Tom of Finland Foundation and University of Westminster present international Art as Social Justice symposium

For the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival in London, the two organizations brought together activists, artists and academics to address global LGBTQ+ issues and the role of art in social change at the international Art as Social Justice symposium.

Coordinated by Dr Gary Everett and held in collaboration with the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, the event marked the Foundation’s 40th anniversary and explored Tom of Finland’s impact on equality, acceptance and freedom of expression. The one-day event at Westminster’s Little Titchfield Street site featured keynote speakers, film screenings and panel discussions, providing a space to discuss key issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The symposium used the life and legacy of the artist Tom of Finland as a starting point for discussion and investigated Tom’s immense artistic revolutionary influence, championing acceptance, liberty, equality, freedom of expression and fundamental social change, particularly in the period before the decriminalisation of Homosexuality.

Professor Pippa Catterall speaking with author Peter Parker.

Westminster’s Professor Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy, spoke with Peter Parker, author of Some Men In London: Queer Life, 1945-1959, a study of post-war Gay life in London, and opened up the room for a Q&A with the author.

Dr Daniel Conway, Reader in Politics and International Relations, shared their expertise at the symposium. Dr Conway participated in the panel on Pride, Protest and Diplomacy and presented a digital exhibition of photographs exploring the intersections and diversity of Pride programmes in South Africa, Mumbai and Hong Kong.

Jaakko Nousiainen, Durk Dehner, Dr Gary Everett

OPENING REMARKS BY DURK DEHNER
PRESIDENT & COFOUNDER
TOM OF FINLAND FOUNDATION

About the event Professor Catterall said:

“As several speakers emphasised, LGBTQ+ rights are being used as a wedge issue to undermine human rights and democracy around the world. Stressed throughout the discussion, art in all its forms can also help to spread awareness and understanding and build empathy and inclusivity, as Tom of Finland so clearly sought to achieve in his work.”

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Published: 20th February 2025

Categorised in: Durk on Tom, Events, For the Record