Panel discussion: The Norwegian Barents Pride Festival: Reflections on bravery for LBGTQI+ activists from Russia (ENG)

Panel discussion: The Norwegian Barents Pride Festival:
Reflections on bravery and solidarity

The Barents Pride festival, on the Norwegian-Russian border, is a unique event which bring together communities living in drastically different contexts. Still, the basic idea is that people from both sides of the border take a stand for equality and celebrate diversity and love. Faced with Russian narratives that define homosexuality in negative terms, stories of bravery and solidarity makes people come together as fellow human beings in politically challenging times.

Assistant Professor Michael Bartone from Central Connecticut State University will present his research on the bravery of Russian LGBT+ activists in an increasingly more polarized world.

A panel discussion with some of the key figures from Barents Pride will follow, discussing what the future holds for cross-border bravery and solidarity, amidst a dramatic decline of LGBTIQ+ rights and increasing tension between Norway and Russia

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Panel:

Valentina Likoshva, LGBTIQ+ human rights defender

Michael Bartone, Assistant Professor, Literacy, Elementary, & Early Childhood Education, Central Connecticut State University

Marit Jacobsen, Barentsekretariatet

Moderator Mina Skouen, Senior Adviser, Norwegian Helsinki Committee