Kirkkonummi is a more equal place today than yesterday

On March 9, the municipal council discussed my initiative to start flying Pride flags in Kirkkonummi. In the initiative, we originally hoped to fly the flags during Helsinki Pride Week, but officials also proposed flying them during the Kirkkonummi parishes’ rainbow mass. I also gave a speech in the council, which you can find below.

My speech in the municipal council

Thank you, Chair.

According to the Local Government Act, one of the tasks of a municipality is to promote the well-being of its residents. This is not just a goal — it is a legal obligation. Kirkkonummi’s strategy puts this obligation into practice by promising that the municipality will be child-, youth-, and age-friendly, and that Kirkkonummi will promote equality and take into account the needs of different population groups.

However, the THL school health survey paints a grim picture. One in five upper secondary school students belonging to gender minorities and one in seven belonging to sexual minorities reported being bullied at school at least once a week during the school term. Young people belonging to gender and sexual minorities who dared to reveal their minority status had experienced all forms of school bullying measured two or even three times more often than other young people. And Kirkkonummi is no exception.

Only some young people dare to even mention that they belong to a gender or sexual minority. Those who do are bullied two or even three times more than others.

After 2023, bullying of rainbow youth has even increased. This is happening at the same time as the social climate has become harsher in many places. When we hear people talking about trampling on the rights of LGBTQ+ folks in places like Congress and city council meetings, it directly affects how LGBTQ+ youth feel and their well-being.

So what can we do here in Kirkkonummi? Activities aimed at LGBTQ youth have become more common in recent years, and they have been found to reduce loneliness. Visibility and acceptance are not just symbolic—they are concrete preventive mental health work.

The officials propose that the initiative be approved. The flagging would take place twice a year: during Helsinki Pride week and in connection with the Kirkkonummi parish’s bilingual rainbow mass in September. Kirkkonummi has already decided that in 2022, the water tower will be illuminated in rainbow colors during the service. The flagging is a natural continuation of this. The cost is also almost imperceptibly small.

A small gesture with great significance. It is with great pleasure and warmth that I propose that the council approve the proposal put forward by the officials.

How did the Pride discussion go?

Despite a very colorful and emotional debate, the council ultimately approved the initiative by a clear margin, with 30 votes in favor and 14 against. Thank you to all my colleagues on the council who voted in favor!

Read more about equality and the significance of small gestures: the council initiative that started it all, Kirkkonummi tells everyone: you belong here and with words we shape our shared reality.