/ Bergen Pride 2022 Program

Join our grand opening of Bergen Pride on June 3rd! At Store Scene, actors, musicians and dancers meet to celebrate love and the Year of Queer Culture (skeivt kulturår).

Dressed as Lady Justice, Kim Friele celebrated the removal of Penal Code Section 213 after many years of struggle. Fifty years after its abolition, this important milestone in queer history is celebrated across the country. And Bergen is of course ready for the party!

In DNS’s Storstue, you are all invited to a rich variety of music, queer lyrics, speeches and glam. The theater’s ensemble is backed by a powerful band, and is joined by performers such as dancer Daniel Mariblanca and the drag success Haus of Friele.

The performance is a collaboration between DNS, Bergen International Festival and Bergen Pride, and sets the tone for a seven-day Pride celebration in the city of Bergen.

CC: 100,- NOK (for tickets, visit dns.no)

Frog feels funny, he’s hot then he’s cold and his heart is thumping faster than usual. Hare diagnoses the problem…He’s in love! But with who? Every time he meets the sweet Duck, it gets worse. – Not possible! says Pig. – A duck and a frog can not be in love. She’s white and you’re green. But Frog doesn’t care. 

The author and illustrator Max Velthuijs (1923 – 2015) wrote the Frog books in late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The books depict emotions and friendships through beautiful illustrations in a way that children can understand. The frog and friends have been a part of many childrens bookshelves since the 90’s, and they are still relevant today. The stage artists Hanne Oline Mellingen and Oda Alisøy have transformed the  books into narrative theaters for children. The performance is suitable for children aged three to five. Maybe this wil be their first meeting with the frog and its friends?

CC: Free

The only health institution that offers gender-confirming treatment in Norway today is Rikshospitalet. For many, the journey and the waiting time at the Norwegian National Centre for Gender Incongruence (NCGI) is long. In 2020 we received new national guidelines for health care services for people with gender incongruence. These guidelines emphasize that the health regions are responsible for establishing centers that offer assessment, treatment and follow-ups for patients. So how do we ensure a comprehensive offer where the user-perspective is still at the center? How will the quality of this offer be assured? And what would a decentralized offer look like? 

The Norwegian Patient Organization for Gender Incongruence (PKI), Skeiv Verden Vest and Bergen Pride invite to a panel discussion about the future of health care services for trans people. 

Being trans can already be a challenge in itself, and many experience stigma and discrimination. Trans people with a minority background have their own unique challenges. Skeiv Verden Vest will focus on these and will from 14:15 – 15:00 talk about what it is like to be trans with a minority background.

CC: Free

In Norway, same-sex couples have had the opportunity for adoption since 2009. And it became easier for female couples when assisted conception and egg donation was legalized in 2020. Nevertheless, many queer people experience being involuntarily childless as the oppotunities are few. The adoption process is long, and not all countries allow same-sex couples to adopt. For couples who can not use assisted reproduction technologies, the chances of having children are even fewer. 

What opportunities do queer people who are involuntarily childless have? Is adoption a real alternative, or just a long process ending in disappointment? Will altruistic surrogacy become an opportunity in the near future? Will the Norwegian Storting introduce multiple legal parentage in the future, and by this making it possible for queer couples to have children together? 

Bergen Pride invites to a conversation for you who are involuntarily childless and everyone who wants to know more about queer peoples possibilities to have children.

CC: Free

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Norway. Section 213 of the Penal Code – she so-called “homoparagrafen” – criminalized sexual intercourse between men, and equated the act with “fornication with animals”. Following the decriminalization, the Norwegian society has reached new important milestones for gay rights, including protection against hate speach in 1981, the Partnership Act in 1993, the Gender-neutral Marriage Act in 2008 and the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual expression in 2013. 

Today we can love, live with and marry whomever we want. We can join Pride parades, wave our rainbow flag and hold hands when we walk down the street. Mostly. Even though something is equal by law, it does not mean it is equal in practice. Although we have seen progess in queer rights, we still have a way to go both nationally and internationally.

