We all love that smug feeling of snagging a last-minute flight for the cost of a fancy coffee. But if you’re dreaming of sunbathing in Spain or nibbling croissants in France on a budget, Ryanair has a little plot twist for you. They’re cutting a bunch of routes faster than you can say “Bargain Bucket Airlines.”
Why? Well according to The Mirror, To avoid paying European taxes and airport fees. Because, let’s be honest, Ryanair’s business model doesn’t leave much wiggle room for “luxuries” like extra costs.
Spain: Hasta Luego, Cheap Seats Spain, the beloved land of tapas and accidental sunburns, is taking a big hit. Ryanair plans to chop summer 2025 air traffic here by a hefty 18 per cent. Translation: roughly 800,000 fewer bums on seats and 12 entire routes saying “adiós.”
Bye-bye, flights to Jerez and Valladolid, and one airport in Santiago will also disappear. Plus, cities like Vigo, Zaragoza, Asturias, and Santander will see traffic cuts. Expect a lot of confused tourists clutching beach towels at random Spanish bus stations.
Italy: Arrivederci, Aircraft Over in Rome, Ryanair is pulling one of its planes from Fiumicino airport. The Italian government must be shaking its fists in frustration, or maybe just enjoying another espresso.
Denmark and France: Route Reductions Ahoy! All flights from London Stansted to Aalborg in Denmark are getting the axe. Meanwhile, French and Austrian routes are also hanging by a thread. Apparently, Ryanair has had it with their aviation taxes.
What’s a Budget Traveler to Do? If your budget escape to Europe is suddenly feeling more “mission impossible,” fear not. You could book with another airline—or embrace your inner train enthusiast! Sleeper train services are set to make a big splash in 2025. Nothing screams “adventure” like bunk beds and lukewarm sandwiches.
So, Ryanair may be flying less, but your options for quirky travel stories are wide open. Happy (tax-dodging) travels!
The UK has been ranked 9th in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2023, making it one of the top 10 best places in the world for LGBT+ travel.
The index, which is published annually by Spartacus International Gay Guide, ranks countries based on a number of factors, including legal protections for LGBT+ people, the availability of LGBT+-friendly services and facilities, and the level of LGBT+ acceptance in society.
Malta emerged as the indisputable champion for the first time during the EuroPride held in September 2023, reaffirming its selection as the ideal host nation.
Canada and Switzerland shared the second position, with Switzerland experiencing a significant increase in its score from seven to twelve points due to its adoption of equal marriage and a liberalized gender self-identification law for individuals aged 16 years and above.
Israel and Vietnam also made notable progress by outlawing ‘conversion therapy’, a harmful and discredited practice. To date, only 23 nations have prohibited this outdated treatment. Meanwhile, the Conservative government of the United Kingdom is slow to act on its commitment to ban conversion therapy across the country.
This year, the United Kingdom maintained its previous score and secured a joint ninth position along with Germany, Iceland, and Spain.
The UK scored highly in all of these areas, with particular praise for its legal protections for LGBT+ people and its vibrant LGBT+ scene.
The UK is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to LGBT+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK since 2014, and there are no laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The UK also has a thriving LGBT+ scene, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and other venues catering to LGBT+ people. London is particularly known for its vibrant LGBT+ nightlife, and the city hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.
The Spartacus Gay Travel Index is a valuable resource for LGBT+ travelers, and the UK’s high ranking is a testament to its welcoming and inclusive environment.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK for LGBT+ travelers:
London: London is one of the most LGBT+-friendly cities in the world, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and other venues catering to LGBT+ people. The city also hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.
Manchester: Manchester is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a strong LGBT+ community. The city has a number of LGBT+-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh is a historic city with a thriving LGBT+ scene. The city hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.
Cardiff: Cardiff is the capital of Wales and a popular LGBT+ destination. The city has a number of LGBT+-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues.
Where is the worst place in the world for gay people to visit?
Unfortunately, there are still many places in the world where the LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination, persecution, and limited rights. Some of the countries with the worst gay rights records include:
Chechnya: The Chechen Republic, a federal subject of Russia, has been accused of conducting a violent campaign against gay men, including torture and extrajudicial killings.
Saudi Arabia: Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or even death.
Iran: Same-sex activity is illegal in Iran and can be punishable by death. LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran also face discrimination and harassment.
Uganda: Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and can be punished with life imprisonment. LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda face harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Nigeria: Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria and can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or even death. LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria face discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Many of us are eager to travel internationally again and 2021 is just around the corner. Once travel is safe and borders reopen, the question of where to visit next is top of mind. Major destinations like Paris, New York and London all have unrivalled gay scenes and are excellent cities to visit. However, there are endless fantastic places that are often overlooked in favour of their larger counterparts.
