It’s summer and with it comes the Pride season. It might not be as warm in Iceland as it is in other parts of Europe but sunshine or not, the city of Reykjavík is gearing up for pride.
The Reykjavík Pride Festival is known as Hinsegin Dagar in Icelandic and has been a popular event in the Icelandic calendar since the early 90s. The very first iterations of the festival started in 1993 when a group of LGBTQIA+ Icelanders took it upon themselves to march through the streets of the nation’s capital demanding freedom from discrimination and hoping to seek out equal rights.
This tradition continued throughout the years and in the year 2000 Hinsegin Dagar was recognised as an official festival. Today Reykjavík Pride has become one of the most popular events in the country and the parade is attended by locals in the thousands. It is a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion. It’s also a very important time of year for reflection. A time to look at the past and realise what we can learn from it to pave a more equitable path for future generations.
This year Reyakjavík Pride kicks off on August 8 and GayIceland was lucky enough to sit down with the chairperson of the pride committee, Gunnlaugur Bragi Björnsson to chat about what to expect, what to look out for and why this event is still so important.
GayIceland: “How do you think Pride is different in Iceland compared to other countries?”
Gunnlaugur: “I believe Reykjavik Pride, just like our local queer community, is unique in many ways. Obviously, it’s smaller than in many of the countries we like to compare ourselves to, but at the same time attended by a much larger portion of the population than (probably) anywhere else. After all, we’ve on several occasions been called the biggest small Pride in the world.
The size of the city makes our Pride cosier and more intimate, shortens all channels of communication and allows us to act, change and grow fast. We’ve regularly heard from our international visitors how surprised they’ve been with the number, diversity, and quality of events on our programme. This is something we’re extremely proud of and have focused on maintaining and growing even further.”
GayIceland: “This year’s slogan is The Fight is not over. What inspired that?”
Gunnlaugur: “With everything that’s been happening recently – the growth in negative comments, increased harassment, and louder voices against the rights and existence of queer people – trans people especially – it was quite clear early on that this year’s Pride would focus on that. The slogan itself, baráttan er ekki búin or the fight is not over, was proposed by our volunteers during a joint workshop of the Pride board and the amazing members of our planning committees.”
GayIceland: “With everything that has been happening for the last few years, especially the backlash the trans community has been facing, do you have the feeling that the general public might still not realise how severe the situation is?”
Gunnlaugur: “Why do you need Pride?”
“Isn’t the fight over?”
“You’ve got everything you could’ve wanted!”
I think we’ve all gotten these kinds of questions and heard statements like these, sometimes even from our own community. These remarks show that people tend to be unaware of the actual situation. Thankfully Samtökin ’78, Reykjavik Pride and other organisations and activists have tirelessly answered that not only is the fight not over (“nobody’s free until everybody’s free”) but also that rights and acknowledgements that have been fought for can easily be taken away.”
Witnessing how quickly the tide can turn has been shocking and overwhelming at times.
GayIceland: “There has been progress in recent years, so did you imagine the situation would come to this? How has it been for you to experience the backlash?”
Gunnlaugur: “In recent years and decades, significant progress has been made in our struggle for visibility, recognition and equal opportunities within Icelandic society. All the victories won – both big and small – are due to the effort of those who paved the way, those that carried the torch further, and those who have supported us along the way. And the progress in the past years and decades has been remarkable.
Despite wholeheartedly celebrating our wins and successes along the way, I believe there has been a lingering fear in our community of potential backlash. Witnessing how quickly the tide can turn has been shocking and overwhelming at times. However, I think it’s essential to note that this increased headwind has brought us, the queer community, even closer together. Individuals who may have remained on the sidelines in the past are now stepping up and raising their voices, taking a clear stand in the fight. I find this increased unity especially empowering now that sticking together and standing up for each other is becoming even more vital than before.”
GayIceland: “In what way will Reykjavik Pride reflect the slogan? Will it be addressed at the Reykjavik Pride’s Rainbow Conference?”
Gunnlaugur: “This year’s slogan is not a random choice, but a call to action and unity amongst queer people, and the support of the society at large. Reykjavik Pride will provide a platform to come together as one, and show that our existence, our visibility, and our pride will not be demolished.
However, I think it’s essential to note that this increased headwind has brought us, the queer community, even closer together.
In some way Reykjavik Pride has been, and will be, a constant reminder that the fight is not over. By taking over the streets of our capital, being out, loud and proud, we continue the fight for visibility and human rights. Throughout the years Reykjavik Pride has been an important platform where taboos have been openly discussed, important legal and or societal changes have been demanded and previously invisible groups have been given the stage.
This will of course not change during Reykjavik Pride 2023 but rather it will be captured more clearly with this strong and clear slogan. To name a few examples I can mention the fact that instead of painting a rainbow as an opening act we will paint the trans flag, the Rainbow Conference will discuss solidarity between women’s rights movements and queer movements in times of backlash but also the situation of queer refugees in “queer utopias”, our youth programme is bigger than ever, and drag will get even more space in our programme now that drag is being banned for nothing but transphobic reasons around the world.”
GayIceland: “On a lighter note, what are the highlights of this year’s festival? What is your favourite thing about Pride?”
Gunnlaugur: “Reykjavik Pride is many things, and I think it’s very personal for each of us what’s the highlight each year. For some this year’s highlight will probably be when Danny Beard and Black Peppa from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will take the stage at Drag Djók in Gamla bíó while for others it will be the Rainbow Conference. I know for a fact that for some the Queer Cruise is an annual highlight while catching up with old friends at the Opening Ceremony is an integral element of Pride for others.
Individuals who may have remained on the sidelines in the past are now stepping up and raising their voices, taking a clear stand in the fight.
Personally, I look very much forward to spending time with our community at Pride Centre, which we are operating for the second year in a row now. Our Pride Centre in 2022 was a great success where the queer community could get together, grab a bite, have a drink, and attend a variety of events, all at the same place. A real social centre and a second home for the week. I sincerely hope that the atmosphere at our Pride Centre at Iðnó this year will be as indescribably wonderful!
However, my absolute favourite each year is – of course – the Pride Parade. To witness the energy, unity and creativity of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community when expressing whatever’s on their minds, whether its joy or anger, hopes or fears. And then of course to end the day physically and emotionally drained, dancing and laughing (usually with a tear or two in my eyes) with all the amazing Pride volunteers at the official closing party! What more could I ask for?”
GayIceland: “What do you hope people get out of the festival this year?”
Gunnlaugur: “I sincerely hope everyone finds some events to their liking during Reykjavik Pride 2023 but more importantly I hope everyone in our community gets a sense of belonging, unity and joy. Being a part of a cohesive community – which I believe is the true Pride spirit – is so important for all and holds such a precious feeling for those of us who are used to being a minority in our daily lives.
What I hope the general public gets out of Reykjavik Pride 2023 is how fragile the situation is and how we can correct the course together. The support of our friends, families, and other allies is so important, always has been and always will be.”
The support of our friends, families, and other allies is so important, always has been and always will be.
GayIceland: “Any final words you’d like to convey to the queer community of Iceland?”
Gunnlaugur: “During Reykjavik Pride, the streets of Reykjavik will once again be taken over by queer people, where we celebrate our queerness, instead of hiding it like society demanded of us for so long. Reykjavik Pride has become a fundamental event in Icelandic culture, as one of Reykjavik’s biggest and most colourful festivals. I urge each and every one of you to put your mark on Reykjavik Pride 2023, by participating in the diverse programme of the festival that we all own together. Let’s make Reykjavik Pride 2023 loud, effective, and fun – together.”
If you want to know more about Reykjavík Pride, head to their official website here.
