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BiWorld International NewsGreetings from the Northern Latitudes!
When Fritz Klein asked me to write a regular report on the bisexual community in Finland -- of which this is the first -- my initial thought was: "What community?" Could I write about a community I didn't feel really existed?
There have been two bisexual groups in my home town, Helsinki (in and around which about 20% of the Finnish population resides). The more resilient one is the women's bi group which still meets every second week at the Women's Union. This group attracts a loyal 'crowd' of ten or under. A mixed bi group was supported by the local branch of our national queer organisation, Seta. This group sadly slowly withered away this past spring.
In my personal enthusiasm to have an active and working bi group in town, I took over responsibility for the mixed bi group this summer. I plan an inclusive group for all bi and bi-friendly/curious people to come to and feel welcome. We need a safe place where people can discuss the still 'hidden' issues around bisexuality and meet other like minded people. Hopefully this will be achieved!
What I do know is that there is a need and interest for a group like this to exist. The phrases I feel I, as one of the few loudly out bisexuals around, seem to hear a lot of is: "I don't actually categorise myself." "I don't claim to be 100% homosexual/heterosexual." "I guess I could call myself bisexual."
These seems to be on the lips of so many, especially many 'gays' and 'lesbians,' at least after a few drinks, that it amazes me how few identify themselves as bisexual. The strongest closet around here seems to be the 'gay closet.' If the small move of (re)starting a bi group will increase bisexual visibility or improve the situation remains to be seen. Watch this space!
On June 5th Päivi Raäsänen, a member of the Christian Coalition -- objecting to the bill for the legalisation of same sex partnership -- said:
Equality between people does not mean that their sexual behaviour is equal. Different ways of acting out one's sexuality are by no means morally equal.
She continues:
One has to also remember that Seta, which emphatically drives gay marriage [i.e., has been lobbying for the law], does not represent only homosexuals but also a large spectrum of other sexual deviations, for example bisexuals.
The law proposal is for the legalisation of same sex partnerships on a par with existing heterosexual cohabitation, or common-law marriage. The law proposal does not mention bisexuals.
Seta ry
Bi-friendly information from the national queer group.
During office hours (other times recorded information) from:
tel. +358-0-135 8302
fax +358-0-135 8306
seta@seta.fi
or e-mail me personally at linda@seta.fi.
Street address:
Oikokatu 3, street level, Kruunuhaka, Helsinki
(Ask for Linda in case I am around if you visit.)
Mail address:
Seta ry, Bi Group
PL 55
00531 Helsinki, Finland
Queer book shop in Helsinki (only one in Finland). Helpful and
friendly staff. Can guide you to queer bars etc. in
Helsinki.
Eerikinkatu 15
Helsinki
Mo-Fr 10-19, Sa 10-15
+358-0-694 7078
linda@seta.fi
Linda Eklöf