[minors dnf, interacting ok] liking hetalia in the big 2025? more likely than you think. historical hetalia, nordics (especially finland), citytalia ocs,hetavision and also other things
What's the story or reason behind "Sweden is gay" jokes?
I could just say “it’s a comedy trope” and leave it at that—but the truth is, the topic is much more nuanced and, in my opinion, genuinely fascinating. The perception of Swedish men as “gay” in Finland isn’t some modern invention; it’s generational. The trope has been around so long that most people have no idea where it actually came from. So let me give you a proper, researched answer!
For most of history, same-sex relationships weren’t explicitly named in Sweden's (and by extension Finland's) criminal law. Instead, sexual crimes were defined through Biblical principles, such as the sins of Sodom, and punishments were meted out inconsistently. In the late 19th century, however, the criminalization of homosexuality became a public issue, driven by contemporary medical debates that aimed to purge society of its supposed moral decay in the name of racial hygiene. Homosexuality was medicalized, and it began to be classified as a psychiatric illness—an abnormal deviation from “biologically normal heterosexuality.” At the same time, psychoanalysts were also looking for ways to "cure" this deviance.
Contradictorily, homosexuality was seen both as an innate trait of certain “lower-class” people and as a contagious epidemic that could "infect" anyone who wasn't careful. Sexuality, now central to modernity, became heavily regulated by social norms. In Sweden, the government appointed numerous commissions focused on sexuality, primarily concerning sexual hygiene and procreation, essentially regulating who was allowed, or deemed desirable, to reproduce.
World War II brought the topic of homosexuality further into public discourse. Beyond the documentation of violent Nazi persecution of homosexuals, Finland began to confront same-sex relationships that emerged on the front lines and in blacked-out Helsinki during the war. War placed people into heavily gendered environments, where same-sex intimacy could form more easily. At the same time, Sweden decriminalized homosexuality in 1944, which brought the topic into Finnish media. Finnish tabloids wrote extensively about Swedish homosexuals and the spread of the so-called “Swedish disease.” Scandals in neighboring countries—like the 1955 Prostitution Network case in Copenhagen and Sweden’s Haijby and Kejne cases—distorted the topic, connecting homosexuality and pedophilia in the Finnish debate.
Stockholms Tidningen 22/1950 - "Homosexuals are a serious problem in Stockholm – rural youth are the victims"
The homosexual, as the "other" and the opposite of the heterosexual, was depicted as a moral threat to society in the 1950s. During the anxiety of the Cold War, the “other” became a public enemy and a danger to national security.
After the war, the national rebuilding project included a focus on moral reconstruction. Attitudes toward sexuality became increasingly conservative. The fear and panic around homosexuality led Finnish authorities to monitor, e.g., parks and public bathrooms, where gay men were believed to meet each other. The 1950s saw the highest number of convictions for homosexuality in Finnish history, with over 1,000 men prosecuted. Public discourse and reporting on homosexuality led to the police becoming more active to prevent a moral panic, which in turn led to new convictions, which were reported in the tabloid magazines—starting a self-feeding cycle. Sensational headlines framed victims of sexual assault as complicit, citing “loose morals,” drunkenness, or a tendency toward debauchery, the victim-blaming adding shame to an already stigmatized homosexuality. There was also the threat of blackmail, real or fabricated, that could ruin people’s personal relationships, careers, and public image.
Viikon Totuus 11/1959 - "Male homosexuals in the limelight: Is the 'Swedish disease' spreading in Finland?
Whereas homosexuality was associated with communism in the United States and the United Kingdom, in Sweden, homosexuality was seen as a problem within the right-wing and upper classes of society, with young and impoverished working-class men being the victims. In Finland, similar ideas arose, as homosexuality was primarily considered an urban problem. Until the 1950s, Finland was a largely agrarian society where people, regardless of gender, were expected to contribute to agricultural labor. Oftentimes, it was the women who had to do labor-intensive work while the men were drafted as soldiers. This fostered a less rigid gender hierarchy, to a point it's argued that rural life didn’t necessarily stigmatize the "feminized" man in a same-sex relationship. Same-sex relationships were seen as less problematic than extramarital relationships between women and men, which could result in illegitimate children. As long as everyone contributed to the community, same-sex couples could often go unbothered. However, this concealable nature of same-sex relationships meant that rural communities weren’t exposed to homosexuality as a concept until the media framed it as a threat. What had once gone unnamed became a symbol of urban moral decay and a danger to national purity.
