British press tips Antwerp and 9 other European receptions as the most pleasant for LGBTQ+ community | Nina
During the summer holidays, the world is not at everyone’s feet. A recent study found that 71 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced discomfort while on vacation because of their gender. 61 percent therefore choose a destination based on their safety and well-being. But there is good news, as the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ searched and found 10 LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Europe.
1. Malta
Malta is one of the most LGBTQ+ progressive countries in the world. It is the first country in the European Union to ban conversion practices and boasts pride of place in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe Index, which ranks countries based on LGBTQ+ equality.
It doesn’t stop with those titles, by the way. Life on the island also offers a lot of beauty for the LGBTQ+ community. This way you can discover the twisting costumes of Valletta and Rabat with an LGBTQ+ person by your side. The Michelangelo nightclub in lively Paceville and the Monaliza Lounge Drag Bar are also must-see hotspots. And if you want to feel completely at home in Malta, it is best to fly there between 7 and 17 September. Then the EuroPride takes place.
2. Copenhagen
A must-see place in Copenhagen is probably Centralhjornet. It is one of Europe’s oldest gay bars, hosting Sunday drag and jazz sessions all year round. Another fun venue is Bøssehuset in Christiania, home to theatre, exhibitions and unmissable parties.
If you want to fly to Copenhagen in the autumn, it is best to do so between 21 and 30 October. Then there is the MIX Copenhagen LGBTQ+ film festival, which already had its origins in 1986 (!). No wonder Copenhagen is called the ‘LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Scandinavia’.
3. Dublin
Dublin also breathes LGBTQ+ hotspots. You will find Street 66 Bar, a cocktail bar in the middle of the iconic LGBTQ+ institution The George. Crossing the river makes the best stopover at PantiBar, owned by drag queen, activist and artist Panti Bliss. On the south side of town you will find Gutter Bookshop, run by two men. You can shake your hips during the large gay disco of Sunday Social in the bar Farrier & Draper.
Another fun fact: Dublin has had a gay deputy prime minister: Leo Varadkar since 2020. He is the fourth openly gay head of government in the world.
4. Milan
Milan has been a fashion city for years, but nowadays it is also turning out to be an LGBTQ+-friendly holiday destination. Start your city route to Porta Venezia from settle down in Leccomilano, Bar Basso from café-bar Blanco. Looking for something unique? Then book tickets for Gate Party, a monthly queer event featuring light shows, theater sets, dancers and performers. The pride parade also starts in Milan on 2 July, which attracts around 350,000 people every year.
5. Glasgow
Don’t even forget Edinburgh as a renowned LGBTQ+ mecca. Glasgow is indeed hot on the heels of the city with its mountainous streets, diverse neighborhoods and delicious food scene. The city’s oldest gay bar, The Waterloo, has been the focal point for the LGBTQ+ community for some fifty years. Another classic is the Underground bar, fun for drag shows and karaoke. Another cool place: the LGBTQ+ bookstore Category Is Boeken. Super friendly and always pleasantly busy.
6. Birmingham
You will find yourself in a city of rainbow flags when you visit Birmingham. A real draw is the historic Gay Village with all kinds of bars, cafes and shops. Also the lesbian bar The Fox or the legendary Nightingale Club (the oldest gay club in town) are definitely worth a visit (and even a dance pass).
This summer, Birmingham is also strongly committed to all kinds of LGBTQ+ events. Our number one? Bab’s Fierce’s Healing Gardens from June 27 to July 17. Part of Birmingham 2022 Festival, the festival is all about art, performances, drag and creative club nights.
7. Mykonos
Old-fashioned, Mykonos’ reputation as a queer heaven dates back to the 1970s. Over the years, the tiny island has grown into a veritable resort for LGBTQ+ people. Hang out at the hot spots Jackie O, bar Porta or Kastro’s, and stay at the Super Paradise, a hotel close to the island’s main LGBTQ+ beach.
Feel like having a dance? Then book a flight to Mykonos between 17 and 24 August. Then the island is dominated by XLSIOR, the large gay dance festival attended by 30,000 festival-goers.
8. Madrid
With a queer population of some 500,000 in the city, Madrid is without a doubt a veritable LGBTQ+ hotspot. In fact, it’s the most queer-friendly city in Spain. And the annual 1.5 million visitors add to that. Discover Plaza de Chueca, Mercado San Antón and enjoy some drag in the cozy LL Bar.
9. Helsinki
Is Helsinki on the schedule? Then don’t forget to peep at Mann’s Street or Street Pride in the Kamppi and Kvääristö districts, a nightlife for queer women, transgender people and non-binary people. The best place to sleep is in Klaus K, an LGBTQ+-friendly design hotel.
If you are enchanted by the city, you can also become a member of the Helsinki Homoinvaasio, or the Helsinki Gay Invasion. The aim of the organization is to wake up the gay scene with straight bars all over the city.
10. Antwerp
And last but not least our own Belgian port, Antwerp, also received an honorable mention. All but unjustified, because just like Malta, Belgium also scores high in the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2003, our country was even the second in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
If you visit Antwerp, it is best to visit the Zurenborg district. That’s where Kartonnen Dozen is located, the only LGBTQ+ bookstore in Flanders. Another recommendation: café Hessenhuis, housed in a building that is almost 500 years old, and Cut, Antwerp’s first women’s bar. Night owls should head to Cargo Club or The Boots. And don’t forget to try out the Antwerp hands, the regional product of the city of biscuits.
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