Homofrydprisen 2025 / “Gay joy award” of 2025
Arctic Pride has since 2015 given out an award to a person or organization, that makes it a little better to be queer in Tromsø and our region. Wether it´s through volunteer work, visibility, activism or creating activity.
This year, the board of Arctic Pride voted unanimously that the award be given to Per Helge Nylund, who has been active in the queer community in our city and region for decades. Per Helge is also the host of the Arctic Pilot which is a side-programmed to Arctic Pride, hosted every year at the same time in November.
This year, the price consisted of a diploma, but also a caricature, drawn by local artist Evita Lill Bergstad, that was given to Per Helge on the day of the parade, 15.11.2025.
Evita Lill Bergstad
Previous winners of the award:
2015 – Ole-Gunnar Solheim
For his long-standing work with Amnesty International Region North and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights in Northern Norway.
2016 – Vegard Skogen
Chief physician at UNN, recognized for his work supporting transgender healthcare and LGBTQ+ visibility in the health sector.
2017 – Jarle Heitmann, Ingrid Marie Kielland & Bi Haavind
Awarded for their work on Tromsø Municipality’s Action Plan for Gender and Sexual Diversity and efforts to strengthen local LGBTQ+ policies.
2018 – Troms Sports Federation, Tromsø Sports Council & the Norwegian Football Association (Troms division)
Recognized for promoting inclusion and combating discrimination within sports.
2019 – The Welfare Unit at Skjold Military Base / Norwegian Armed Forces (Skjold)
Awarded for advancing diversity and creating an inclusive environment within the military.
2021 – Mari-Mette Graff
Honored for her work in the Church of Norway and her contributions to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people.
2022 – Tvibit Youth Culture House
Recognized for their continuous efforts in creating safe meeting spaces for queer youth in Tromsø.
2023 – Garmeres (accepted by leader Jounvas Bruun Arnesen)
Awarded for strengthening Sámi queer visibility and for their cultural and political contributions.
2024 – Rune Hennum Nilssen
Honored for his dedication to queer culture, performance, and community-building through initiatives like Haus of Misfits.
2025 – Per Helge Nylund
Recognized for his long-term engagement, activism, and contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility and community life in Northern Norway.
The award is given out by festival director, Lars Kaupang. Here is a copy of the speech held on the day of the parade, 15.11.25:
“I will do this part in english, as I know the one winning the prize this year has some international visitors!
As some of you might know, we give an award every year to someone who has contributed to making the society and city of Tromsø a better place for the queer population.
This years winner, has not only been visible locally, regionally or nationally, but also international participation in contests, judging panels, and of course also participating in the regional activism that is the pride-movement her in the northern norway.
It is with great honor that I call him a friend, co-host, and councellor if there is anything. Thank you for all that you do, and congratulations Per Helge Nylund.”