– It couldn’t be better, there is a fantastic turnout and guaranteed more than last year, says Lisa Mari Sæther, leader of the Ålesund city centre’s association. The police estimate that between 1,000 and 1,500 people were on the pride train. In May, there was a big furore when the municipal director in Ålesund decided that the schools were not allowed to raise the rainbow flag. The background was that the rectors requested a common set of regulations. After strong reactions, including from the Minister of Culture, the politicians were allowed to decide the matter. The municipality turned around, and now it is up to each individual school. – I think it is very sad. It’s hard enough to be queer, if you don’t have to listen to all the noise in addition, says Benjamin Vågen. The police believe there were over a thousand people on the pride train in Ålesund. Photo: Remi Sagen / news Big celebration in Ålesund Vågen is one of many who mark pride in Ålesund on Saturday. The organizer believes that the cases at the front have caused more people to call about the celebration. – We have been well covered in the media recently, and I think that debate has meant that more people have felt the need to show solidarity by being here today, says Lisa Mari Sæther of the Ålesund city centre’s association. Lisa Mari Sæther is overwhelmed by how many people have turned up. Photo: Remi Sagen / news Mariell Sørhaug, who participates in the train with Ytre kunstfagskole, also believes that the noise has mobilized. – It has been seen in the comments section and elsewhere that people have become excited. It was painful to see that Ålesund would become the standard-bearer for something like that, and that we would get such negative press. I feel that today we are showing that the majority is against it, that we welcome diversity and pride, says Sørhaug. More important than 17 May Siri Sørnes also takes part in the celebration, which is very important to her. – I love to see that there is a good turnout. I am queer myself and have had my struggles with it. Seeing people show up and support it, and fight for it to be part of the normal, is absolutely fantastic, says Siri Sørnes. Benjamin Vågen and Siri Sørnes take part in the pride celebration in Ålesund on Saturday. Photo: Remi Sagen / news She has grown up in Ulsteinvik, which has not only been easy. – Being queer out in the village among everyone who is supposed to be completely normal, it is very difficult and depressing. Moving here to Ålesund and encountering a more open environment has been very good, says Sørnes. – So this is perhaps more important than 17 May and Christmas Eve? – Absolutely, I would say that, she replies. Published 15.06.2024, at 15.36 Updated 15.06.2024, at 17.51
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Pride marking in Ålesund after the flag refusal case – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
