In June 2019 I was crowned as Mr. Gay Finland. My main message to the public was to encourage every individual to believe in themselves and in equal, accepting Finland. I want to work hard in order to make this the very reality in all European countries, since I do know that this isn´t the case at the moment. I was provided with a safe childhood and accepting parents but I know that everyone doesn’t have the same starting point as I did. Therefore, I want that each and everyone could have it like this in Europe.

I have always been interested in influencing on the society, especially on issues regarding equality and the rights of the LGBTQ community. This is why I got involved in student politics – I wanted to improve the position of the LGBTQ students. I want that everyone is provided with equal opportunities and treatment in terms of studies, work or even military service – the latest mentioned since it´s still mandatory in my home country, and for many LGBTQ people selecting civil service because of fear of discrimination is still almost the default.

As a teacher-to-be, I find education as the most effective tool to develope equality and knowledge on LGBTQ questions among all people, were they members of a majority or a minority group. In these times of arrising populism across Europe, sexual and gender minority members are facing discrimination, ill treatment and even violence. Education, and overall sophistication are the main keys to solve these issues.

The most effective change always starts from the top ladder: it would be amazing if all participants could approach the representatives of their own countries in European Parliament. With these kind of actions we could reach actual results when it comes to supporting LGBTQ rights in European countries.
These would be my tools to make Europe a better place to live for all of us.