Minorities leave rural Kainuu for cities, but some find a home there

Many sexual and gender minorities are leaving Kainuu for larger cities due to what they describe as a narrow-minded atmosphere, according to Amelia Eskelinen, chair of Kainuu Seta, an LGBTQ+ rights organisation.

Eskelinen said minorities often avoid visibility after negative experiences, including bullying, isolation, and slurs in schools. She noted that even symbolic gestures, such as flying a rainbow flag, face resistance from local authorities.

Veera Halonen, a member of a sexual minority and in a polyamorous relationship, moved from Vantaa to Paltamo in Kainuu. She described the local atmosphere as cautious rather than hostile.

“If you’re here, you’re allowed to be, but you’re expected to stay invisible so others don’t feel uncomfortable,” Halonen said.

Her decision to move to Kainuu was unexpected. She had previously left her hometown of Sipoo for Vantaa, then lived in Copenhagen and London before returning to Finland, drawn by family roots and nature. She said developing her identity in more open environments made it easier to later settle in a smaller community.

Halonen has not faced direct hostility in Kainuu but acknowledges underlying resistance. She believes many locals are unsure how to engage with minorities, often choosing silence over confrontation. She advocates for more dialogue between minorities and those skeptical of them.

Jules Ahvenjärvi, who moved from Merijärvi in Northern Ostrobothnia to Kajaani, found greater freedom in the city. Ahvenjärvi, who identified as non-binary after the move, said Kajaani’s larger population fostered a more open atmosphere.

“Here, you dare to be yourself more,” Ahvenjärvi said.

They have faced little issue expressing their identity, whether wearing a dress or makeup, though occasional stares occur in smaller villages. Ahvenjärvi understands why some minorities leave rural areas but prefers Kajaani’s quiet environment.

Both Halonen and Ahvenjärvi’s experiences highlight contrasting perspectives on rural life for minorities in Finland.