop (Parrulaituri 2)

Cut your own stencils and make your own super swag signs and banners so you can represent the colours on Pink Black Parade Friday 1st July!

 

PINK&BLACK DEMO MEETING
6pm @ Bike workshop

A collective organising meeting for the demo on Friday.

P.S. you can Bring Your Own Bike and fix it here, too!

 

★ Wednesday 29th June:

 

CONSENT & BOUNDARIES
1pm – 4pm @ Sarjakuvakeskus (Hämeentie 150)

Yes? No? Maybe? What do I want? Workshop on recognizing boundaries.
In the workshop we discuss communication, everyday and sexual consent, your own and others’ safety and boundaries. Workshop includes exercises that are done both on your own and in groups.
Workshop has room for 12 participants.

Please sign up beforehand by emailing us to queerization[at]riseup.net
and give at least the following details:
______________________________________________

Name (of any preference):
I prefer workshop in:   [  ] english   [  ] finnish
[  ] I have read and will respect the Queerization Safer Space Policy.
______________________________________________

QUEER, CAPITALISM & MENTAL HEALTH – DISCUSSION & GATHERING
6pm – 8pm @ Lymy

Discussion about mental “health/illness” and surviving in a sick society.
Coffee, tea & peer support. You may leave early or take breaks. Talking is voluntary. You can participate in English or Finnish, translation will be available.

NOTE! The workshop will be closed and confidential. There will be an opening discussion which you need to attend to participate. Opening discussion will be held from 6 – 6.30pm, after which you can no longer join the workshop, so come early!

 

★ Thursday 30th June:

 

FLOGGER WORKSHOP
3pm @ Lymy

Make your own flogger! During the workshop you are taught how to make a flogger from bicycle inner tube or electric wire. Please sign up email in advance by emailing queerization[at]riseup.net , no later than on Tuesday 28 June at 12 o’clock noon. The workshop has room for 10 participants. If you can pay €2 to cover the costs, that’s great. If you can’t, you can still participate.

 

★ Friday 1st July:

 

DEMONSTRATION & AFTERSKI
6pm @ Central Railway Station (Rautatientori, Sq. on the East side of Building)

Let’s Take Back The Night with Pink Black Parade! B.Y.O.B. – Bring Your Own Banners, and other lovely pink&black things:   flags, wigs, high heels, low feels, portable noise, slogans, queer ekstravaganza, solidarity and safer space attitude.

Dress warmly for “Afterski” / hangout place (t.b.a.)

 

★ Saturday 2nd July:

 

FOOD NOT BOMBS
3pm @ Hakaniemen tori
Organiser: Ruokaa ei Aseita / Food Not Bombs Helsinki

Millions of people starve while the military industrial complex spends astronomical amounts of loot on building war machines. Food Not Bombs draws attention to this system of exploitation fact by distributing free food for the people. The meat industry, adding to world’s food security crisis, also exploits and tortures other living beings. This is why our food is always vegan. Themes of poverty, inequality, military spending and environment are as relevant in today’s Finnish society as ever.

Ruokaa ei aseita Helsinki is a part of the international Food Not Bombs movement that started in Boston, USA in 1980.

 

PINK & BLACK PICNIC
2pm – 8pm @ Tokoinranta

Feel free to bring blankets, vegan food&drinks, sunscreen, warm clothes, frisbees, outdoors games, cats, dogs and your grandma. If it rains, we’ll take ‘em elsewhere.

 

SOLIDARITY SPEED DATE
4pm – 5pm @ Tokoinranta

Are you looking for the Right One, or two, or more into friendships with benefits? Are you missing some asexual play from your life? Is there always room for a new link in your polyamorous family web? Want to organise an antikapitalist sex party? Are you an expert in migration permit issues or social benefit paperwork? A sturdy shoulder to lean on and a tireless sender of comforting cat gifs? Want to meet new people and network with fellow activists around Helsinki and the Baltic? Would you like to hold someone’s hand while marching in the Pink Black Bloc next year, shouting slogans?

Queerization warmly welcomes you to Solidarity Speed Dating!

For practical reasons, please come early to sign up for the event! You’ll find an organiser sitting by some pink&black flags by their loud voice. We’d also love it if you signed up beforehand, by emailing us to queerization[at]riseup.net (you can write Solidarity Speed date as title).

