Gay cities europe
From Switzerland to Spain, here are Europe’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries.
Europe has long been seen as relatively progressive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and thankfully it’s becoming even safer and more welcoming. But not all countries are equal – especially when it comes to policies and general level of acceptance – and some countries undertake a lot better than most. That’s why we’re unveiling the 20 most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe in Each nation has been carefully selected for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, linear laws, and inclusive atmosphere. We’ve created our own points system using respected benchmarking tools, including the IGLA Rainbow Europe and Equaldex, and combined this with other factors, such as the number of queer-friendly bars, festivals and events, and legislation. So, without further ado, here are 20 countries in Europe where love knows no bounds.
Estonia
Points: 26/50
Estonia is the most LGBT-friendly country in the Baltic and has risen in the ranks to become one of Europe’s top 20 LGBT-friendly countries in the past five years
A gay Europe move guide to the best gay cities, including travel tips on the optimal gay bars, clubs, tours & hotels in Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Rome and other foremost gay cities
It’s probably not a surprise, but Europe is one of my favorite continents. The diversity of cultures, peoples, foods, things to see and do—it’s this smorgasbord of life. I love it. Each European country has its own charms and quirks, and each city its own culture and life.
And while the modern gay rights movement might’ve begun outside a lgbtq+ bar in Modern York City with the Stonewall riots in , Europe has been at the forefront for LGBT issues for much of the past few decades.
Denmark was the world’s first region to allow queer partnerships and unions back in And the Netherlands enacted the world’s first commandment recognizing same-sex marriage in Since then, the world has seen one of the fastest civil rights movements take place with countries enacting similar progressive laws everywhere from the Americas to Europe and, yes, in Africa and Asia, too.
Rainbow Map
rainbow map
These are the main findings for the edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Route ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from %.
The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls following anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our press release.
“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”
- Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe
Malta has sat on uppermost of the ranking for the last 10 years.
With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
If you had to select just one continent for gay travel, Europe has to be the number one answer. It has so much to present including some of the most gay friendly, linear and welcoming cities and countries in the planet. There are many marvelous gay destinations in Europe! [no_toc]
Some countries in Europe, such as Spain and Sweden, go beyond basic acceptance or tolerance.
They own developed to a signal where the LGBTQ people is truly integrated into society, gay couples are not labelled ‘gay couples’; they are just another couple in the road – as it should be.
There are many well-known gay travel destinations in Europe, from the lgbtq+ hot spots in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona and Sitges, to Berlin in Germany, the same-sex attracted mecca of Mykonos in Greece and our UK home of Manchester.
But many lesser-known cities and countries in Europe are now following suit to welcome gay travellers into their countries which is a step in the right direction!
Why is European Homosexual Travel so easy?
So why is gay travel in Europe so easy and progressive in the first place? Here are