The statement is based on a panel discussion: How are we doing? Mental health care needs, disparities, and well-being of non-Finnish speaking LGBTIQA+ people in Finland, organized by Sexual Rights Finland Seta’s (LGBTI Rights in Finland) International Affairs Committee, held on 1st of July as part of the Helsinki Pride 2021.
Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland
Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland aims for an equal society and individual welfare that includes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We want to change legislation and attitudes through education and information and by co-operating with authorities and political decision-makers.
Seta works with the whole society and collaborates with a wide range of institutions and governmental bodies. Our work and activities are based on human rights and self-determination. During the next few years one of our main goals is to reform the gender recognition legislation. The current law includes a number of human rights violations. Other key issues are the well-being of LGBTI children, youth and seniors, equal family law and combating homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Seta has 28 member organizations from Lapland to Åland Islands. Some of the organizations operate nationwide (e.g. Rainbow Families) and some at local or regional level. Activities are organized by a large number of volunteers and employees. Several gatherings, trainings and peer group meetings are organized at Seta’s ofce weekly. At the office we also have a dressing room, which is mainly used by e.g. gender fluid or cross-dressing people.
Seta´s Gender Diversity & Intersex Centre of Expertise (former Trans Support Center / Transtukipiste) offers services to all trans and intersex persons, people pondering their gender and also to their families and loved ones. Support is offered through counselling and therapy by the staff, peer group activities and other events organized by volunteers. Gender Diversity & Intersex Centre of Expertise provides information on gender diversity to different target groups. Services are free of charge, except for professional trainings.
Seta in a nutshell
- Founded in 1974
- 28 member organisations, activities all over the country
- Advocacy, education, lectures, social work, youth and senior work
- Gender Diversity & Intersex Centre of Expertise
- Wide range of partners and co-operation both in Finland and abroad
- Member of ILGA Europe, Transgender Europe, IGLYO, SOSTE, Finnish Youth Cooperation – Alliance, Family Federation of Finland
- Currently employs 14 persons
- The main contributors are the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA) and the Ministry of Education and Culture