For many people, Pride is defined by what happens outside: the march through the city, the sea of rainbow flags, and the joyful celebration that takes over Reykjavík each August. But some of Pride’s most meaningful moments happen indoors.
Rainbow Conference organiser Pétur Óli Anderson. Photo / Sunna Ben, courtesy of Reykjavík Pride
Returning as part of Reykjavík Pride 2026, the Rainbow Conference offers a space for conversation, reflection, and learning. Bringing together activists, researchers, artists, and community members from Iceland and abroad, this year’s programme tackles everything from queer history and trans experiences to chemsex, migration, disability, and the lasting impact of the 2022 Oslo Pride terrorist attack.
At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights continue to face challenges around the world, the conference serves as a reminder that Pride has always been more than a celebration. It is also an opportunity to listen, ask difficult questions, and imagine a more inclusive future.
We sat down with Rainbow Conference organiser Pétur Óli Anderson to discuss this year’s programme, the growing importance of creating spaces for dialogue, and why, sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to change the way we see the world.
GayIceland: For readers who may not be familiar with it, what is the Rainbow Conference and how does it fit into Reykjavík Pride?
Pétur: “The Rainbow Conference is Reykjavík Pride’s annual conference, and an important part of Pride. It creates a space where people can come together to learn from one another, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter to the queer community today.
While Pride is often celebrated through visibility, joy, and celebration, the conference provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and explore the ideas, research, stories, and lived experiences that shape our community. We believe that both celebration and conversation are essential to building a stronger, more inclusive future.
The programme brings together activists, researchers, artists, community organisations, and people with lived experience from Iceland and abroad. Together, they explore a wide range of topics, from human rights and health to culture, history, and personal stories, creating a programme that is as diverse as the community itself.”
GayIceland: What is the focus of this year’s conference, and are there any particular themes that have emerged while putting the programme together?
Pétur: “Rather than choosing one overarching theme, we wanted to build a programme that reflects the diversity of the queer community and the conversations happening within it today.
One thing that naturally emerged while putting the programme together was the importance of lived experience. Many of this year’s sessions are rooted in personal stories, stories of resilience, identity, belonging, healing, creativity, and community.
The Rainbow conference creates a space where people can come together to learn from one another, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter to the queer community today. Pictured here are from the second left, Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir, the Bishop of Iceland, on her right is Bjarndís Helga Tómasdóttir, chair of the national queer organization Samtökin ’78 and far right is Inga Auðbjörg Straumland, former Executive Director of the Rainbow Conference. Photo / Sunna Ben, courtesy of Reykjavík Pride
Equality on paper doesn’t always translate into equality in everyday life, and the freedoms we’ve gained should never be taken for granted.
This year’s programme also reflects the complexity of our community. We’ll explore topics ranging from queer history, trans experiences, disability, and chemsex, to opera, migration, mental wellbeing, and the lasting impact of the terrorist attack during Oslo Pride. While the subjects are diverse, they all ask a similar question: How can we build communities where people feel safe, seen, and able to belong?”
GayIceland: Can you tell us about some of the speakers and discussions people can look forward to this year?
Pétur: “We’re incredibly excited about this year’s programme. It brings together an inspiring mix of Icelandic and international speakers, each offering a unique perspective on queer life, rights, culture, and community.
One of the highlights will be a deeply moving conversation with survivors of the terrorist attack during Oslo Pride in 2022. Together with Norwegian author Kristine Meek, they’ll reflect on survival, memory, and what it means to rebuild trust and community after hate.
We’re also welcoming Luca Oake (the Founder of YFFY | You Forgive For You), who will explore forgiveness as a tool for resilience, healing, and self-liberation, offering a fresh perspective on a topic that’s often misunderstood.
The programme also features conversations on disability and queer identities, chemsex, trans experiences in Icelandic schools, and the experiences of queer people seeking international protection. Alongside these important discussions, we’ll celebrate culture through a unique lecture and concert by opera singer Íris Björk Gunnarsdóttir, exploring queer representation in opera, and we’ll mark the 10th anniversary of Hinsegin Félagsmiðstöðin, Iceland’s queer youth centre.
What I love most about this year’s programme is its diversity. It combines research with lived experience, difficult conversations with hope, and serious topics with moments of joy and celebration. I think there’s something in the programme that will resonate with everyone.”
“I hope people leave with more knowledge, more hope, and a stronger sense of connection than when they arrived. If we can do that, then I think we’ve done our job,” says Pétur Óli. Photo / Sunna Ben, courtesy of Reykjavík Pride
Pride is, and always will be, a celebration. But Pride has never been only a celebration.
GayIceland: Pride is often associated with celebration and visibility. Why do spaces for conversation, education, and debate remain so important?