Viikon Totuus 1/1963 - "Homophiles chase boys and men in central Helsinki"
In Western patriarchal societies, homosexuality is “othered” because it challenges hegemonic masculinity, which relies on the expectation of unequal heterosexual relationships. Male bonds are expected to remain non-sexual to uphold the social hierarchy. Men who deviate or fight against these norms are seen as weak, effeminate, and thus lacking masculinity. This dynamic fosters homophobia, misogyny, and heterosexism, keeping heterosexual men united in opposition to anything deemed feminine or non-conforming. By associating homosexuality with something “other” in the new wave of moralism in the 20th century, it was possible to create an image that Finnish masculinity and homosexuality are not compatible. Homosexuality becomes the “other” to the Finnish man’s identity—something that cannot co-exist within him. Swedish men who are “feminine and interested in men” create a contrast to the “strong heterosexual Finnish man”. The othering of the Swedish man was easy because Finnish national identity was, from the start, shaped in opposition to Swedishness. By excluding homosexuality from the cultural narrative, society reasserts its ideals of masculinity, moral integrity, and national cohesion. The othering of the Swedish man gives a satisfying itch to the inferior complex and validates the national identity.
I personally think it's worth noting the upper class of Finnish society being traditionally Swedish speaking (and gayness seen as a vice of the rich), alongside the rural flight which lead to over 400,000 Finns moving to Sweden between 1950s-1970s and thus exposing Finns to more liberated sexual environment, have in my opinion certainly also contributed to the pre-existing conception of Swedishness as inherently homosexual compared to that of Finnishness.
Norwegian petition in Dagbladet magazine, 28.6.1979. "We demand that the competent authorities in Finland immediately repeal the anti-gay law to bring Finland into line with other Nordic countries."
Timeline of the development of same-sex rights in both countries:
Homosexuality criminalized: 🇸🇪 1864 / 🇫🇮 1894
Homosexuality decriminalized: 🇸🇪 1944 / 🇫🇮 1971
No longer classified as illness: 🇸🇪 1979 / 🇫🇮 1981
Anti-discrimination laws: 🇸🇪 1987 / 🇫🇮 2000
Registered partnership: 🇸🇪 1995 / 🇫🇮 2002
Adoption rights: 🇸🇪 2003 / 🇫🇮 2009
Marriage equality: 🇸🇪 2009 / 🇫🇮 2017
During the HIV crisis in 1987, Sweden passed a law banning gay saunas and prostitution (repealed in 2004). In Finland, although gay sex was decriminalized in 1971, it was replaced with a “Promotion Ban,” which made "promoting" or discussing homosexuality effectively illegal until 1999. This vague law created a culture of censorship and fear, discouraging media from covering LGBTQ topics positively—or at all. As a result, many queer Finns sought refuge in more progressive countries like Sweden and Denmark, forming small diaspora communities. It's worth noting that Sweden and Denmark also liberalized porn in the late 1960s, while Finland had strict regulation regarding "promiscuous publications" until the 1990s. Swedish and Danish magazines and films were imported both by private consumers and smuggled by sex shops, reinforcing the association with sexuality, and especially sexual deviancy, with the Western neighbours.
Attitudes towards homosexuality in Finland started to change slowly after the decriminalization. However, the repeated generational perceptions of "effeminate" Swedish men compared to heteromasculine Finnish men continued to shape the perceptions of homosexuality in, e.g., comedy tropes. Additionally, the perception of homosexuality as a sensitive issue that wasn’t being talked about during the Promotion Ban left a mark. Belonging to a sexual minority was seen as a private matter that should not have any weight in public debate, which left especially politicians hesitant to bring up LGBTQ issues forward, and thus, LGBTQ legislation in Finland moved forward painfully slowly.
Homosexuality, since its appearance in wide public discourse in Finland, was associated with Swedishness from day one, being framed as an urban disease, sensationalized through scandals and pseudo-science, sparking moral panic. The issue cut deep into medical, social, and cultural anxiety. The othering made it easier for Finnish society to distance itself from homosexuality by projecting it onto a "familiar" outsider, the Swede, who was easy to make fun of.
