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“With Pride we are thanking the Icelandic nation for its support but also reminding the audience of why we celebrate and march.”
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[dropcap4]R[/dropcap4]eykjavík Pride is all about coming together, celebrating and making a stance against discrimination. Eva María Þórarinsdóttir Lange, chairman at Reykjavik Pride, believes that there will always be need for Pride despite the fact that Iceland is becoming a model for other countries regarding LGBTQI rights. “We will always have to safeguard our rights because they can be taken from us,” says Eva María, who took time from planning one of this years biggest events and sat down with us to speak about diversity, culture and human rights, and what Reykjavik Pride personally means to her.
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Congratulations with the new Reykjavík Gay Pride Program Guide that just came out! We really like the colorful and family oriented cover. What’s the whole idea or concept behind it?
It actually comes from one of our organizers Davíð Terrazas, who wanted to try to embrace how he has come to experience Reykjavík Pride. Family, friends, color, joy and lots of energy! No longer about provoking, instead more about coming together.
The program is very diverse, ranging from LGBTQI literature panels to crazy dance parties and everything between. What would you say are the highlights this year?
I would say that the highlight is in the variety itself as the theme we went for this year is human rights, diversity and culture. We wanted to emphasis on how diverse our group is and I’m quite confident that everyone should find something of their interest. From August 6th to 11th Reykjavik Pride’s guests will experience documentaries, photo exhibitions, concerts, literature, parties, events for rainbow families and so much more. Personally I’m really happy with the Youth Group’s Party as for the first time a special party will be thrown for the under 20’s. I also think it’s cool to have a LGBT exhibition at the National History Museum that has been known for being a conservative establishment.
Will there be any Off Venue events?
Yes we’ll have numerous Off Venue events, we’re still receiving requests. This Off Venue idea is new and it’s a great way to let different venues and groups participate in the festivities. We already have on our list a classic concert, a hip hop night, the Icelandic Drag competition, pride brunch, super happy hours and more.
As usual there are a number of artists performing at the Pride. How did you guys manage to attract so many great talents?
Sometimes Reykjavik Pride has been called “the biggest small pride in the world” and it attracts guests from all over. This year we got so many requests from performers but unfortunately we only could invite a few of them. Reykjavik Pride is entirely run on voluntary work and sometimes it’s a challenge to organize this huge event only with the good work and warm hearts of our volunteers. This year we mostly have local artists but we’re getting one very numerous group from the UK, called the Pink Singers. The Pink Singers Choir visits a new Pride every year, and this time it’s Reykjavik Pride.
How many floats are expected to participate in the Parade? Is there still time to sign up?
We expect around 40-45 groups in the parade, some of them will be on floats and others marching. The deadline for the parade application is August 1st and usually we get the majority of the application the last days 🙂
What about lending a helping hand to the organizers?
Volunteers play a huge role in the Pride’s success as it is run entirely by the efforts of those willing to help out, so we’re continuously looking for people who want to support the festivities and have fun with us. If you want to help, look up http://www.reykjavikpride.com/#!volunteer/c1odt
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Most people agree that Iceland has come far in LGBT legal and social rights the past thirty years. Some even say that because of that Reykjavík Gay Pride is becoming a somewhat dated event. Do you think there will ever be a time when we won’t need a Pride?
It’s my personal belief that there will always be need for Pride. We will always have to safeguard our rights because they can be taken from us. Even in Iceland which is a very gay friendly destination we still have a long way to go in certain aspects. Even in a country where you have all the legal rights it doesn’t always mean that the society is totally embracing. We often hear people talk about being tolerant, well that just isn’t good enough. we don’t want to be tolerated, we want to be accepted. As we’re continuously looking out for our rights we are not necessarily trying to be like the majority, I sometimes say “I don’t necessarily want to be like you, I just want to have the same human rights as you”. This is one of the reasons for Pride is important, for the visibility, for the diversity and because it highlights our culture.
The LGBT rights campaign in Iceland has a history of little more than thirty years, a chronicle of struggle and victory almost unique in the world. From being an invisible group of an oppressed minority, LGBT people in Iceland have now gained social and legal rights comparable to the best of its kind in the world. This is clearly reflected in our festivities – a true manifestation of our pride and ambition. This year we also emphasize that LGBT solidarity should be realized universally. We are grateful to those who have come before us and we hope to make those who follow us proud.
Gays and lesbians from all around the world have been tying the knot in Iceland, since gay marriage became legal here. Do you think we’re becoming a symbol of equality for other countries?
Yes I think Iceland is certainly a model for other countries regarding LGBTQI rights, specially gay and lesbian rights. Same sex marriages have been in focus in many countries lately and we’ve seen negative reactions in many places. In Iceland when the law was passed all the present members of the parliament voted in favor and the majority of the society is supportive. Couples that come to Iceland to get married notice this positive hospitality and most of them mention this as one of the most important factors of their choice for their wedding destination.
Finally, what does Reykjavík Gay Pride mean for you?
Reykjavik Pride for me is an important stance against discrimination to reinforce our rights and a forum for our visibility and pride. With Pride we are thanking the Icelandic nation for its support but also reminding the audience of why we celebrate and march.
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