So what was it like growing up and living as gay when it was considered a criminal offense? Can we draw any parallels to issues related to “coming out” today? What concerned people in the 20th century, the 21st century and today? And what worries await us in the future?

The event is a meeting between generations, where the experience of living and growing up before these milestones meets the perspectives of young people who have grown up after the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

CC: Free

Frog feels funny, he’s hot then he’s cold and his heart is thumping faster than usual. Hare diagnoses the problem…He’s in love! But with who? Every time he meets the sweet Duck, it gets worse. – Not possible! says Pig. – A duck and a frog can not be in love. She’s white and you’re green. But Frog doesn’t care. 

The author and illustrator Max Velthuijs (1923 – 2015) wrote the Frog books in late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The books depict emotions and friendships through beautiful illustrations in a way that children can understand. The frog and friends have been a part of many childrens bookshelves since the 90’s, and they are still relevant today. The stage artists Hanne Oline Mellingen and Oda Alisøy have transformed the  books into narrative theaters for children. The performance is suitable for children aged three to five. Maybe this wil be their first meeting with the frog and its friends?

CC: Free

Do you want to learn more about the sexual functions of your body? Medisinernes Seksualopplysning (MSO) will answer questions such as why do we have orgasms and what happens in our body when we do? Can everyone get sexually transmitted diseases, or are some groups more vulnerable than others? And why does it feel good when we touch the prostate?

The event will promote a positive view of one’s own – and other people’s – body and sexuality. With the conversation we want to normalize body diversity and body functions we can not control. 

After the conversation, there will be a quiz with prizes!

CC: Free

Drag is art. Drag is also politics. Drag is about challenging gender roles and stereotypes and impressing an audience at the same time. In Norway, drag is trending on television with shows such as “Drags” on TV2 and “Drag me out” on TV Norge. Drag studies has also recently been established at Arbeiderbevegelsens Folkehøgskole (university college), and this autumn you can study drag at OsloMet. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the abolishment of section 213 in the Norwegian Penal Code, and drag is – and has been an important part of queer history.

In what ways are drag used politically today? And which effects will these TV series and studies on drag have? Knowit Experience and Bergen Pride invite you to a panel discussion about drag, politics and glamor!

In this event we will learn more about how the drag community has developed in recent years together with famous kings and queens.

CC: Free

To mark this Year of Queer Culture and Bergen Pride, the fun and intense love drama «Kuk» (“Cock”) is returning to the Norwegian stage. Played only once, on Pentecost Monday (Monday 6^th) at 14:30.

When John and his male roommate take a break, he happens to meet the woman in his life. This is the starting point for “Cock” – a sharp and witty study in sexuality, identity and about the difficulties that arise when you realize that you can make a choice.

“Cock” was played to a full house in both New York and London, and on DNS the audience was wildly excited when this quartet of actors first presented the performance in Norwegian in 2020. During Bergen Pride, it is played on “Store Scene” where they also use video.

Mike Bartlett is writing for theater, radio, and television, and has won several awards. Among other things, he has been Writer-In-Residence at National Theatre in London. Bartlett is known for smart, snappy dialogues, funny angles, and high tempo.

CC: 250,- NOK (se dns.no for priser)

One year ago the street artist Gurdish Haugsda painted a picture of a naked woman live on stage in support of the East Russian artist, sceneographer and activist Yulia Tsvetkova. Yulia is the activist behind the web page “The Vagina Monologues” and a series of illustrations of female bodies. Both projects were meant to spread knowledge about body and sexuality to the young. Two years ago she published drawings of a same-sex couples with children in support of a lesbian couple who fled Russia in fear of loosing custody of their children.

Through their anti-gay propaganda law, the law banning positive information of LGBTQ amongst minors, Russia is limiting and controlling the activity of individuals and organisations working for LHBTQ rights. Because of this, young people have lost access to important information about their own lives and bodies, and LHBTQ-persons experience an increase in hate crime and discrimination.

