Essi Vauras, coordinator of Helsinki Pride Week, says that despite many improvements in attitudes towards GLBT people in Finnish society, workplace discrimination still remains a problem for sexual minorities.

“At least 12 percent have been discriminated against," she says. "This includes people who haven’t been hired because of their sexuality, or have been fired, or have been assigned minor duties. While things are changing for the better, 50 percent still say they have to deal with homophobic jokes at work.”

Helsinki Pride consists of parties, meetings and discussions – the highlight being the Pride Parade that makes its way through the city centre on Saturday.

Workplace discrimination has been a hot topic in Finland this spring, as Johanna Korhonen, a former editor of the regional daily Lapin Kansa, has brought her dismissal case to the courts. Korhonen alleges that she was let go from the editor’s position at the paper because she was in a same-sex relationship.

The week-long happening is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors in Finland. The main goal is to promote openness and the acceptance of diversity in society.

Click here for more information on Helsinki Pride 2009.