Please give at least the following details:
______________________________________________

Name (of any preference):
I’m able to date in:   [  ] english   [  ] finnish
[  ] I have read and will respect the Queerization Safer Space Policy.
______________________________________________

 

FC QUEER VS. THE WORLD
5pm – 7pm @ Tokoinranta

Lets have an easy-going tournament with lots of fun and a little flexibility. Cuz c’mon, sports is not so Very Serious!

If you are, however, very serious about / scared of / traumatised by / interested in / passionate about / … / Sports & Politics, or just feel plain paradoxal about all that, come and join in a queery hangout & open discussion. What makes playing and watching sports a nationalist practice; what makes it international? How is sports culture used as a tool for normativity and social control, and could sports like football be reclaimed to create queerer spaces? We will discuss football, nationalism/internationalism and inclusion/exclusion by the games field.

Languages: Finnish & English – non-professional translation will be provided.

 

★ Sunday 3rd July

 

CROQUIS DRAWING
4pm @ Makamik (Jyrängöntie 1)
Organiser: Feminist Comics Network

D.I.Y. freely organised croquis drawing, draw what you can & want (model is nude). No costs but it’s good to bring your own sketch papers and other materials. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level.

 

★

 

Safer Space Policy applies in all events.

Coffee, tea and a bite to eat will be available for 0 – x eur. donation.

For everybody’s comfort, please refrain from using strong colognes or perfume! Smoking is permitted outdoors, with respect to others around you.

Workshops are alcohol & other-drug-free.

 

 

QUEERIZATION IS BACK ★ MANIFESTO ’16

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★ QUEERIZATION unifies different struggles
★ QUEERIZATION is coming together & supporting each other, to celebrate and to fight the CIS-tem!
★ QUEERIZATION strikes against pinkwashing & financial inequality
★ QUEERIZATION does not tolerate exploitation of queer rights to justify racism & islamophobia
★ QUEERIZATION demands radical self-determination & rights to one’s own body & life
★ QUEERIZATION makes visible what today’s Pride has forgotten
★ QUEERIZATION occupies space
★ QUEERIZATION is revolution
★ QUEERIZATION invites everyone to built a better future here, and now

 

QUEER IS NO BORDERS

Queer rights will not be exploited for the benefit of racist politics. Queerization stands for abolition of Fortress Europe and its border control that leads to thousands of deaths on the Mediterranean. We refuse politics that positions humans hierarchical categories according to the color of their skin, their religion or birthplace.

We will not have ourselves used as an excuse to promote nationalism. Queer rights are being hijacked to back a propaganda project that paints a picture of homophobic immigrants. Meanwhile, queers who have fled their home countries are not granted asylum in Finland. Our relationships, including those of immigrant queers, do not fit the heteronormative family model that is the prerequisite of citizenship. Queer has no borders.

QUEER IS RADICAL SELF-DETERMINATION

Medical trans examinations need to stop. The trans experience is none of the state’s or medical authorities’ business. Everyone should be able to self-determine their gender by announcement. What do we need gender juridics for? Juridical gender, name changes & modification of one’s body should not be governed by the state. We want radical self determination of our bodies and identities.

QUEER IS CONFLICT

Queer challenges the norms of society – both those of the state and in our own communities. It’s not just one more identity, but a way of thinking and acting that constantly dismantles power hierarchies & privileges.

Queer is in conflict with everything normative that crushes our spirit, makes us hate ourselves, makes our lives look worthless and less real. Queer does not measure the value of life according to the logic of productivity. Queer shakes the certainty with which we estimate the capabilities of our bodies, the bodies of others and what they can be. We are not victims of the system: we have a right and strength to revolt!

QUEER IS DO-IT-YOURSELF

stick’n’poke tattoos ★ zines ★ stencils ★ banners ★ floggers

QUEER IS COMING TOGETHER

consent ★ speed dating ★ afterparties  ★  potluck / piquenique

QUEER IS ANARCHY

march ★ shout ★ sing ★ dance ★ get angry  ★ fight back ★ love

QUEERIZATION IS COMING – ARE YOU READY

★ vegan ★ D.I.Y ★ no profit★ no borders ★ no politicians ★ no police

 

Minifestival 27th June – 3rd July 2016

Pink Black Bloc takes the night back – Demonstration & Hang-out Friday 1st of July

 

 

 

 

ON RAINBOW PARADE, WE MARCH IN PINK&BLACK

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For us, the Pride means not merely a parade but a riot. We speak up in the name of those whose voices who are silent in the mainstream LGBT narratives.

