Reykjavík Pride opens with permanent flag

Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir is the director of the LGBT+ youth center.

About 100 young people visit the LGBT+ youth center weekly

Helga Haraldsdóttir, chair of Reykjavík Pride, welcomed people to the event. Painting the city streets in rainbow colors has been a part of the annual LGBT+ celebrations. This time, a permanent rainbow flag was painted. Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir said at the opening that there had been no indication that the building housed an LGBT+ youth center, which about 100 young people visit each week. "I am proud and touched that today we are painting the so-called inclusive progress flag in front of the youth center, the heart of the LGBT+ youth community," Hrefna said.

Snæ Humadóttir says the LGBT+ youth center has played an important role in their life.

Important shelter in hardening discourse

Snæ Humadóttir, who has attended the LGBT+ youth center every Tuesday for three years, told attendees how important a role the center has played in their life. There, she has made friends, found role models, and gained a family in the beautiful community that has formed at the center. Although she receives full support from their family, unfortunately not everyone is so lucky. For those individuals, the LGBT+ youth center is very important as it provides shelter while public discourse has hardened.

For young people from all over the country

Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson also spoke and officially opened the Reykjavík Pride. Afterward, many participated in painting the LGBT+ flag with permanent paint. The LGBT+ youth center S'78 and Tjörnin on Barónsstígur is an important support for LGBT+ young people from the capital area and the entire country. It is estimated that about 40% of the young people who visit the youth center come from other municipalities, and all are welcome.