Blåhaj Blast is an open café evening, open every 2nd Saturday of the month, especially intended for transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender diverse people. People who are still searching for their identity or have an affinity with the target group in another way, such as parents or partners, are also very welcome. We welcome audiences of all ages (18+).

Want to know where the name of this evening comes from? Or other information? Then read on in the Q&A on the website!

Questions and Answers

1. Who is the Blåhaj Blast intended for?

• Blåhaj Blast is an open café evening intended for transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender diverse people. People who are still searching for their identity or have an affinity with the target group in another way (for example parents or partners of) are also welcome.
• We welcome audiences of all ages. (18+)

2. For those who don't know yet, why did you choose the name Blåhaj Blast?

• Blåhaj (the IKEA shark cuddly toy) has become an icon for (especially younger) transgender people, partly because of the colors blue, white and pink. A few years ago, BLÅHAJ appeared in bed with SNUTTIG (the polar bear) in a pro-LHBTIQ+ commercial by IKEA. Around the same time, memes of the shark with trans themes appeared on online forums, because of the colors. We thought it was a nice icon to base the theme of our pub nights on, because it is especially recognizable among transgender people and most people outside of that think: 'huh?' 

3. What can you expect when you enter the COC café (for the first time) on the 2nd Saturday of the month? 

• When you walk into Blåhaj Blast you will be greeted by someone from our work group. Sometimes this is just someone from behind the bar who asks how they can help you (what you want to drink) and sometimes it is someone from us who casually walks around as a host. We try to make sure that everyone feels welcome right away, and that there are not too many groups between people who come more often and people who are there for the first time. We notice that our guests also deal with this openly and pleasantly. 

4. What is your motivation to host the Blåhaj Blast?

• Our goal is to build a community for transgender+ people who need it. We think it is important that we can find each other and have a good time. We also think it is important that there is a point of contact for questions and support.

5. Is there any other information the reader really needs to know? 

• Although the café evening starts at 8 pm, people with special questions (preferably by appointment) are welcome from 7 pm for an individual conversation. 
• There is also space to change clothes/put on make-up.
• During the café evenings, curtains are hung in front of the windows so you don't have to worry about your privacy.