Gay rights in iceland

LGBTQ+ Iceland Guide

With socially linear legislation, an open-minded and friendly population, and a thriving gay scene, Iceland is the ideal destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. On a trip to Iceland, visitors will discover one of the most welcoming countries in the world.  

In this guide, explore 3 reasons why Iceland is a great destination for LGBTQ+ individuals. Plus, grasp 3 things not to miss in gay-friendly Iceland. 

Why Iceland is a superb destination for LGBTQ+ travelers

There are countless reasons for all adventurous travelers to visit Iceland. For instance, it’s one of the world’s best places to glimpse the magical northern lights or to search sublime volcanic landscapes. 

For gender non-conforming people in particular, it’s a welcoming, safe, and beautiful country with plenty of exciting things to experience. Here are 3 reasons why the Ground of Fire and Ice is the ideal destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

1. Evolving LGBTQ+ rights

Is Iceland LGBTQ-friendly? Absolutely! It’s no exaggeration to say that, when it comes to male lover rights and gender equality, Iceland is world-leading. Glance at any list of the world’s most gradual nations and you’ll view I

Your LGBTQIA+ Guide To Reykjavík

Reykjavík has been described as hip, trendy, and cosmopolitan, so there is no shortage of things to complete in Reykjavík!

Iceland is one of the most socially evolving countries in the world, and the capital city of Reykjavík is abode to many LGBTQIA+-friendly sights, activities, bars and restaurants. Permit us be your tour guide and read on for a Reykjavík itinerary geared especially towards LGBTQIA+ travellers, for things to execute in Reykjavík.

Before diving into the year-round LGBTQIA+ Reykjavik itinerary, it’s worth shouting out one of Reykjavík’s most famous, colourful cultural events of the year: Reykjavík Pride. Every summer since 1999, tens of thousands of guests reach to Reykjavík Iceland, to celebrate and support universal human rights.

Skólavörðustígur

What better place to begin an LGBTQIA+ tour of Reykjavík than the picturesque rainbow street? In previous years, the street was painted in rainbow colours in celebration of Reykjavík Celebration, but now the colours are maintained year-round. On a clear day, this street is the perfect place to take a picture of one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, stately Hallgrímskirkja.

Hallgrímskirk

From Iceland — The Struggle Continues: Iceland’s Chequered History Of Queer Rights

Hörður Torfason is a composer and an activist. He was the first public figures to come out of the closet in Iceland back in the ‘70s and was the founder of The National Queer Organisation, Samtökin 78. Arguably no one is a better authority on the history of LGBTQ rights in Iceland, and few if any have done more to stand up and be accounted for.

“I felt someone needed to step forth publicly, so I came out on August 4, 1975, when an interview with me was published in a magazine,” says Hörður. “Society assist then was incredibly rigid and square; we weren’t called homosexuals, we were called sexual deviants. But I was fortunate to have parents who always told me to be myself and stand for what I have faith in, and I think that is what allowed me to step forth.”

“I had to flee the country and move to Denmark and I contemplated suicide.”

Before the fateful interview Hörður was a much celebrated performer and actor, getting regular airplay on the radio and acting in packed theatres. But overnight that all changed.

“I lost my job and couldn’t get any work. I lost my dwelling and couldn’t find anywhe

Gay rights

For the first time gay visitor to Iceland it may be unyielding to imagine just how far lgbtq+ legal and social rights have arrive the past thirty years. Only as far back as in the eighties the word itself homosexuality was banned from Icelandic radio and television. Today same-sex couples can marry and adopt children (that is if they fulfill the conditions that apply for the adoption of children) and lesbians hold the right to assisted fertilization.

None of this would own been made workable without The National Queer Organization, (i. Samtökin´78). The group, founded in 1978, has fought tough for gay legal and social rights in Iceland modifying the nations viewpoint on homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexualism, making it more seeable and accepted than ever (also spot www.samtokin78.is).

Iceland’s geographic location in the North Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle has probably had its share of positive effect on homosexual legal and social rights. The state belongs to the Nordic countries, a term used for the geographical region also consisting of Norway, Finland, Sweden, The Faeroe Islands and Denmark, which have long been considered to be in the front line w