The rise of far-right politics in Finland and around the globe with current wars and occupations are really making it clear that minorities everywhere are under constant threats and Finland is not an exception. Although we are constantly among the happiest countries in the world, we also have an increasing number of people without homes or living in poverty. Trans, gay and indigenous people and other minorities are still not equal and safe, not even in Finland. But that is what has really shown me what Finnish SISU is. People like our former president Tarja Halonen or Tove Jansson – a queer icon and the creator of the Moomins – remind me every week about the importance of standing up with your values and how we can never stop fighting for our rights and supporting others. And that work is more than important right now.
We have strong and resilient feminists and activists here in Finland who are being loud and proud and working towards a better future as I write this. That is what reminds me that being Finnish means I am strong, I can use my voice and one should never stop fighting for what is right. Using SISU for good actions together with other activists and creating strong communities is what Finnishness means to me the most.
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