Queer Autonomous Zone (Kuopio)

The ceremony reclaims the format of national celebrations, such as independence days. But instead of honoring a nation or a state, this ceremony celebrates queer life, memory, and resistance by celebrating the Queer Autonomous Zone’s independence in Kuopio.

The project is based on the idea that queer people have always created their own “autonomous zones.” These are not official or permanent territories. They are spaces of care, survival, and solidarity. They can appear in homes, clubs, chatrooms, friendships, protests, or even in small moments of eye contact between people.

This ceremony will temporarily transform the Market Square into such a zone through our queer bodies, stories, and collective presence.

Supported by: Kone Foundation, SAHA