Pétur: “Pride is, and always will be, a celebration. It’s a time to be visible, to celebrate who we are, and to experience the incredible sense of community that Pride creates. But Pride has never been only a celebration. It has also always been about people coming together to listen, learn, challenge one another, and imagine a better future.
That’s where the Rainbow Conference fits in. It creates space for conversations that often don’t fit on a parade route or a concert stage. It allows us to explore complex issues, hear different perspectives, and learn from people’s lived experiences.
For me, education and dialogue are just as important as celebration. When people understand one another better, communities grow stronger. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when someone hears a story that changes the way they see the world or simply realises they’re not alone.”
GayIceland: Iceland is often viewed as a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights. Are there topics being discussed at this year’s conference that remind us there is still work to be done, both in Iceland and internationally?
Pétur: “Absolutely! There are several sessions this year that remind us there is still work to be done, both here in Iceland and around the world. Those conversations that we will have in the rainbow conference remind us that equality on paper doesn’t always translate into equality in everyday life, and that the freedoms we’ve gained should never be taken for granted.
At the same time, I don’t want the conference to be defined by setbacks. I think it’s just as important to create space for hope. That’s why the programme also celebrates community, creativity, research, and the people who continue to make a difference every day.
For me, that’s what Pride is about. We celebrate how far we’ve come, but we also recognise that every generation has a responsibility to protect that progress. Not because we want to live in fear, but because we believe everyone deserves the freedom to live openly, safely, and authentically.”
The Rainbow conference brings together people with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and reminds us that we are stronger when we learn from one another, according to Pétur Óli. Last year Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known as Lady Phyll, co-founder of UK Black Pride, took part in the conference. As an organisation UK Black Pride upholds the purpose and intention of pride as protest and intentional solidarity. Photo / Sunna Ben, courtesy of Reykjavík Pride
The conversations are never the destination. They are the starting point for understanding, solidarity, and hope
GayIceland: In a time when anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric is increasing in many parts of the world, do you feel the role of the Rainbow Conference has changed or become more important?
Pétur: “Yes, I think it has become even more important.
When we see anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric increasing in different parts of the world, it reminds us that progress should never be taken for granted. Rights are something we have to continue protecting, and one of the best ways to do that is by staying connected, listening to one another, and continuing to have these conversations.
At the same time, I don’t want the Rainbow Conference to become a reaction to fear. We are not afraid to have difficult conversations, in fact, some of this year’s sessions deal with trauma, discrimination, and challenges our community continues to face. But those conversations are never the destination. They are the starting point for understanding, solidarity, and hope. We celebrate our community while also creating space to reflect, learn, and ask difficult questions.
For me, that’s the role of the conference. It brings together people with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and reminds us that we are stronger when we learn from one another.”
GayIceland: What do you hope people, particularly international visitors, take away from attending the Rainbow Conference?
Pétur: “I hope people leave with new knowledge and new perspectives, but even more than that, I hope they leave feeling connected.
One of the things I love most about the Rainbow Conference is that it brings together people from different countries, professions, generations, and lived experiences. We may not all share the same story, but we often discover that we have much more in common than we first imagined.
For our international visitors, I hope the conference offers an opportunity not only to share their own experiences but also to build new friendships and connections with people in Iceland. We have so much to learn from one another, and those conversations don’t end when the session is over, they often continue long after the conference has finished.
If people leave feeling inspired, a little more hopeful, and reminded that they are part of a much larger global queer community, then I think we’ve achieved something truly meaningful.”
For many people, Pride is defined by what happens outside: the march through the city, the sea of rainbow flags, and the joyful celebration that takes over Reykjavík each August. But some of Pride’s most meaningful moments happen indoors. Photo / Sunna Ben, courtesy of Reykjavík Pride
If people leave feeling inspired, a little more hopeful, and reminded that they are part of a much larger global queer community, then I think we’ve achieved something truly meaningful.
GayIceland: Finally, if someone is on the fence about attending, what would you say to convince them to come?
Pétur: “I’d say: come for one session. You don’t have to spend the whole day with us. Just come for one conversation that sparks your curiosity.
You might learn something new, hear a story that stays with you, or meet someone you wouldn’t otherwise have met. That’s the magic of the Rainbow Conference.
Whether you’ve been part of the queer community for years, you’re still finding your place, or you’re simply an ally who wants to understand more, everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be curious.
I hope people leave with more knowledge, more hope, and a stronger sense of connection than when they arrived. If we can do that, then I think we’ve done our job.
Finally, I’d like to say that throughout the day we have something for our English speaking guests. This year, we’re offering six sessions in English, alongside many other exciting discussions and events.
