LESBIAN, GAY AND TRANS EUROPE

Whatever reason a lesbian gay or transgender traveller might have for coming to Europe, it’s a part of the world where most of the continent (but not all of it) has made tremendous strides towards lesbian and gay equality in the last two decades. Switzerland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Iceland, Portugal, Scotland, Hungary and even Croatia – and others too - are countries that have put in place legislation to promote equality for gay people and marriage or civil partnerships are available in the UK, Spain and a number of other European countries. Countries that are members of the European Union are required to legislate for equality. Generally speaking, most of Europe could be described as pro-gay with repression of lesbians and gay men prevalent only in the old ‘Eastern bloc’ countries such as Russia and some of its neighbours.

Where to go and where to stay:

Obviously this depends on what you are looking for – gay life, sex and partying, or interesting old mediaeval cities, or beautiful mountains, or...? The premier gay cities of Europe include London (England); Paris (France); Berlin (Germany); Amsterdam (Netherlands). But there are some lesser-known European cities that are great destinations for lesbian and gay travellers that want to combine lively city night life with beautiful scenery and interesting architecture. For example, check out Barcelona (Spain); Prague (Czech Republic); Copenhagen (Denmark); Brighton or Manchester (England); Milan or Rome (Italy); Hamburg (Germany); Antwerp (Belgium)... this list could go on much longer! All of these cities have much to offer lesbian and gay travellers, not just in terms of gay nightlife but in other interesting places to visit, historical sites, and beautiful surrounding countryside as well.  And don’t forget about the Greek Islands, some of which like Mykonos have had a lively gay scene for years; and the ultimate party-islands for gays and straights alike – Ibiza and Gran Canaria. Whatever you are looking for in Europe, if it's gay and it's worth going to, you can find it on Gaygetter.