Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland awards annually its “Apple of Good Information” honorable mention to someone who has contributed positively to the situation of sexual or gender minorities. According to Seta, Itella Posti’s stamp collection featuring the art of world famous Tom of Finland, to be published in the autumn, is a “significant cultural achievement and an example of how a company can positively use the ideas of sexual orientation and gender diversity in its business operations”.

The Tom of Finland stamps will be published in honor of one of Finland’s best-known artists. Itella Posti’s stamp committee regards Tom of Finland creator Touko Laaksonen as an internationally distinguished artist whose works have significantly contributed to popular culture.

Credit: Itella Posti. Artwork: TOM OF FINLAND © 1979 Tom of Finland Foundation

“At Itella Posti, it is important to us that Finnish stamps live with the times and depict diverse topics. The Tom of Finland stamps raise awareness of a Finnish artist whose art has contributed to the promotion of sexual equality. More light will be cast on the person behind the art in the Post Museum’s exhibition to open in the autumn”, says Itella Posti’s Development Director Markku Penttinen.

The Tom of Finland stamps will be published on 8th September. Due to the great international demand, they are already available for advance order from Posti’s online shop. Graphic designer Timo Berry designed the stamps based on Touko Laaksonen’s works. The Tom of Finland Foundation applied for the topic with the stamp committee. In addition to the stamps, from September 8, a postcard series inducing three Touko Laaksonen art post cards and Tom of Finland stamps will also be for sale.

Annually, Itella Posti publishes around 20 stamp sets. The Tom of Finland stamps have raised the most international interest of any previous postage stamps – even before their publication.