Bygdepride is back

Bygdepride is Volda and Ørsta’s biggest celebration of love. Every year at the beginning of May men and women, young and old, are marching down the streets for equality of love and the right to be who you are. Volda University College (VUC) is very proud and honored to be a part of this wonderful event for the fifth year!

Text by Viacheslav Glukhov, Media practices student and intern at VUCs communication office. 

– For me personally there is time before and after Bygdepride, says pro rector at VUC, Odd Helge Mjellem Tonheim.

– I can see the difference, because there has been more acceptance for everyone to be who they are. Despite celebrating Bygdepride, it is still difficult for many people to come out of the closet and to tell to the loved ones that you are have non-heterosexual sexual orientation, and that is a task that we should continue working on. For Volda University College it is important to be a part of Bygdepride, because it is about showing that the university together with Bygdepride contributes to Volda, Ørsta and Søre Sunnmøre being an open and inclusive place to live, work and study, notes Mjellem Tonheim.

And this year Bygdepride is coming back bigger than ever, with a week full of events! Down below you can find a detailed description of the upcoming events. 

Saturday, May 6th

At 13:30 we are raising the rainbow flag over Volda rådhus
At 14:00 Bygdepride in collaboration with Dokfilm festival is going to screen some queer movies. We will watch “Kunsten å være syndig” by Ibrahim Mursal, “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Fernando Colín Roqueand many others. And in the evening brenn. is going to take the stage and give an amazing performance for our guests. 
 

Monday, May 8th

At 10:00 Bygdepride opens its store, where you can buy rainbow flags, pins and cool merch that not only looks good, but also carries the right message.
Later in the evening, at 16:30, we are going to screen a short movie “Bygdehomo” that was filmed in Volda at the first Bygdepride celebration. Also, Studenthumanist Lone Knutsen and Studentprest Ruth Eva Sollie are arranging a discussion and free dinner after the screening. 

Tuesday, May 9th

On Tuesday we are slowing down and having a calm day before the big concerts and parties at the end of the week! You are still very welcome at the Bygdepride store, which opens at 10:00.

Wednesday, May 10th

As usual we open Bygdepride store at 10:00. 
Later in the day, at 18:00 Stødt Bar&Scene in Ørsta is hosting a Youth evening. Writer and an amazing storyteller Jarl Wåge will be a special guest for this event.
And at 20:00 we are going to enjoy nice music performed by Sven Henriksen. He is going to pay a tribute to the Grammy-award winning musician Tom Waits.

Thursday, May 11th

On Thursday at 19:00 Ørsta church together with Bygdepride is hosting a Rainbow mass. We want to fill the church with happiness and show that no matter who you love, you are welcome there. 

Friday, May 12th

Friday will be full of events! At 14:00 we are making a literature afternoon at Aasentunet. Jarl Wåge is going to present his book “Kilometervis med forteljingar” full of hertwarming life-stories. Line Førre Grønstad from Skeivt Arkiv (Queer Achive) will join Jarl Wåge for a discussion.
At 18:00 we are playing bingo together with fabulous drag queen band “The House of Divas” at Rokken. 
And at 20:00 Rokken opens its doors for a big Bygdepride-fest party! LIZZ and Eirik Sognnes are going to give us an unforgettable performance. 

Saturday, May 13th 

This Saturday is the highlight of the Bygdepride week. We are starting off at 12:00 in Uppheimsparken. Our DJ is going to play some music while you can shop at Bygdepride store, visit various stands and just have fun together. 
At 14:30 we are meeting at Steinrøysa and at 15:00 we are going to march down the streets of Volda in a pride parade. 
At 20:00 “The House of Divas” is going to light up the stage at Stødt Bar&Scene in Ørsta. 
At 21:00 Rokken is hosting the Eurovision 2023 viewing party. Come to support your country or your favorite artist!

To keep yourself updated, follow Bygdepride on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website bygdepride.no