The M/S Baltic Queers exhibition at Helsinki City Museum (15 November 2024–2 March 2025) highlighted rarely heard and multi-layered stories of LGBTQAI+ migration in the Baltic Sea region from the 1960s to the present. Photographs, letters, videos and a skilfully staged setting brought to light both the personal experiences and the structural challenges that LGBTQAI+ people face when crossing geographical, legal, social and cultural borders. Love, friendship and the need to be seen as yourself are forces that know no boundaries, but which LGBTQAI+ people have had to and still have to run after in their flight for freedom and safety.
The multifaceted narrative of the exhibition left a mark on viewers that allows solidarity and a sense of unity to extend beyond our own geographical areas.
“The M/S Baltic Queers exhibition delves into the core of this year’s theme: pride knows no boundaries. Highlighting the history and cultural heritage of the local LGBTQAI+ community is valuable and reminds us that our diverse community has always been here,” comments Executive Director of Helsinki Pride Annu Kemppainen.
The award was accepted by the curators of the exhibition, non-fiction author and journalist Antti Järvi and visual artist Kalle Hamm, at the Helsinki Pride Park Festival in Kaivopuisto on Saturday 28 June. The exhibition was designed by Kristian Palmu, with graphic design by Nina Andelin and production by Eero Salmio. The exhibition was supported by the Kone Foundation and the Nordic Culture Point.
“The Helsinki City Museum is grateful and proud of the award. To us, it represents recognition for successful collaboration and a diverse exhibition programme that gives space to as many different stories about Helsinki as possible,” says Jari Harju, Head of Audience Services at the City Museum.
The other award winners are Late Mäntylä and Mummolaakso ry. Late Mäntylä is a priest of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland who speaks about LGBTQAI+ themes and has created space for LGBTQAI+ people to be seen and heard in the spiritual community as well. Mummolaakso ry is a national association that is open to cis and trans women of all ages who identify as gay or bisexual/pansexual. Mummolaakso has been working courageously and uncompromisingly for the community, visibility and wellbeing of LGBTQAI+ women for over three decades.
