VYY belongs to everyone

When you enter through the marble columns of our university for the first time, there’s a mixture of everything in the air: excitement, anticipation, worry about being lost, and hopes for the future. In that moment, we’re all searching for our place and a community to fit into.

But the point is that no one should have to make themselves fit in or change themselves in order to belong. The Student Union, our very own VYY, must be a place where you can shine in the colors that feel yours. 

Pride isn’t just an annual week for celebration and parades (although those are super important too!) It’s a reminder about what everyday equality means in practice. It’s a promise that every student is valuable, safe, and welcome as themselves regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or self presentation. 

Student life without minority stress

When we address equality, it’s important to understand the flipside. For many in the queer community, everyday life can be mentally stressful even without direct discrimination. This phenomenon is called minority stress.

It’s the constant, often subconscious preparation: Can I tell my friends in class about my weekend? How will I be received in fresher events? Must I correct another false assumption about myself? Constant vigilance and having to face microaggressions drain the energy that should be spent on studying, having fun, and enjoying your youth. Our job as a student union is to dismantle the structures and norms that cause this stress. Our campus should be a place where everyone can breathe easily and just be.

A student community where no one is left alone

For many, university years are the best time of their life, but they can also be a delicate time of finding yourself. That’s why it’s pivotal that our campus stays free of limiting norms and assumptions. No one should have to worry about being able to attend a subject organization’s party as themselves or wonder if they can be completely honest with their fellow students. 

We build this community together. You, me, and all of us students. Let’s make sure that openness, curiosity, and respect are the things we’re known for. 

In the end, it’s really quite simple: VYY belongs to everyone. Not “yeah, when” or “yeah, but”. Always and unconditionally. Happy Pride – together, let’s make our campus a more colorful, open place every single day!

Join us in marching in Vaasa Pride on Saturday 4 July. The event begins at 1 p.m. at Vaasa Market Square, when Chair of the Vaasa City board, Jasmin Granholm, will open the event. The parade for the inner harbor (Sisäsatama) starts at 2 p.m. 

We invite all VYY members, organizations within VYY, and friends of VYY to march with us in the parade! When we organize into the procession, you can recognize us by the VYY flag. After the official programme, participants can settle down in the park areas to enjoy a picnic or hang out.