Recommendations for further reading:
Juvonen, T., Vastapaino. 2021. Varjoelämää ja julkisia salaisuuksia — Homoseksuaalisuuden rakentuminen sotien jälkeisessä Suomessa. https://www.finna.fi/Record/fikka.5795725?lng=en-gb
Kettunen, S. 2022. Martti rakkaani: Hiljaisuus ja vaikeneminen seksuaalisuuden kokemuksessa miesparin kirjeenvaihdossa 1956–1961. https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202210267896
Hagman, S. 2014. Seven queer brothers: narratives of forbidden male same-sex desires from modernizing Finland 1894-1971. https://hdl.handle.net/1814/32118
Põldsam, R., Taavetti, R. 2024. Sisters Across the Gulf: Transnational Connections and Frictions in Estonian–Finnish Lesbian Networks of the early 1990s. https://doi.org/10.34041/ln.v29.933
Rydström, J., Mustola, K. 2007. Criminally Queer: Homosexuality and Criminal Law in Scandinavia 1842-1999. https://library.oapen.org/viewer/web/viewer.html?file=/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/34830/353810.pdf.
Sundén, J., Paasonen, S., & Tiidenberg, K. 2024. Sex at the Borders: A Special Issue Introduction. https://doi.org/10.34041/ln.v29.928
Söderström, G. 1999. Sympatiens hemlighetsfulla makt. Stockholms homosexuella 1860-1960.
Nyegaard, N., Heede, D. & Rydström, J. 2022. Special Issue Editorial: Nordic LGBTQ Histories. https://doi.org/10.1080/08038740.2022.2104022
Suomi on Queer. 2023. Yle. https://areena.yle.fi/1-66734852
in true sufin opfer fashion i have started writing fanfiction again but i am too embarrassed to post it 😔 eurovision brainrot meets sufin will be for my eyes only until I feel ready enough
NOTE: This “thinkpiece” is mainly derived from the canonical content that Himaruya has already provided to us over the years. I’m still educating myself on Nordic history at large, so to avoid overstepping or misrepresenting important historical facts, I won’t really dive into the historical aspect of things.
Introverted vs. Extroverted
Considering that the “Everytime Finland Speaks” compilation goes over 12:00 minutes and his interactions with the other countries at large, I think many tend to believe that Finland is one of the “only” extroverts amongst the Nordic group. I mean, the evidence is there: He seems open to talking with anybody, and generally keeps a friendly, inviting demeanor. However, I wanted to draw attention to how Himaruya specifically describes him in past character notes:
He’s overwhelmed by his close-knit group of neighbors, but he’s a serious, simple boy who keeps at it! (Vol. 4)
He considers himself shy, but he’s actually pretty nagging, even though he seems cute and sweet. (Chapter 105)
Now the first quote could most definitely be referring to Finland’s past of occupation, but I think it’s a good thing to take note of when evaluating his characterization in the anime as well. One of the most defining characteristics of introverts – other than perceived shyness – is their “social battery”. Introverts, for the most part, experience a certain level of exhaustion when interacting with other peers for a significant amount of time (especially if they don’t have great rapport with said peer/s). Essentially what it means that not all introverts will be completely adverse to spending time with others or going out, but they will need to have a significant amount of alone time to “recover” their social battery directly following. Seeing as Finland as a country had a lengthy fight for independence, this makes perfect sense within his character. While he does appreciate the close friendships he shares with the others, he will almost always prefer to be on his own. Too much social interaction may lead him to feeling smothered, and at that point that’s where you see introverts begin to “shut down” in their own ways (becoming quieter, becoming distant, breakdowns, etc.).
