Choirs and theatre

For those passionate about the performing arts, theatre and choir groups provide fantastic opportunities for self-expression and a sense of belonging to a larger community. Helsinki boasts several LGBTQ+ options.

Out ’n Loud, established in 2004, is a bilingual gay choir in Helsinki and (presumably) Finland’s first and only choir made up exclusively of gay men. Its repertoire blends romantic and humorous moods, combining “gay schlager” vibes, contemporary music, and original compositions. You can learn more about the choir and how to join at outnloud.fi.

Finland’s only lesbian choir, Kaupungin Naiset – The Townswomen, was founded in 2014. They perform “songs of life, love, and their endings,” with all songs being original compositions set to texts by contemporary Finnish poets. Their repertoire includes over 20 pieces of original material. If you’re interested in joining, either as a singer or a supporting member, contact the choir via email. New members are accepted roughly once a year. Visit their website for concert schedules and further details.

The Queer-Feminist Choir of Helsinki (HQFK) is a proudly mixed choir welcoming singers of all genders across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. HQFK performs a range of music, from folk songs to Eurovision hits and original compositions. For more information, follow them on Instagram.

If theatre is your passion – whether as a spectator or amateur actor – check out the Helsinki Gay Theatre (HGT). Founded in 2007, HGT’s mission is to “support the theatre field of sexual minorities and promote equality in society through theatre.” HGT has produced over 20 shows to date, averaging two to three premieres annually, with a focus on works by gay artists. As HGT does not have its own venue, performance locations vary by project. Follow their updates on Facebook.

Dance and other sports

The HOT Sports Club provides athletic opportunities for sexual and gender minorities in Helsinki. Established in 1997, HOT supports LGBTQ+ athletes both mentally and financially, offering training environments where individuals can freely be themselves. Popular activities include aerobics, volleyball, floorball, and badminton. New participants are warmly welcomed – find out more about their schedule on Facebook.

For dance enthusiasts, Queer Latin Dance Helsinki offers Latin dance classes and parties in a queer-friendly environment. Their aim is to create safe spaces to learn and dance without gender roles. Classes include beginner and advanced Cuban salsa, reggaeton, Dominican bachata, and more. Follow their Instagram page for the latest updates.

The Queer Dance Group (QDG), founded in spring 2022, is a community led by queer artists in collaboration with participants. QDG organises group sessions that explore movement, deepen body awareness, and offer peer support in a safer space. Sessions are open to queer and/or trans individuals of all ages. Details and registration are available on the art collective Reality Research Center’s website.

Literature 

As a nation renowned for its libraries and love of books, Finland offers several LGBTQ+ book clubs. Note that most events are in Finnish, but some groups occasionally include English-language activities.

The Mummolaakso (Granny Valley) association organises a book club for lesbian and bisexual women of all ages. Meetings take place every few months at the Finnish Association of Women’s Union premises on Bulevardi. Visit Mummolaakso’s website for details on upcoming books and events.

The Helsinki Pride community’s Queer Book Club is open to anyone interested in reading and discussing LGBTQ+ literature. Books can be read in any language, but discussions are held in English. Meetings take place monthly on Sundays from 1–3 pm. Check the Helsinki Pride website for specific dates.

The Kallio Library hosts the Rainbow Shelf Book Club, focusing on LGBTQ+ literature chosen by participants. Details are available on the Facebook group Sateenkaarihylly. The library also runs a Feminist Book Club, covering both classic and contemporary feminist literature. Pre-registration is required; find more information on Kallio Library’s Facebook page.

Helsinki Pride also hosts a Creative Writing Group, meeting on designated Mondays from 5:30–7:30 pm. Participants can share their work and receive feedback in a supportive environment. No prior writing experience is required, and all materials are provided. Check the Helsinki Pride website for further details.

Handicrafts 

Radical Cross-Stitch is a queer-feminist craftivist group. Their informal gatherings focus on creating statement-making crafts, discussing political and social issues, and providing peer support. Meetings are typically held at the Museum of Impossible Forms. Check their Facebook page for updates and schedules.

The Helsinki Pride Community’s Kvääri Kässäkerho (Queer Crafts Club) offers a safe and welcoming space for crafting enthusiasts. Participants can join guided projects or work on their own unfinished crafts in good company. Event details are available on the Helsinki Pride website.

Activities for rainbow families 

Rainbow Families Finland organises a range of family-friendly activities for the LGBTQ+ community, including a weekly family café at their Sörnäinen location. The programme includes everything from play and art activities to circus classes, family camps, and theatre excursions. Parents also have opportunities to join adult-only activities. Visit the community’s website (mainly in Finnish) for more information.

Karaoke 

Queereoke, as the name suggests, is karaoke for queer people and their friends. Hosted by Slaya Bitin, Susi Siriyan, and 12 Months of Pride in the basement of the hip Harju8 restaurant in Kallio, it offers a safe and encouraging space to dress up, enjoy drinks, and sing karaoke. Queereoke events are semi-regular; follow their Instagram page for dates.

Queer-Friendly, Feminist Stand-Up 

If you’re into stand-up comedy, check out the feminist collective Ilonpilaajat (The Party Poopers). Their motto, “better to spoil the fun than settle for cheap laughs,” highlights their commitment to feminist and LGBTQ+-friendly humour. The stage is open to beginners, making it an inclusive space for aspiring comedians. Find out more on their Facebook page.