University of Jyväskylä and the Student Union JYY celebrate Jyväskylä Pride on 7–13 September 2026
Jyväskylä Pride Week will take place from 7 to 13 September 2026. As in previous years, the University of Jyväskylä and the Student Union JYY will participate in the event. Jyväskylä Pride is organised by Jyväskylä SETA.
This year’s theme for the Jyväskylä Pride is Freedom to Move. The University of Jyväskylä has participated in Pride Week for six years.
Vice Rector for Education Marja-Leena Laakso at the University of Jyväskylä says that Pride Week is an important opportunity to show support for diversity within the university community:
“We want everyone at the University of Jyväskylä to feel valued and accepted for who they are. This may sound self-evident and like something that is easy to agree with. We know, however, that there are still shortcomings and areas for development in our community. This work requires a long-term commitment. By participating in Pride Week, we show that we are committed to this important goal: making our university a more equal, equitable and safe place for everyone to study and work.”
Aukusti Heilakka, Chair of the Board of the Student Union JYY, is enthusiastic about participating in Pride Week and emphasises the importance of year-round work:
“Everybody must have the right to be part of the university community just as they are. Non-discrimination is brought about together through everyday actions, and the Student Union is committed to this work throughout the year. We want to build a community where everyone can participate as themselves without fear of discrimination. We are once again excited to take part in Pride Week and promote these important themes.”
The University is committed to developing its activities in a more equal and equitable direction beyond Pride Week as well. For example, the University has introduced specific principles for a safer and more responsible space. The purpose of these principles is to enable equal and safe participation and interaction for all members of the JYU community.
Freedom to move for everybody
The week’s physical activity theme will be addressed in particular in a panel discussion organised by the University and the Student Union entitled Who has room in the locker room? The panel will discuss the inclusion and experiences of LGBTIQA+ people in sport, exercise and recreational physical activity.
Senior University Lecturer Marja Kokkonen, who is taking part in the panel discussion, says that the opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people to participate in physical activity have become more limited:
“The health benefits of physical activity are undeniable. Yet in recent years, LGBTIQA+ people’s equal opportunities to participate in physical education at school, engage in physical activity in their free time and pursue a career in competitive sports have narrowed around the world. In many places, the doors to changing rooms have closed or become less open than before to an already smaller group of people. Now is the right time to work together to find ways to ensure that LGBTIQA+ people can take part in physical activity in our country feeling safe and secure.”
Pride Week can be seen and heard
The event week offers programme organised by the University and the Student Union. The week will culminate in the Pride Parade on Saturday, 12 September, when we will march in support of non-discrimination and equality together in the University and Student Union contingent. All members of the university community are warmly welcome to join us. After the parade, you can meet people from JYU and JYY at the park celebration in Lounaispuisto.
In addition to the events, Pride will also be visible through Pride flag displays outside the University Library Building Lähde and the Liikunta building. As in previous years, Pride-themed badges will be available. DIY-spirited people have a chance to make their own badges: JYU will host badge-making stations both at JYY’s pop-up shop at Ilokivi Venue on Thursday, 10 September, and at the park celebration in Lounaispuisto on Saturday, 12 September.
