Seta’s DVD about lives of young LGBT in Finland was published in the end of January.
(From the left) Reiska, Martu Väisänen and Eska.
“Diversity is in us” gathers the stories of eight LGBT youngsters from all around Finland.
Ida, Niko, Darja, Reiska, Petra, Pekka, Tiina and Eska reflect on their lives and families, dating, bullying and getting support. They also discuss how they have dealt with norms they face within the Finnish society.
Reiska, who identifies hirself as transgender, says that it was a bit of a challenge to participate in the making of the film. It took some courage.
“I went back and forth whether to go along because I was worried about the consequences. Everyone would see my story, but so what? I live my life for my own sake. I wanted to be one of the brave young people who would tell about their lives”, 23-year-old Reiska says. “This was my chance to speak for others.”
“This kind of material would have been useful for me as an adolescent, when there was no one else to identify with where I’m from. This is why a agreed to join this project”, 18 year old transsexual Eska tells.
LGBTI Rights in Finland Seta demands that diversity of gender and sexual orientation would be included in all subjects at schools. Anders Huldén, Seta’s Youth Work Coordinator, considers personal stories from everyday life a good way to raise awareness about the consequences of strict norms.
“The stories of these young people give something to think about for everyone, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation. This DVD is not enough, though. Diversity truly is in all of us and this must be considered at schools on everyday basis”, Huldén says.
The duration of the DVD is 20 minutes. Subtitles are provided in Finnish, English and Swedish both on the DVD and the clips on YouTube. The DVD was produced during 2012 by Martu Väisänen from Oulu. The DVD is distributed free of charge to schools, youth workers and for educational purposes.
Press quality photos of the young:
https://www. dropbox. com/sh/5vczz02xk9f89xx/HMa34bIv84
Photos: Martu Väisänen