Sápmi pride celebrates queer Sami every year, either in Norway, Sweden or Finland. This year the commemoration was in Bodø, which is the European Capital of Culture in 2024. On Saturday afternoon, approximately 50 people braved the rain and wind to walk in the pride parade through the city centre. – The best there is – We think it is important to show that there are queer Sami throughout Sápmi, and that we are everywhere. HAPPY FOR PRIDE: Olav Wiik Moland is happy for pride, and especially Sápmi pride. Photo: Vetle Mathiesen Knutsen / news That’s what Olav Wiik Moland says to news. He sits on the board of Garmeres, a Sami organization for queer Sami in Norway, Sweden and Finland. – We are a group that is perhaps a minority within minorities, and which is often a bit forgotten. It is important to make ourselves visible. Moland thinks celebrating queer Sami is important. – It is the best there is. There’s a good atmosphere, great people and it’s good to get together. – Difficult to be Sami Lars-Bjørnar Knutsen was also at the celebration of Sápmi pride. He has lived in Bodø in recent years. – Getting Sapmi pride here has been very, very big and very nice. THE CELEBRATION: Even though it rains a lot in Bodø, the pride parade was celebrated all the way. Photo: Vetle Mathiesen Knutsen / news Knutsen says that being Sami in the city has both advantages and disadvantages. He is very happy to be at home in his Lule Sami area. – But in Bodø it has also been a bit difficult to be Sami. It’s easier to take off my cardigan if I’m going out on the town than to keep it on. – Why that? – That’s because you quickly get a lot of stereotypical snide comments. Not every time, but especially if people come in groups. There was a huge flare-up in the negativity surrounding being Sami. – We remain here LIVING IN BODØ: Lars-Bjørnar Knutsen lives in Bodø, where this year’s Sápmi pride is held. Photo: Vetle Mathiesen Knutsen / news – Is it important that we have Sápmi pride every year? – I can’t think of anything more important than having Sápmi pride every year. I really think we should have it in Bodø not just once, but maybe every year, says Knutsen. – It is important that people see that we are here. We are Sami. We are queer. We remain here. Knutsen believes that Bodø needs Bodø Sápmi pride especially after the opening ceremony of the city as European Capital of Culture. Then it rained with Sámi hatred and it got so bad that the mayor had to ask people to toughen up. – You can imagine if you only have one minority, only Sami. You only get all that heat because there is a bit of Sami on TV. So you can imagine, if it turns out that you are also queer. – Then you have two identities that are crushed. – The need is there Jouvnas Bruun Arnesen, deputy leader of the Sami organization Garmeres, also emphasizes the importance of a separate Sami pride. SMILING FOR PRIDE: Jouvnas Bruun Arnesen smiles for Sami pride. Photo: Vetle Mathiesen Knutsen / news – There is something about being able to set your own agenda, even in the minority in the minority. It is good to gather and protest. – It’s October, it’s cold, it’s wet, it’s windy. What is the reason for choosing to have it in October instead of June, which is after all the pride month? – We used to have it in the autumn, because you often get together in the summer anyway. It’s nice and good to see each other, says Arnesen. – Do you need your own pride? – Yes, it wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t feel a need, says Arnesen. – Be accepted Arnhild Haagensen came a long way to join the celebration. TRAVELED A LONG WAY: Arnhild Haagensen has traveled a long way to bring Sápmi pride Photo: Vetle Mathisen Knutsen / news – I’m queer and was invited up from Oslo to be here and celebrate, she says. Haagensen is concerned that it should not only be young people who celebrate Sápmi pride. – I think it is so important that all generations are involved. Don’t just let the youth stand in the fight here, we who are older must join us. – What battle is the Sami queer in? – To be accepted for who we are, quite simply. Published 12.10.2024, at 19.34 Updated 12.10.2024, at 19.49
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Sápmi pride: – Can’t think of anything more important – news Sápmi
