The poster who gave Mathis Oliver new powers – and the love

32-year-old has gradually become a well-known sami face.

Myrnes Balto, who is the leader of Norske Samers Riksforbund (MANDATES). He is also sametingsrepresentant for the same party.

Less well known is the Mathis Oliver Sara – boyfriend to Runar Sammol. On Instagram, the pair in the summer posted pictures from tours in Northern Norway. And in the podcast "Summer in P2" in the July told Runar about Mathis Oliver.

Now you have to tell 25-year-old from the town of Kautokeino on the events that have made him a stronger and happier human being.

– My most important years

the Year is 2016.

In many ways, this year is both important and huge for me. 2016 was the most important year so far in my life, " says Mathis Oliver to NRK.

In the last week was this year's version of Sápmi Pride festival held in Trondheim, norway. Here, queer sami people to celebrate themselves. The goal is to contribute to increased acceptance and respect.

But it is Sápmi Pride festival three years ago for always being a milestone for Mathis Oliver Sara.

Actually, should the festival is held in the village of Anár in Northern Finland, but it was moved to Kautokeino . The background was that the parish council which resolved that they would not devote likekjønnede.

SUCCESS: 'Lemet Ánde Stueng (t.v.) and Dávvet Bruun-Solbakk were standard bearers in the parade in the town of Kautokeino in 2016.

Photo: Roger Manndal / NRK

– Sápmi Pride festival in 2016 gave me new strength and new courage that I never knew existed in me, " says Mathis Oliver Sara.

After the parade in their hometown he set himself a goal: Before the year was over, he would tell his nearest about who he really is.

This was the most important step in your life so far. My goal was finally to be able to live in openness from the beginning. When I told my closest about my orientation, it was like being born again. I got a new perspective on life, new goals, dreams and vitality, " he says.

A work of art also appeared this year.

the Organizer of the festival Márkomeannu in Evenes presented a bold poster.

the Two boys who kissed each other. The poster gave even more strength to get me out of the closet, " says Mathis Oliver.

ART: the Poster was torn down, some places in Lapland. For the most part, however, there was overwhelming response.

Remember the poster very well

Runar Sammol Myrnes Balto has Márkomeannu always been a part of his life.

the Festival was started in their hometown his in Skånland in 1999. From 2010 to 2013 was Runar even festivalleder.

I remember in 2016-the poster very well, says he to NRK.

– Actually contributed to that also I could go out in public and be myself completely and fully.

Before it had Myrnes Balto moved to Oslo to "figure things out" as he says. But the poster that was made in 2016 by the people in their hometown, gave him a positive surprise.

He does not hide that his girlfriend Mathis Oliver was one of those who saw himself in the poster.

– It is really a nice thought, " says Runar in the day.

Påskekysset in Kautokeino

Also with politikerbrillene he sees a welcome development of the sámi society.

– We experience a kind of åpenhetsrevolusjon in Lapland. Taushetskulturen stands for case. The conversation is about to change. The pain is dug up, feel and appear up and healed. All of this contributes to the fact that we the indigenous sami people can live a better life, " says 32-year-old.

For him, it is entirely natural to be open about personal matters also.

What with the kissing?

– Yes, why should we not be open about kissing? Why should it not be natural that a man kisses another man during the easter festival in Kautokeino? So one can also ask. If we are going to smash taboos, we must think so.

And the story of Mathis Oliver and Runar Sammol started in Kautokeino last easter.

We had our first proper moment in the church in the village. In a way we found each other there. The story of the Kautokeino is about how difficult it is to be gay there. But we did not experience anything negative. Not a single negative comment. Only thumbs up. I believe it is important to tell this. It also shows that the sámi society is changing to the positive, " he says.

Wedding?

Last summer, has runaway lovers travelled around in Northern Norway.

On Instagram, they have posted pictures.

– We have only received positive reactions. This confirms that the people support openness. But we are not more open than heterosexual couple either. Nevertheless, it must be equally natural also for us to post pictures on social media when we are on a trip, " says Runar.

View this post on Instagram

Irggi mearrágáttiit, Spalcca eatnamat yes mearrasámi riikka. Gal Návuonas lea erenomáš fiinnis, yes somá lea fitnat Spalcamuotkkis gos Mathis Olivera beareašis lea geasseorohat. Govain fiiname Jámeščogas. Báttár oidno vuolabeal. Yes they letno vuojašan veahá birra. Here in her boyfriend's coastal areas, Spalcca their fields, and sjøsamisk kingdom. In the Kvænangen/Návuonna, it is really great. Fun to be with to Spalcamuotki, where Mathis Oliver's family has their sommerbeiter. Here we were on the Jámeščohka (Daudmannstinden), with Badderen below. And then we have of course run on a small sightseeing.

A post shared by Runar Sammol Myrnes Balto (@runarsammol) on

He laughs when NRK ask one last personal and private question.

– When is the wedding?

To yes wedding. So far we have not thought of and therefore I can not answer it.

Date Of Update: 22 September 2019, 06:00