Muisti Centre of War and Peace celebrated the Mikkeli Pride event on August 24, 2024, by launching a Rainbow Tour within its exhibition. This tour, which sheds light on the history of gender and sexual minorities, is integrated into the current exhibition route and can be explored independently using a smartphone via QR codes.
The Rainbow Tour features nine different points that reveal the status and experiences of gender and sexual minorities from the early 20th century to the present day. The focus, in line with the theme of Muisti’s exhibition, is on the period of World War II. The tour addresses the topic through the lens of legislation and the evolution of minority rights, while also highlighting various experiences from the front lines and attitudes toward diversity. It also covers subjects such as drag shows as frontline entertainment and speculations about Mannerheim’s sexual orientation.
“Homosexuality during wartime has long been a taboo topic,” says Muisti researcher Leena Hangasmaa.
“However, just because it hasn’t been discussed doesn’t mean it didn’t exist. Research on the subject only began in the 2000s. The research shows that the history of sexual minorities, as experienced by contemporaries, differs from the image created by official archives, crime reports, and medical records. Experiences from the wartime and homosexuality can be found in personal archives, oral history collections, newspaper article archives, interview materials, and diaries.”
The Rainbow Tour is part of Muisti’s goal to broaden the understanding of Finnish wartime experiences.
“There have been as many experiences as there have been individuals, including minorities,” says Muisti’s educator Mikko Siitonen.
“By bringing previously hidden history to light, we open our eyes to the diversity of society, which has always existed. Attitudes toward the spectrum of gender and sexuality are part of their time and culture, both during the war years and today. Understanding diversity is one of the keys to a democratic and safe society.”
The Rainbow Tour can be viewed at the Muisti Centre of War and Peace and the Headquarters Museum during their opening hours with a regular admission ticket until April 2025. A smartphone is required for the tour.