Another key aspect of introverts is “being selectively social, not anti-social” (Simply Psychology): This is another thing that I find describes Finland perfectly. While we do see him interacting with many other countries (examples being the Hetalia Bloodbaths and the Hetalia Horror Show), for the most part we see him sticking around the same people – The Nordics, and Estonia. While he’s capable of keeping friendly interactions with countries outside of those five people, it’s clear to see who he actually prefers to spend quality time with. Others get a more surface level version of him (which I would consider to be the “sweet, easygoing, lovable” portrayal of him), but only those closest to him get to really see the furthest depths of his personality. Which will be discussed more here:
Fin's Personality Traits
Over the past few years of fanon media evolving and fans digging into more “accurate” stereotypes and historical context to build the characterization of the countries, Finland’s emotions have been a lot more heavily explored in the fandom. The most common fanon expression of Finland, from my perspective, seems to be a more “easy going” character with a bit of a darker side to him once you reach beneath the surface. But let’s observe how Himaruya has described him in character notes over the years:
Even though this guy appears to be all soft and mellow, you won’t want to mess with him! (Vol. 5)
He’ll let you poke him up to ten times, but past that he’ll return it many times over, so you better stop! (Vol. 3)
Though the popularity of this fanon portrayal has died down over the years, one of the most common misconceptions about Finland in early days of the Hetalia fandom was that he was a pushover, or hat he’s the type to be easily scared, especially if it pertained to Sweden thanks to the running gag that Finland misreads Sweden’s facial expressions. Or, that he’s a character who constantly needs “protecting”, rather than being the protector. While Hima is guilty of this false perception of Finland existing to begin with, in recent years I feel as though he has done a good job of dismantling that one-dimensional view of Finland (i.e “The Ruler of Scandinavia and the King of Eastern Europe”). A major aspect of character development for Finland is learning how to establish and maintain his boundaries, especially working with others that he might not be as close to. Finland might not be as bloodthirsty as other characters, but he’s definitely not as “cowardly” as he himself, or the others, might think he is.
Another major aspect of Finland’s personality is his stubbornness. In a more light hearted fashion, this is shown through the naming of Hanatamago. The reason why Hanatamago has a specific name is because Finland literally fought for it. His stubbornness also occurs again in “The Ruler of Scandinavia and the King of Eastern Europe”, in which he is literally brought to (drunken) tears because he was furious that Sweden had called off the battle. These interactions involving Sweden introduce more layers to their dynamic, in times where Finland might opt to be more passive with those he’s not as close to, those closest to him tend to see a more assertive side of him. This shows a level of comfort between the two despite the ongoing “Finland is scared shitless of Sweden” gag that occurs throughout the show. It also implies that Sweden is one of the few people (aside from Estonia) who sees Finland for who he is, and has access to his fully uncensored self.
Another fascinating aspect of Finland’s character is Himaruya deeming him the “Nordic who has suffered the most (throughout history)”. Canonically we haven’t seen the bulk of his struggles, but introducing that as a facet of his character, combined with his more surface-level personality is really intriguing. Knowing that Finland historically has dealt with occupation (both from Sweden and Russia), Himaruya referencing this vaguely throughout the show, tells the audience that there’s more to Finland that we don’t see. Even though we see some of his deeper insecurities and struggles, there are certain aspects of him – aspects of his pain – that the audience doesn’t have access to. Historical context allows us to fill in those blanks, but there’s a variety of ways that the impact of these struggles can be portrayed. Given what’s been presented from his canon personality, I think these struggles would show up in times where he feels like his autonomy is being questioned. Times where characters – unintentionally or otherwise – decide that they know what’s best for him, even in considerably harmless scenarios.
Finland's Place in the Nordic 5
Whenever there’s an introductory piece of media for the Nordic 5, a point is always made to establish that Finland does feel different from the rest of them, to a degree. Typically, it centers around the fact that he speaks a Uralic language whilst the rest speak some variation of a Northern Germanic language. I think when depicting Finland’s interactions with the Nordics, this is a huge dynamic to take into consideration since it represents a considerable insecurity for him. Sure, he knows that they’re friends (now) and close colleagues, but him not being able to relate to them with about their shared culture, and his language not being as easily digestible for the others, (compared to Swedish and Norwegian, both of which share a lot of commonalities in their language) could be something he internalizes. Even though Finland doesn’t allow those factors to change how he treats them, he probably has had times where he feels like the “other” person in the group. This is something that’s more so highlighted with Iceland in canon, with him openly being insecure about his “lack of popularity” compared to the other four and having been isolated for most of his youth. But I think it’s something that could apply to Finland and could be used to build on their dynamic with each other. It’s also a factor that can be used to build on his relationship with Estonia (ignoring that annoying “Estonia wants to be a Nordic country!” mess), the sole person he’s shown to have considerable interactions with, that he’d actually have a lot of commonalities with in terms of culture and language.
TL;DR When working with a more canon-compliant version of Finland, I think it does him a disservice to portray him as one-dimensional as there are so many interesting aspects to his personality that have been introduced over the course of the show. He is a pretty tame character on the surface, but it’s the depths introduced by Himaruya that make him fun to work with.
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