Dear Reader,
Summer is just around the corner – and so is Pride Season! As we prepare to let our banners fly high, celebrate queerdom and diversity, and make visible injustices worldwide, there is no better time to share some of my thoughts and experiences in Estonia with you. Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, a fierce ally, or on the lookout for events during the summer, you’ve come to the right place! As follows, I will write about student life in Tartu through my own lens; Estonia from a queer perspective; and, of course, upcoming happenings that you do not want to miss out on. So, without further ado, let’s get into it, shall we?
My time in Tartu: student life and community-building
Alongside readings, seminars and (more or less nerve-wracking) paper writing during my MA studies, the social aspect of student life will always be close to my heart. While a fairly small town, Tartu brings together people from near and far, which truly has broadened my worldview and made me friends for life. As a Dancing Queen (yes, a 2-in-1 Swedish and gay pun), some of my fondest memories are of Genialistide Klubi’s drag shows and the Vikerruum parties at Möku. The sense of not only safety but belonging in a space intentionally created for queer people is such empowering and liberating feeling. Long nights full of laughter, bar-hopping and tight-knit bonds are also thanks to the welcome I felt by locals and allyship I found in peers alike. I can surely say Tartu helped me get to a point where I was out and very proud, not least because I found love there.
If nightlife is not your cup of tea, however, or if your dancing shoes need a break, worry not! Queer-friendly spaces and forms of expression stretch beyond the glitter and glam, too. For instance, the completely LGBTQ+-oriented Estonian film festival, Festheart, screens a wide array of Estonian and international titles; highly recommended! Additionally, while not solely focused on LGBTQ+ issues, the Arvamusfestival (Eng: Opinion festival) is a free and open forum definitely worth a visit. I was amazed by its sheer size (there are so many different topics discussed) and attended great panels on inclusive thinking and social engagement. I can’t leave a personal gem out of this entry, though. Ironically, taking a break from studying by…well, studying more, the University library has plenty of access to queer-theory literature.
From feeling supported in pursuing my research interests to personal connections and a newfound drive to make space for LGBTQ+ inclusive discussions and expressions, I learned a lot about myself, too. With that said, we should not shy away from the importance of recognising that queer people face discrimination and violence in Estonia, like everywhere else. Before glancing at what the summer has in store, let’s first take a look at recent developments in Estonia as a whole.
Casting a wider net: attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and moving forward
Shortly after completing my degree, I moved to Tallinn to work in the human rights field. An opportunity, that aside from putting my knowledge into practice, inevitably made me follow societal and political developments in Estonia more closely. With no intent of being gloomy, we have quite a way to go to achieve thorough queer acceptance. Whereas there is notable progress in increased tolerance towards and normalisation of non-heteronormative relations and identities, as well as issues pertaining to adoption, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments still exist. As long as there are lived experiences of discrimination and harassment, fear of holding hands and expressing love, and lack of complete institutional support for members of our community, I firmly believe and will repeat it requires a collective effort to make society safer. A step in the right direction, much welcomed (and I should add, thanks to brave voices and hard work) is the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Estonia, enforced on 1 January 2024. Waking up to this news going into a new year to see the joys of advocates and fellow LBGTQ+ couples having their love legally acknowledged black on white is a feeling like no other.
As such, drawing a line between queer-friendly and not is difficult. As I have tried to show, weaving personal viewpoints into this entry involves each and every part of society. Similarly, I would encourage an awareness that there are as many stories as there are LGBTQ+ people. We have to continue educating ourselves, listening to each other, and, not least, leading with empathy. Lastly, I want to stress that representation and visibility are key. Whether it’s a drag party, legislative or political action, a festival or little acts of compassion to those around – these all matter. On that note, let’s explore some of the events happening this summer.
Summer 2024: Pride
I would definitely suggest checking out events organised by the cultural project Q-Space, and already now mark your calendars for September, when Festheart kicks off. No need to wait that long, of course, because in August, Tartu Pride 2024 will have a diverse programme of workshops, exhibitions and events, which conclude with the Pride March on August 17! Wish you a great, proud summer!
Patrik
Cover Image courtesy of Pexels.com – Shamia Casiano
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