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As a foreigner who does not yet have Finnish citizenship, the Parliamentary elections are both intriguing and nerve-wracking to me, as they have a major impact on my life as a permanent resident here. Finland is now the place I call home, the place where my friends live, the place where I work, and the place that I long for when I am abroad. I care deeply about the current and future state of my home.

This year’s Parliamentary Election feels vastly different than in 2015. Finland and Europe are very different places now than they were then. We’ve seen a rise in xenophobia, anti-immigration sentiments, increased securitization, and an uptick in hate crime targeting marginalized groups.

Same-sex marriage became legal in Finland in 2017, but conservative and religious actors have vehemently opposed this legislation, and actively work to reverse this ruling. Over the past four years, the majority government has also worked to privatize Finland’s already excellent public healthcare system, cut funding to education, and has opposed further work on addressing and combating climate change.

As with any election, there is an element of uncertainty and fear about what the future holds, regardless of what end of the political spectrum you support, and there are always things that candidates, parties, and voters would do better or differently if they were able to try again. This election feels particularly important to the issues outlined above, and also for improving the state of affairs for all people who live in Finland.

To all the people who stood up against hate, we thank you. The diversity and significance of this year’s group of Parliamentary hopefuls is indicative of a shift happening here in Finland. Here are some of the wins for queer people and other minorities that we’ve seen during this election cycle:

• Over 500 candidates from both ends of the political spectrum publicly committed to Seta’s top 4 goals for parliamentary reform in this election: the creation of a National Rainbow Policy Action Plan, Trans law reform, securing rights for intersex people, and instating a third legal gender in Finland other than the existing male and female labels.
• This is quite possibly the most diverse group of people to every run for Parliamentary Election throughout Finland, in terms of age, ethnic and racial identity, minority background, religious affiliation, language background, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among other things. Representation matters.
• We have three openly trans people running for Parliament, and a number of other members of the queer community running as well.

A lot of work remains to be done to make Finland a better place for all. Also, we cannot forget about the upcoming European Union Parliamentary Elections in May, where we will also be able to impact the future of the European Union and continue to fight for minority and marginalized groups. We must stay vigilant and act against the significant increase in violence directed at candidates this year, and specifically at minority candidates.

On behalf of Seta’s committee on international affairs, we want to acknowledge and thank all the candidates and our allies who stood up against hate, advocated for human rights and gave us hope this spring. Your message has inspired and energized us for our work ahead.

Austin Sears, Seta’s committee on international affairs

Join us and start writing letters to incoming members of the Parliament of Finland!

Us young people of the lgbtia-community often feel like politicians don’t quite understand what it’s like to be a young lgbtia person, and therefore we’re not always included in the decisions, even when those decisions directly affect our daily lives. In order to get our voices heard in the Parliament, it’s important to bring forth our own individual stories and ideas.

We at Seta’s Youth Committee want to encourage young lgbtia people to write about their life, their problems and anything they’ve always wanted the members of parliament to know. You can also write about how different changes in the legislation could personally change your life as a person of sexual/gender minority.

We mean to give these letters to the chairs of Parliamentary Groups, relevant committees and to the new possible Parliament’s LGBT- network after the elections. Our main goal is to build new understanding between decision-makers and young lgbtia people and in doing so, help the members of parliament to take us in consideration when they’re making important decisions. This way we’re also helping the members of parliament in making better decisions and being a part of a better, more equal Finland. The letters can also be published on our social media if given the permission of the writer.

Write your letter here

On behalf of the Youth Committee,

Seve Hujanen, chairperson
seve.hujanen@seta.fi

Since the beginning of the year 2019 a new name law has come into effect. The law is intended to follow a fairly liberal interpretation on gender issues. The registry offices have created their own internal guidelines under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. This document examines the most important aspects of the minority law within the name law.

When you change your name to match your gender identity, it should be easier for you to succeed.

• The change can be made electronically if there is no regulatory consideration (in Finnish and Swedish).
• More often than earlier, judging is done at the registry office instead of the name board.
• When you change your name on basis of gender identity, gender expression or gender features,
• The name can be a male, a female, a gender neutral or all of them mixed, up to four names in total
• No need to worry about listing gender-neutral names
• The list of gender-neutral names is quite permissive overall, for example the name does not become gendered if its number of ‘second gender’ holders is reduced to less than five
• Legal identity in line with the strengthening of gender is not required, “a reliable demonstration” of the need for change is enough
• A 15-year-old can use independent opinion and their position is critical in the event of a conflict. They can also be heard on the matter alone if the caretaker is not reached.

However, not everyone will go according to all wishes:

• The change is free of charge only in connection of the strengthening of the legal gender. Otherwise 1 change costs 45 € and the second change is more expensive.
• “Reliable demonstration” of gender identity is something that has not yet been tested.
• In the case of a child under the age of 15, their guardian or other legal representative might not be in favor of the child. Adults might not support the child’s identity.