Arcus LGBTIQ+ youth work

Hello! Are you a member of a sexual and/or gender minority, do you have any concerns around this topic or are you interested in LGBTIQ+ issues in general? Then Arcus LGBTIQ+ youth work is for you!

We provide a variety of activities: meetings, hang-outs, camps, movie nights and of course Pride activities! There are always two safe adults present and they are familiar with the subject. You can talk with them about anything. Below you will find the rules for safer spaces (which we hope everyone involved will respect) and future meeting times. Come along and join us!

1. Don’t assume. Be open and listen.
2. Be respectful. Don’t question someone else’s experience.
3. Give space. Make sure that everyone is heard and involved in discussions.
4. Make sure you and others are comfortable. If you need help with a problem, ask an instructor.

When: 5–8 PM
Where: At the Youth Workshops, Mannerheiminkatu 20. Opposite the Zentra youth centre, in the same courtyard.

Arcus evenings are for all young people who identify as part of the rainbow community or are interested in LGBTQ+ topics. There are always two adults present. During the evenings, we play games, hang out, and do activities both individually and together. You are welcome just as you are!

• August: Aug 12, Aug 26
• September: Sep 9, Sep 23
• October: Oct 14, Oct 28
• November: Nov 11, Nov 25
• December: Dec 9, Dec 22

The rainbow youth activities of the City of Porvoo Youth Services, Arcus, celebrates 10 years in 2026!
The rainbow activities organized by youth services started in 2016 and were given the name Arcus in 2018. Over the years, the activities have included a rainbow café, support for families (“Is There a Rainbow in Our Home?”), and peer support meetings. There have also been youth evenings, trips, events, and youth-led clubs. Arcus activities take place year-round and are aimed at young people from the age 13 up to 29 years old.

Porvoo Youth Services participates together with young people in Finland’s largest public event, Helsinki Pride, as well as in Porvoo’s own Pride Week in August. The youth program of Porvoo Pride is organized by Porvoo Youth Services together with Arcus youth.

Promoting equality in youth work is both a value-based commitment and a legal obligation. Systematic work to strengthen equality supports the rights of diverse participants and provides youth workers with tools to identify, prevent, and address discrimination. Porvoo Youth Services is committed to promoting equality and inclusion in all its activities.