Here are five of the best alternative cities to visit on your next adventure.
Most visitors to Germany head straight for the capital Berlin but lying some 600km to the west on the banks of the Rhine River is one of the best alternative cities – Cologne. The eclectic range of Veedel or ‘city quarters’ are famed for their independent bookshops, fashionable restaurants and excellent bars – the most popular Veedel is the perennially cool Agnesviertel. You can even find a small collection of LGBT+ shops in Cologne including Best of, with gear like leather, rubber, gay underwear brands and accessories.
Once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire, today the city is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for gay travelers. The Kölner Dom dominates the skyline and is the city’s primary attractions. It’s free to enter but don’t waste your money paying for admission to the tower. If you’re into art, then the Ludwig Museum hosts an impressive collection of modern exhibits and hosts an array of rotating guest shows.
Billed as the second city in the UK, Manchester is famed for Oasis, Emmeline Pankhurst and the world’s longest-running television drama – Coronation Street. The city is packed with excellent museums, fantastic restaurants and a world-famous gay scene – Canal Street. Manchester’s industrial past is evident in its red brick architecture which still adorns much of the city today, much of which is the canvas for some inspiring street art.
To explore more of the city’s heritage then visit The People’s History Museum and the Museum of Science and History. The Whitworth Art Gallery and the Imperial War Museum North are another two informative, and free, places you should check out. The Northern Quarter is the city’s bohemian, queer district, filled with eclectic pubs, speakeasy cocktails bars and artisan coffee hangouts making Manchester one of the best alternative cities to visit in the UK.
The state capital of Texas is one of America’s underrated gems. The ‘Keep Austin Weird’ slogan can be seen emblazoned on shirts and stickers across the city – a show of determination of Austin’s residents to keep their city a beacon of bohemianism.
While the city is short on traditional landmarks, there is an abundance of cultural activity taking place in the boutique bars, restaurants and cafes centered in the Downtown region. The University campus is well-worth visiting for its grand architecture – quite unique in Texas and if you enjoy the great outdoors then Barton Creek Greenbelt is just moments from the city center and will satisfy your trekking desires.
Edinburgh has enchanted visitors for decades and its rugged scenery, cosy pubs and ancient architecture. While it retains its historic charms, it has also adopted a metropolitan vibe and today is an excellent choice for LGBT+ travellers. Though the city doesn’t have a particularly large gay scene, there are a few gay bars in town worth visiting where you can connect with locals.
One of the most popular events in the city is Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Attending for the event is the perfect reason to go on a holiday to Edinburgh to enjoy all the beautiful historical sights, landscapes and culinary delights while also getting knee deep in modern culture. This is Edinburgh’s Christmas, and the Fringe really is the gift that keeps on giving.
You can also head beyond the capital by car or train and discover the magnificent Scottish Highlands. Inverness is the main city here and can be used as a base to explore the wild outdoors or you can rent a cosy mountain cabin or traditional cottage where you enjoy the beautify landscapes of Scotland.
Despite the fact that Greece is one of the European countries still fighting for full marriage equality it still remains one of the most vibrant gay destinations spots in the world. Mykonos is perhaps the more well-known destination and traditional gay mecca but other Greek cities and islands are not to be missed. Of course, the capital city of Athens is home to the world-famous Acropolis along with a number of other excellent attractions. This ancient city is a collection of structures and fortifications – the most famous of which is The Parthenon. Make sure you also visit the Acropolis Museum, hosting a fantastic collection of Greek art.
The Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium is the oldest ancient building in Athens and is a wonder to behold. Constructed in 335 BC it was the home of the Panathenaic Games and rebuilt in 1896 for the modern Olympics. It seats a staggering 60,000 spectators in its 47 tiers and it is the only stadium in the world which is built entirely of marble. Greek food is also fantastic and is actually much cheaper in the city than on the islands, so Athens is great for foodies on a budget.
Auston runs the blog Two Bad Tourists and is also a freelance writer. His work has been featured in many publications including The Gay UK, Attitude Magazine, Edge Media Network, The Houston Chronicle and ManAboutWorld Magazine.
The US election has been startling and gripping to watch in equal measure. There’s no doubt that the Trump presidency has been truly divisive and many minorities including, POC and LGBT+ folks have been poorly treated by his administration.
The 2020 Presidential election turn out has been huge and the fallout from the result will sure to be grim for some places in the US.
