Sweat And Tears 3

26.6.2023 17–22 @ Kulttuurisauna (Helsinki, FI)

On 26.6.23 17-22 Kulttuurisauna is reserved for gender minorities, meaning everyone who is trans, non-binary, intersex, or gender non-conforming. This event is free, with an option to donate to performing artists with cash/mobile pay.

Sweat And Tears is a series of sauna gatherings, organised by and for trans people. These events offer safe embodiment, care and communality, music, performances, bathing, swimming and releasing tensions into the sea. The project was initiated by curator Orlan Ohtonen, artist Ignata Elana and Kulttuurisauna in 2022, aiming to develop Kulttuurisauna’s facilities and organising towards safer access for trans people, who are often excluded from shared, collective and public sauna spaces. In 2023 the organising group is joined by Kaura Raudaskoski and Maru Paavola.

The event is supported by the trans activist association Trans ry.

Updated schedule

17-20 music and other performances

17-20 option to swim in the sea. NOTE: People might come just for the performances and be spending time in the space fully clothed

19.00 sauna is ready

20-22 silent sauna, no performances. NOTE: The sauna space is limited to max 50 people at once. Please give space to people who need these events to access sauna gatherings.

Available by purchase

Low / non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks

Info about artists

Info about space, safety, and accessibility

Kulttuurisauna aims to start a regularly running sauna shift for gender minorities. There will be someone at the door to greet you, and space and time to give us feedback and share your ideas on how the sauna should be run in order to feel safe and welcoming.

We will not ask about your gender in any way; we only hope that you give space to those who cannot usually use public saunas without experiencing dysphoria, anxiety, or distressing incidents resulting from transphobia. If you have any questions or concerns about joining, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

The wood burning sauna is open during the event with two non-gendered changing rooms and shower rooms. Robes, towels and swimwear can be used in the sauna but are not mandatory. There is also a spacious bathroom where one can get changed privately.

Safer space rules apply and are actively cared for by the organisers during the event.
No racism, cis-sexism, transmisogyny, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, body commentary.
No photos inside except of the performances; please ask for consent for photographing or touching others.

Please show up only when you are healthy and have no flu symptoms.

Accessibility info:

Update: The route to Kulttuurisauna is a bit tricky because of the construction site. There is gravel for at least 70 meters before the building. You can access the building from Merihaka by walking or bike (see the photos below for reference). There is no parking at the sauna but for a drop off and pick up, you can drive on to the construction site. Nearest parking is at Merihaka P.

The front of the building (lobby & lounge) is accessible by wheelchair (space measurements below). There are 3 non-gendered toilets, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Please note that there is no water resistant wheelchair available and that the sauna room is not wheelchair accessible.

We speak Finnish and English. Please contact us for other translation or access needs, or any questions about the event: orlan.ohtonen@gmail.com.

Space measurements:

The front door: 100cm
Other doors: 80cm
Patio size: 150x1100cm (path to kabinetti space with the larger toilet)
Sauna size: 3x5m + 3×6,5m (floor area: 1,2 x 2,5, rest is steps and benches 40 cm in height and 20 cm in depth)
Shower size: 3 x 2.8 m (2 showers) + 3 x 2.8 m (2 showers)
Shower height: 2.1m
Thresholds: +2cm at front door, atrium door, kabinetti door