Vabamu takes part of the Baltic Pride 2026 programme because we believe in engaging with socially important topics and standing up for freedoms that have never been self-evident. For us, this means reflecting on the past while supporting visibility and dialogue in the present.

Since 2023, Vabamu visitors can also experience an audio journey, “From “such people” to LGBT activism”, which brings forward the stories of sexual and gender minorities in 20th-century Estonia – from a time when they were labelled as “such people” to today’s activism and community. The audio journey is a collaboration project with the department of ethnology of the University of Tartu.

During Baltic Pride week, Vabamu hosts the following events: 

Exhibition: “Visible in Death, Unseen in Life”
June 1–7, 10:00–18:00  
The exhibition highlights the stories of LGBTIQ+ Ukrainian soldiers who have fallen defending their country and freedom. Most never had the chance to live openly or share their lives with those they loved, yet their sacrifice helps build a Ukraine where everyone can live freely without fear. The exhibition was brought to Estonia by the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner of Estonia and it is curated by the Ukrainian organisations LGBT+ military, Kyiv Pride and Kharkiv Pride.

Estonian Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner’s public talk: “Serving with Pride: LGBTQI+ Rights and Realities in Armed Forces and Conflict”
June 4 at 16:00 
This public talk brings together international and Estonian perspectives on LGBTQI+ rights and lived experiences in armed forces and armed conflicts. Defence sector representatives from different countries will discuss progress, ongoing challenges, and what inclusion looks like in practice – especially in times of conflict. 

Curator tour by Rebeka Põldsam
June 7 at 14:00 
Explore the permanent exhibition through the lens of LGBT history with the curator of the audio journey Rebeka Põldsam.

The events are part of the Baltic Pride program. More info can be found here.