Pride Parade in Dale
Celebration of visibility, unity, inclusivity, and diversity through UWC Red Cross Nordic Pride parade
On May 9th 2026, the UWC Red Cross Nordic and Fjaler Kommune flocked to the streets of Dale in Sunnfjord County to celebrate the colorful, deep, and meaningful history and representation of Pride and LGBTQ+ awareness and visibility.
With almost 60 students, joined by staff members and municipal council from the Fjaler Kommune, under unpredictable weather conditions, shines the message of love transcending boundaries, discrimination, and oppression through a peaceful parade and protest of Pride. Posters and placards are paraded on the streets on a loop from Samvirket to the Fjaler municipal hall were made on campus by students, displayed along with queer and lively music blasting of the streets sung out loud in unison.
These write the statements of recognition of respect and understanding towards one or another identity and orientation, some of which are “The cure of homophobia is education” and the iconic “Love is Love”, accompanied with rainbows and artistic expression, towards the aim of Pride march: liberation, equal rights, acceptance, and resisting the ongoing struggles faced by queer community and culture.
The event was made possible by the joint organization of the Amnesty International in UWC Red Cross Nordic and Gender and Sexuality (GAS) EAC, with the participation of the present and supportive Leif Jarle Espedal of Fjaler Kommune council who spearheaded the Pride parade proudly waving the Pride flag and graced the celebration with a speech noting the importance of equality, visibility, and diversity from small communities to wider reach on recognizing one’s identity.
The celebration would not be an RCN celebration without performance and fearless voices. Amnesty International - RCN leader, Luiza Marques, and GAS EAC leader, Sophia Basilio have addressed the attendees with a heartfelt message of acceptance and inclusion for LGBTQ+ community, detailing peace and respect among peers. Furthermore, second years Violetta Horbachova performed a piece of poetry entitled “Half My Love Poems” by Manasi Nene and Mazin Mejia performed a strong performance of breaking free by replicating Queen’s “I Want To Break Free” song.
Ending the hour-long celebration in Dale, the students performed a traditional “Line Dance” performance that emphasizes community. This event is a reminder that Pride is not limited to queer but for all identities reaching for equality for all and coexistence without any form of judgement and violence but with presence of free expression and individuality.