For the illustration of rainbow families, Yulia was charged for “spreading propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” and fined 75 000 rubles. This is not the first time she has been punished because of her support of the LHBTQ community. Now she is facing up to six years in prison for the “production and spreading of pornography” and contaminating minds of children for spreading her illustrations on social media. 

Where is Yulia now, and what has happened since last year in regards to the rights of LHBTQ people and activists in Russia?

CC: Free

Pels i Bergen, Den Norske Bamseklubben (the Norway Bears) and Bergen Pride is hosting a social evening with Eurovision quiz!

This will be an event for all soft, hard, hairy and not so hairy bears, their friends, their admirers and everyone who would like to party with us. Anyone who wants to join is welcome!

CC: Free

Why do some people feel that they are “born with the wrong gender”? Is this something we are or feel? How have attitudes towards gender developed through the centuries?

This May, Mangschou published the Norwegian translation of Sally Hines Is Gender Fluid? The book is translated from English with the help of Associate Professor Kjersti Aarstein as a professional consultant. 

Aarstein and Maria Hymna Ramnehill, the author of “Ett transfeministiskt manifest”, will have a conversation about the book’s topics.

CC: Free

To refer to people we are talking about, we use personal pronouns. The most common ones are “him” and “her”. These words also refer to the person’s gender. When we do not know the gender of the person we are talking about, or when we do not want to refer to gender, we need to look outside the dictionary. In January 2022, Språkrådet (the Norwegian Language council) asked for consultation for introducing “hen” as a gender-neutral pronoun.FRI Vestland and Bergen Pride will host a conversation about language and power. We will discuss how language can shape our understanding of gender identity and how the outside world perceives us based on the pronouns we use.

CC: Free

Do you want to express your artistry? Your Queerness? Or maybe both? Do you need a safe space to show us your talent? 

QueerExpress is an open and safe stage for Queer and BIPOC to show their talents! In QueerExpress people, either in groups, duo or alone, can either sing, dance, read a poem, or anything they want to show to the community! It is an open event for everyone who wants to have fun and for those who want to perform.

CC: Free

Is it challenging to talk to people you disagree with? How can you be heard and at the same time listen to those who have a completely different point of view? With the help of nonviolent Communication (IVK), you can get in better contact with yourself, understand what you need, and thereby communicate in a way that is easier for a recipient to understand. We go through the IVK method and practice together.

The workshop is held by Nina Morlandstø and Bjarte Bjørsvik. Morlandstø has worked with nonviolent communication since 2008. She organizes courses for companies and organizations, including crisis shelters. She also works as a coach and with conflict management. Bjørsvik has been a mediator in the National Mediation Service (Konfliktrådet) and the leader of IVK Norway. He is educated in business and history and writes about conflicts in the Middle East. He has worked with integration in Bergen and internationally with peace, solidarity and the UN.

CC: Free

For many people with disabilities, the right to a user-controlled personal assistant (UPA) can be the very prerequisite for an independent life. The assistant makes it possible to participate in work and education, and  assistance in daily and private matters, such as transfer, nutrition and care.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) establishes the right to a sexual life. But what happens when you need assistance with sexual acts, either with yourself or your partner? Is the assistant expected to facilitate this as well? Can the assistant conscientiously object to providing such service if it is contrary to the assistants beliefs and values?

This event discusses the ethical, practical and personal challenges that may arise.

CC: Free

It is becoming increasingly difficult for lgbtq people to live in Poland. Since 2019, several areas have been declared “LGBTI-free zones”. The authorities are constantly restricting the rights of queers as well as the freedom of assembly and expression of the entire population. Queer people and themes surrounding the situation of queers are systematically suppressed. And those who protest are being prosecuted. 

Amnesty International and Bergen Pride invite you to a panel discussion on lgbtq rights in Poland. Amnesty will bring a Polish guest who will update us on the situation for lgbtq people in Poland today.

CC: Free

Get ready because everyone’s favorite “clown in a gown”, Bianca Del Rio, is returning to the stage with her new comedy tour “Unsanitized”! She’s vaxxed; she’s waxed, and she has more attitude than ever. The pandemic may be ending, but Bianca is just getting started. 

