Reykjavik Pride has started with all it’s glitter and glamour. We asked around what people are most excited about this year and got some interesting answers.[hr]
Haffi Haff, musician (Hafsteinn Thor Gudjonsson)
“There is always such a buzz in the air around Pride. It’s a beautiful show that everyone can take part in. Also a time to reflect and look at what our identities mean to us. It’s everyone’s time to be proud of themselves. And I’m most excited to see all the smiles and happy faces. Proud faces. Faces that the world could really stand to see right now. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pride Celebration without the releasing of the BALLOONS!! What an amazing moment. Each time, it’s as though we can let go of our fears just that much further. That is the highest point and truly the most aw-inspiring. Otherwise, I’m very excited to spend the day with friends and family as well as perform on the most exciting stage of the year. Truly a dream come true. Happy Pride everyone!”
Maria Birta, actress, model and owner of fashion store Manía Laugavegur 51
“I will be taking part in the Pride Parade. I’m really excited about holding the big flag with others for the third time and have managed to get all my girlfriends to take part.”
Isar Logi Arnarsson, DJ/promoter and bar manager of Bravó (Laugavegur 22)
“What excites me most about this years Gay Pride is that I’ll meet more of the people who I love and people I see rarely, then on a regular weekend.”
Birna Hrönn Björnsdóttir, Nurse, DJ and owner of Pink Iceland
“I’m super excited about my friends Hannes’ concert tonight in Gamla bíó, a dramatic classical piece about the Hidden people, already getting goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Vilhjálmur Þór Davíðsson, flight attendant and Mr. Gay Iceland 2010
“Celebrating life, love and the success we have a reached in the fight for human rights here in Iceland!”
Sigríður Eir Zoph., theater maker and musician
“For this year pride I am most exited about dancing my shoes of at the Reykjavik Pride Dance at Rubin with tunes selected by the coolest lesbian in town, DJ Kidda Rokk.”
Bjarni Snæbjörnsson, actor, singer and teacher
“This time around I’m most excited about performing tonight Hidden People (i. Þjóðsaga), a musical piece by my friends Hannes and Hafsteinn. It’s a magical piece and very fun to sing.Then me and my husband we never miss the Gay cruise, which is on Friday. The cruise has become a custom and always fun to go with good friends and see our beautiful city from a new perspective.”
Eva María Þórarinsdóttir Lange, owner of Pink Iceland and chair of Reykjavik Pride
“I’m very excited about the Opening Ceremony this year as it takes place in the fabulous Harpa Concert Hall and it has a total new and fresh vibe to it. The theme is “HEY YOU SUGAR” and there will be different forms of art and a bit cray cray.”
Óli Hjörtur Ólafsson, all around entertainer and manager at Dolly (Hafnarstræti 4)
“The Gay Pride Parade itself during the day and a party that I throw every year called Club Soda which is a part of the off venue Gay Pride schedule.” More about Gay Pride schedule: https://www.facebook.com/
Auður Halldórsdóttir, project manager, City of Reykjavík
“I look forward to the morning before the parade, when everyone is getting their hair and make-up fabulous and sequins, glitter and happiness is everywhere.”
Natalie G. Gunnarsdóttir, a.k.a. DJ Yamaho
The Gay Pride party at Dolly, where Hercules & Love Affair will have a DJ set on Sunday!”