Oslo Pride 2025 - “Safe”

Source: YouTube

June is Pride Month all around the world and while it’s never lost its meaning, the meaning is as important today as ever this year.

The Pride organizers in Oslo, Norway put together this moving film to send us this very important message:

“There’s a lot of talk about what the rainbow colors mean these days. The answer is quite simple: Showing who you are – or who you stand with – isn’t just a decoration. It means that there’s room for you, that you belong and that you’re safe.”

Take a look at this film … “TRYGG” means “SAFE:”

Oh gosh, that got me.

We’ve come to think that displaying the rainbow flag means we support the LGBTQ+ community, but alas it’s much more important than that in these times.

It means you are safe, I am safe, we are safe, we ensure each other’s safety.

So as we enter Pride Month and its “celebrations and marches,” we should remember what we are there for … the need to keep each other safe. The need to rally around each other, just like those first Pride people rallied for their rights/safety which are our rights and safety today.

Yes I know there is a lot of talk about brands creating and selling Pride merchandise. It warms my heart when I see those brand activations, especially when they are consistent with the brands’ values and policies just like with any other initiative … because wearing those little Pride banners on a pair of sneakers, a bracelet, a shirt, or a hat sends the signal that others are safe with us.

Thank you Oslo Pride: when I ride the subway in NYC or I walk around the streets and I see someone wearing Pride merch, I’m going feel a little differently … I’m in a safe place. I don’t just feel safe but I am safe.

Let’s keep each other safe. The brands with their support and their lovely Pride merchandise can help us, so support them back. I’m wearing some of their support today.

What’s your experience? JIM

P.S.: Earlier this week I was in Chicago for work, and I walked past the Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Ave. Beautifully arched across the hotel entrance was a rainbow display and I thought, “wow how wonderful that they are supporting Pride this year, amongst this noise.” But actually, with this new lens what the hotel is actually saying is, “you are safe staying here.” Thanks for that.