If you liked COVID-19, you’ll love BIANCA-22!

Meet & Greet: 18.30 – 19.30

Show: 20.30 – 21.30

CC: Visit ticketmaster.no for tickets and prizes

On Thursday 9^th of June, Fincken invites you to the Pride Park Afterparty with the Dutch DJ DiVine. DiVine is a beloved DJ, powerhouse vocals and MC from the Netherlands! With her big afro, enchanting smile, enthusiasm and madness, it is impossible to miss DiVine. She has an unmistakable voice that oozes personality!

DiVine aka Stephanie de Wit from the Netherlands (officially from the island of Curacao), has been a DJ, power house vocal MC and DJ since 2007. As an extra treat, she sings and hypes up the crowd during the performance.

Her genres are house, tech house, disco, deep house, soulful house, house classics and techno.

CC: 50,-

Skeiv Preik is back!

The silly, humorous, and at times serious talk show with a focus on queer culture and politics is returning to Ole Bull Scene! The show has been a part of Bergen Pride since 2015, and has since start-up had its own mini-tour to various pride festivals in Norway!

The show hosts are Ingvild Endestad and Joakim Aadland, who together invite a number of famous and beloved personalities for pleasant conversations and a splash of humor. The show offers good discussions, some dancing, a lot of comedy and fun competitions!

If you’re craving glitter, lovely atmosphere and a lot of fun, Skeiv Preik is the show for you!

CC: Free

You know the party everyone’s talking about? Now you’ll have the opportunity to join an evening completely out of the ordinary, where we, based on Plato’s ideas, shed light on the mystery of love, and honor Eros with song and music.

In Plato’s Symposium, Plato tells of a party where guests were invited to give speeches about love. In retrospect,  Socrates’ speech has received much attention. Socrates refers to the wise Diotima, the woman who helped him understand the power of love. In this performance, Plato is the bartender, Diotima is the nightclub singer and Socrates is a regular customer at the bar. Annlaug Børsheim has the role of the oracle Diotima. She has selected a number of love songs which she presents in her own way and accompanied by fiddle and guitar.

As Agathon, Det Vestnorske Teateret invites interesting guests to give a speech about love. Actor and stage artist Vibeke Flesland Havre has the role of Plato. She introduces speakers, leads the conversation and together with Harald Ottesen Nødtvedt as Socrates and Annlaug Børsheim as Diotima, she tells about the famous Athenian drinking parties.

The doors will open at 18:30 and the performance lasts for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. After the performance, the bar is open until midnight.

CC: 150 (+ ticket fee if bought at the door)

KINcKen is a lightly dressed club concept, dedicated to techno, house and other delicious electronics. Fxggxt, a permanent KINCKen inventory, is bringing the very best Bergen has to offer amongst DJs in the current genre, and together they seduce the crowd with heavy bass, smoke, lasers and visuals.

KINCKen is a tribute to the wide range of gender, sexuality and body diversity that exists in our vibrant community. The KINCK is body-positivist, sex-positivist and norm-critical. KINCK is creativity, art, kink, and love. Wear what you want.

CC: 100,-

Saturday on the 11th of June, we will once again gather thousands of people for our pride parade through the streets of Bergen. For many of us, the parade is the very highlight of pride, and an important day where our struggle for rights is highlighted and our freedom is celebrated!

Pride parades are a political celebration showcasing both the diversity of society and the right to love who you want and be who you are. Since the Stonewall uprising in 1969, which is considered the start of the modern movement for queer rights, pride parades have spread throughout the world, and today these parades move millions of people through thousands of cities around the world.

Parades create international communities, gives a sense of belonging and honor the history of the queer fight for rights, and make the still remaining struggles more visible in today’s society!

In 2019, more than 25,000 people participated in the Bergen pride parade, and after a three year-long wait, we look forward to being able to gather once again on 11 June!