On 28th June 1969 in the riots of Stonewall the poor, young, black, queer and transgender people had had enough of the systematic police raids and violence and created resistance. Soon New York had its first Gay Pride. Today Pride has been diluted into a wishy-washy celebration of well-off folks that the LGBT initiatives call “diverse”. The Pride Parade marches under police protection. Gay people can legally marry and some transgender people get access to services. But we know well that the police won’t protect us from the institutional violence of the state, nor will the state give us real freedom to love who we want.

The state does not only provide trans people’s treatments. It also creates the set of meanings, norms and hierarchies around two genders – when they really are unique and multiple – and polices people to conform to them. The narrow criteria for gender identity disorder diagnosis does not allow for diversity. Intersex babies whose bodies are surgically violated in the name of “normal”, face this control youngest of all.

The police and migration officials can deport refugees persecuted on the basis of their sexuality or political views. Private security companies will protect those who can buy protection. They will drive off Roma people picking bottles, like happened last year in the Pride Park, so that the white-dominated, middle and upper class crowd of fashion magazine replicas can enjoy their champagne in peace.

Too many living in the margins struggle with mental health issues and poverty. Getting help might become a mission impossible if just getting by financially sucks up all the energy. Many trans people are denied gender reassignment because of mental illness, and a refugee without papers can’t get help without risking deportation.

The imagery of equality is used as a means of merchandise and you are only allowed to party if you can buy the fun. Those profiting from the pink money industry couldn’t be happier to get to ride on such fresh and approved images. And the mainstream LGBT movements do not mind because their ideals have for long been scrubbed clean of anything that might come off as radical. We don’t want to participate in this celebration of exclusive consumerist culture.

We march under pink and black flags and take no pride in the commercialized celebration. We do not want to live the middle class dream nor enjoy “well-being” driven by capitalism. We march for an egalitarian society without fear, shame or oppression based on sexuality, gender, skin colour, wealth or ability.

Our aim is not to change or recreate normal but to fight against normativity. True freedom is gained when everyone is free!

 

★

 

Pink Black Bloc Marches On Helsinki Pride Again Saturday 27th June

We meet at 11:30 AM at the Helsinki Senate Square, at the side of the main building of the University of Helsinki. We’ll start forming as a bloc 12 AM. You will find us under the pink&black flags.

Rhythms of Resistance Helsinki will play with us. It’s good to bring ear protection, especially for children, if you wish to march/dance near the band.

We are getting ready for the march during the week in the Queerization minifestival. Welcome<3

WORKSHOPS & SOLIDARITY SPEED DATING

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In addition to workshops and speed dating, Queerization 2015 program includes: cafés, zine distro, picnic, films, music and hanging out, folk’s kitchen in support of political prisoners and of course Pink Blac Bloc on Helsinki Pride Parade. See program for more info.

 

★

 

STREET ART WORKSHOP

Tuesday 23rd June, 2pm onwards, at Makamik (Jyrängöntie 1)

Welcome to make a wallpainting to Makamik at tuesday 23.6 starting at 2 pm. With the wallpainting we are celebrating Queerization! We will use spray cans and water based latex-paints. If you want to bring your own mask for the spray painting session, you can do it, but everything else we have at the place: paints, stencil carton and rollers.

 

ZINE WORKSHOP

Tuesday, 23rd June 2pm–5pm at Makamik (Jyrängöntie 1)

During the workshop, participants will produce their own zine (“minimagazine”). No special skills required – you can participate in a way you choose. There will be materials ready for making zines and people who can give tips and advice. There will also be some voluntary, crafty chores to find inspiration from. Let’s make a zine that looks like its creators!

There are possibilities for continuing the zine making on Wednesday and Thursday, and by the end of the festival everyone will get their own paper version.

 

SIGN AND BANDEROL MAKING

Wednesday 24th June 2pm–5pm at Makamik (Jyrängöntie 1)

Thursday 25th June 2pm–7pm Pyöräpaja (Bike workshop, Parrulaituri 2)

Let’s make Pink Black Bloc heard and seen on this year’s Helsinki Pride Parade! Come and paint your own slogan on a sign or banner. We’ll provide some necessary materials feel free to contribute paint, brushes, cans, markers, fabric and sign materials. Pink and black fabric and paint especially needed!