Where:
Start and attendance: Festningskaien/ Bradbenken by Skur 7

Route: Bryggen – Torget – Strandkaien – Strandgaten – Christian Michelsens gate – Veiten – Engen – Vaskerelven – Teatergaten – Neumannsgate and ends at Regnbueplassen. At Regnbueplassen there will be a small stage for our commentators.

Time:
Attendance for cars and parade vehicles: at 11.00 – 12.00

Attendance for walking parade participants: kl. 12.00 – 13.00

The parade starts at 13.00

Age limit: None, but if you are going to participate in an organized form, e.g. as a workplace, organization or sports team, you must register via www.BergenPride.no

After the parade, there will be a parade show and concerts in Pride Park at USF Verftet.  Pride Park is open to everyone and has no entrance fee.

After the parade, the game house Spillhuset invites to a non-alcoholic parade event, and to celebrate, they have extended their opening hours! Spillhuset is an activity house for everyone who is interested in games. They offer everything from tabletop games and role-playing to e-sports and other creative activities.

Spillhuset takes place on the third floor of the former “house of horror” where freedom and diversity were tried erased. Join in to paint the house in the colors of the rainbow!

There will be music and diversity, and everyone is free to be themselves!

CC: Free

You know the party everyone’s talking about? Now you’ll have the opportunity to join an evening completely out of the ordinary, where we, based on Plato’s ideas, shed light on the mystery of love, and honor Eros with song and music.

In Plato’s Symposium, Plato tells of a party where guests were invited to give speeches about love. In retrospect,  Socrates’ speech has received much attention. Socrates refers to the wise Diotima, the woman who helped him understand the power of love. In this performance, Plato is the bartender, Diotima is the nightclub singer and Socrates is a regular customer at the bar. Annlaug Børsheim has the role of the oracle Diotima. She has selected a number of love songs which she presents in her own way and accompanied by fiddle and guitar.

As Agathon, Det Vestnorske Teateret invites interesting guests to give a speech about love. Actor and stage artist Vibeke Flesland Havre has the role of Plato. She introduces speakers, leads the conversation and together with Harald Ottesen Nødtvedt as Socrates and Annlaug Børsheim as Diotima, she tells about the famous Athenian drinking parties.

The doors will open at 18:30 and the performance lasts for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. After the performance, the bar is open until midnight.

CC: 150 (+ ticket fee if bought at the door)

Rainbow Night – Bergen Pride’s’ closing party – is finally back on June 11 after an involuntary two-year covid break! The largest queer party on the Norwegian West Coast will be even bigger this year when we take our celebration to Røkeriet, the main hall of USF Verftet. As per usual, we can offer a fabulous show with some of the world’s most talented drag artists, followed by a phenomenal afterparty with more than 1300 other participants.

For this year’s show, the drag superstars Bianca Del Rio, Lady Bunny and Envy Peru return to the stage, bringing with them the winner of the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Kylie Sonique Love, and runner-up from the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Tayce! A firework of a show that will make you GAG!

After the show the fabulous and amazing Barcelona/Amsterdam DJ Darling Peter (NE) will make you dance all night, spreading love and positive energy with a mix of pop, disco & house. 100% queer!!

Darling Peter will not be alone on stage, but will be joined by queer friends who will entertain you all night long! There will be pop-up performances with Go-Gos, vogue-dancers and drag performers!

Rainbow night is a queer safe space where everyone who shares the values of pride can attend. To make it even easier for like-minded people to meet, we have divided the venue into different areas; dance floor, lounge area, a LessIsMore area for those who prefer to dance with less clothes on and Queer Womens Corner for queer women who want to meet other queer women.

Want to meet the queens?

Treat yourself to a VIP ticket that includes a “Meet and Greet” with Bianca Del Rio, Lady Bunny, Envy Peru, Kylie Sonique Love and Tayce!

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.no under “Rainbow night”.

Just want to join the afterparty? We sell tickets at the door from 23:30 if there is available capacity.

CC: 150 NOK//400 NOK//1200 NOK + ticket fee