 

BIKE WORKSHOP

Thursday 25th June 2pm–6pm in Pyöräpaja (Parrulaituri 2)

In the bike workshop you can fix your bicycle or even build one. Pyöräpaja volunteers offer their help if needed. You can use both basic and special tools, and also have access to storage of recycled spare parts.

No previous experience needed. Free of charge, voluntary donation.

 

CONSENT AND BOUNDARIES WORKSHOP II

Friday 26th June 1.30pm–3.30pm at Makamik (Jyrängöntie 1)

Yes? No? Maybe? What do I want? Recognizing boundaries.

In the workshop we discuss about communication, sexual consent, your own and others safety and boundaries. Workshop includes exercises that are done both private and in groups.

Workshop has room for 10 participants.

 

We’d also like you to sign up beforehand by emailing us to queerization@riseup.net

Please give at least the following details:

________________________________________________

Name (of any preference):

I prefer workshop in:

[  ] english

[  ] finnish

 

[  ] I have read and will respect the Queerization Safer Space Policy.

________________________________________________

 

SOLIDARITY SPEED DATING

Friday 26th June at 6pm in Lenininpuisto Park

Are you looking for the Right One or a one-day friendship with benefits? Are you missing some asexual play from your life? Does your polyamorous family still have room for one, or two? Are you searching for peer support in your transition or just some new pals? Are you an expert in migration permit issues of filling social benefit applications? A sturdy shoulder to lean on and a tireless sender of comforting cat gifs? Want to meet new people and network with fellow activists around Helsinki and the Baltic? Would you like to hold someone’s hand while marching in the Pink Black Bloc on Saturday, shouting slogans?

Queerization warmly welcomes you to Solidarity Speed Dating!

The speed dating is organised at 6pm on Friday, 26th June, at the same time with Queerization picnic in Lenininpuisto Park.

For practical reasons, please come early to sign up for the event! You’ll recognise the organisers by their pink armbands. We’d also like you to sign up beforehand by emailing us to queerization@riseup.net.

Please send us at least the following details:

_______________________________________________

Name (of any preference):

I can date in:    [  ] english    [  ] finnish

[  ] I have read and will respect the Queerization Safer Space Policy.

_______________________________________________

 

bandistalkoot / banderol making 2014

 

 

 

VENUES – Practical Info & How To Get There

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Makamik

Jyrängöntie 1, Kumpula. Closest stop: Paavalinkirkko (trams 6 and 8)

Makamik is an autonomous space for cultural activities located in Kumpula, near the entrance of Botanical Garden. The building is one-storey but there is a low-pitched doorstep at the entrance. Makamik has a kitchen and one larger room for workshops and hanging out. The house has electricity, water is carried from elsewhere. Makamik has an outdoor toilet in the end of a path: both the toilet and the path are unfortunately inaccessible with wheelchair.

Please notice that Makamik is substance free space.

Queerization events take place at Makamik on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. In case of rain on Friday, Solidarity Speed Dating will be moved to Makamik.

See the online street map here.

Makamik

 

Pyöräpaja:

Parrulaituri 2. Closest stop: Kalasatama metro station.

Pyöräpaja is a bike workshop situated in Kalasatama. Entrance is near a small basketball field, on the first floor of a red brick house. Toilets in Pyöräpaja are non-accessible.

In the bike workshop you can fix or build your own bicycle. Pyöräpaja volunteers offer their help if needed. You can use both basic and special tools, and also have access to storage of recycled spare parts. Free of charge, voluntary donation.

Queerization visits Pyöräpaja on Thursday. In good weather there will also be a terrace outside.

See the online street map here.

 

Pyöräpaja

Cable factory

Kaapelitehdas, C-stair, 2nd floor (Institute of France). Closest stops: Länsisatamankatu (tram 8) and Ruoholahti metro station.

Movie nights of Queerization (excluding Sunday’s event) take place in the Cable Factory. There is a ramp to the main door and there is large lift. Doors are non-automatic.

See the online street map here.

Cabel Factory

Lenininpuisto Park

“Lenin Park” is located near Linnanmäki amusement park by the tram 3 route. Closest restrooms are in Linnanmäki. Solidarity Speed Dating takes place here on Friday. Bring vegan picnic food to share, warm clothes and something to sit on. You’ll find us by pink and black flags in the park.

See the online street map here.

Lenin Park

★

Want to come but don’t have a place to sleep? None of our workshop spaces can be used as accomodation but if you email us to queerization@riseup.net, we’ll try to find you a host. Please let us know of any pet allergies or special needs.

 

 

 

SAFER SPACE POLICY

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Check your privileges

There are hierarchies and oppressive norms built into the texture of our society. No community or person is beyond them, no matter how radical or alternative they are. However, cultural change is not only possible but happening every day, and challenging these norms will take us closer to a more just society. To make Queerization the anti-authoritarian and conscious space we want it to be, we must work against discrimination, including but not limited to homo&transphobia, sexism, racism, ableism, ageism and classism.

Check your prejudice

Consider how your possible assumptions about people’s appearance, gender presentation, skin colour, verbal or physical abilities and class or migrant background might affect your behaviour towards others. Instead of making assumptions about people’s bodies, personalities, identities,  backgrounds or “where they come from”, let everybody represent themselves. Everyone has the right and sole autonomy to define their own identities, including their sexual and gender identity. Find out which gender pronouns people prefer: asking is the only way to know.

No means no – don’t be a creep

Respect everyone’s boundaries – both physical and emotional. Again, asking is the only way to find out what other people’s boundaries are. Always get verbal/explicit consent before touching someone.

Take responsibility

Remember that being drunk or high is never an excuse for bad behaviour, and note that some venues have a drug-free policy.

Keep in mind that something you enjoy or are comfortable with might cause others discomfort and distress. If somebody experiences something hurtful, they have the right to feel hurt and express it without their experience being questioned or their tone being policed.

Making boundaries clear and heard is a question of safety to be considered, and communicated, by everyone. There is no reason to be defensive in these situations since it’s not a critique or attack towards your personality.

Respect

We don’t want to judge, push down or compete with anybody.

Let’s respect everyone’s potential for change and communicate in a constructive way. Judging one’s personal qualities or background is not a good way to intervene in oppressive behaviour. Instead, point out the unwanted actions. Here is one way to confront hurtful behaviour, divided into three steps.

  1. Name the unwanted behaviour: “Saying _______ can be hurtful towards…”
  2. Criticize: “Saying things come off racist/transphobic/…/. It contributes to these ____ stigmas.”
  3. Demand /propose change: “Words like _______ are respectful, you should use them instead…”

Practical stuff

Please stay mindful of children participating and try not to leave dangerous stuff lying around.

Smoking is only allowed outside venues. And please clean those cigarette butts, as well as other scrap, after you!

Unfortunately all the venues are completely accessible for wheelchair users (see info about venues) and have other kinds of limitations. All buildings are street level. All toilets are gender neutral. All venues can be reached by tram or metro, or with little walking.

Together we are strong

Ask for support if you need it. We are here for each other! You will recognise organisers by their armbands made of pink fabric.

★

 

We are not asking anyone to pretend being someone older, younger, stronger, healthier, cooler, smarter or queerer than they are, to compromise their mental or physical well-being in order to look more productive or to meet society’s other absurd expectations.

Instead we encourage everyone to challenge themselves every day to acknowledge their own privileges, stand up against injustices and work for better communities that are safer, more aware, sustainable and inclusive.

We know from experience that this will contribute to collective as well as your own well-being more than any luxury spa weekend or Road to Success -guidebook.

 

 

 

PROGRAMME 2015

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TUESDAY 23.6

Makamik:

2pm

  • Street art workshop
  • Zine-workshop until 5pm

 

WEDNESDAY 24.6

Makamik:

2pm

  • Welcoming gathering
  • Café, music, good people, zines
  • Making signs and banners for Pride-parade

Cabel Factory

7pm

  • Movie: Olyas Love

 

THURSDAY 25.6

Bike workshop Pyöräpaja

2pm – all day

  • Café, music, good people, zines
  • Making signs and banners for Pride-parade
  • D.I.Y. Bike workshop

6pm

  • Briefing/discussion about Pride-parade and Pink Black Bloc

 

FRIDAY 26.6

Makamik:

1pm

  • Consent and Boundaries -workshop II

 

Leninin puisto Park:

4pm

  • Picnic

6pm

  • Solidarity Speed Dating

 

SATURDAY 27.6

11.30pm

  • Pink Black Bloc starts gathering at Senatesquare (in front of University building)

1pm

  • Pride Parade + Park festival

8pm

  • Let’s make a party outdoors! (if weather is ok)

 

SUNDAY 28.6

Anarchist Black Cross Helsinki organizes in Makamik:

3pm

  • People’s kitchen in support of political prisoners

5pm

  • Movie: Cruel and Unusual