But we’ve done some research on in which States Donald Trump and the Republican party got the most votes and because of that party’s policies towards women’s rights, LGBT+ folk and well and the out and out racism that Trump’s administration has fueled in America in last four years, you might want to stay clear of these States, which voted Trump in large numbers.
For reference, if a state voted in the majority for the Republicans, but didn’t pass 54% (such as Texas, Florida and Iowa) we excluded them from this list.
Now, this is not to say that people who live in these states are themselves racist, homophobic or misogynistic… we’d never make that claim, but WTF Wyoming… 70 per cent?
Now for balance, is Joe Biden pro-gay?
Is Biden the knight in shining armour that people are hoping?
Joe Biden didn’t always support LGBT+ rights. In fact, his stance on same-sex marriage in 2012, was a turn-a-round moment for him. after he voted against it in 2006. In 2004 he voted to cut off federal funds to schools that taught the acceptance of homosexuality.
However, if words and his recent actions are to be believed, then Biden’s evolution could see him become the most pro-equality President the US has ever seen. He’s seemingly an equal opportunist, having place Kamala Harris has his Vice President running mate.
Poker is undoubtedly the world’s most popular casino game boasting millions upon millions of players all over the planet. Traditionally the game has been dominated by men and has been less than inclusive to women and the LGBT+ community.
Things are changing though, female participation in the game has increased to around 15% in recent years and poker has also become more inclusive to members of the LGBT+ community. If you’re an avid fan of poker and are looking for an LGBT+ friendly environment to play in this article is for you.
We’ll take a detailed look at some of the world’s most gay-friendly places to play and enjoy poker. If there are any places, we’ve missed out on be sure to let us know in the comments section below.
Sin City as it is known colloquially is the Mecca of world gambling with an abundance of world-class gambling facilities. Poker in Vegas is one of the biggest draws to the 40 million tourists that touch down at McCarran International every year.
There are a huge range of poker tournament types, if you’re looking for a small-stakes cash game, or a high-rollers tournament or an LGBT+ friendly game, then Vegas has you covered. Almost every casino in the city from the well-known Mirage to the lesser-known bars such as Charlie’s run frequent LGBT+ poker events.
On top of that, the city has a thriving LGBT+ community and a dedicated online magazine called Gay Vegas that details all the latest news from the city as well as dates for upcoming events. One of the best places to visit away from the poker table is Freezone.
Situated right in the centre of the action, Freezone is a lively gay bar that regularly plays hosts to some of the biggest names in karaoke and drag. Drinks prices are also much lower than anywhere in Vegas, making it one of the best places to let your hair down and relax.
If you were to ask most British people to name their top three holiday destinations in the USA, chances are Colorado wouldn’t feature very highly. On this side of the pond it is more known for being home to the fictional town of South Park than anything else.
Despite that, it really is one of the most beautiful states in the whole of the USA and is a must-see for any thrill-seeking, natural beauty loving tourist. The world-famous Rocky Mountains can be found in Colorado, just 60 or so miles from Denver.
This stunning mountain range will take your breath away and help you to find a place of inner calm as you bask in the awe of amazing nature. You’ll want to make Denver your base for your stay in Colorado, a city with an intriguing history and a thriving LGBT+ community. Get your poker fill at The Denver Wrangler, a popular gay bar that runs a weekly LGBT+ poker tournament called ‘All in Bitches’ every Monday.
If you haven’t heard of the small town Sitges in Catalonia, think of it as the Brighton of Spain. Its economy is predominantly based on the Pink Pound, with hundreds of thousands of gay tourists flocking from all over Europe to the town every year.
Almost every bar, club and hotel in the town plays a keen role in Sitges’ bustling LGBT+ calendar with parties and events galore planned to entertain the tourists. On top of that you can enjoy some intense poker action in a relaxed, LGBT+ friendly environment.
Poker and most other forms of casino gambling have been legal in Spain for decades and casino gambling is perhaps even more popular in Spain than it is here in the UK.
When you step out of the Hauptbahnhof train station and take your first steps into the thriving metropolis of Berlin, you’ll be struck by the dominating industrial revolution style architecture. Don’t let that fool you into thinking that Berlin’s attitudes to the LGBT+ are as traditional as its buildings.
Berlin is actually one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe and has a long history of playing host to Europe’s LGBT+ community stretching back to the Victorian Era when bars and clubs throughout the city were regularly played by gay icons such as Marlene Dietrich.
There are so many things to see and do from an LGBT+ perspective in Berlin that it would be foolish to attempt to list them all out here. Heile Welt and SchwuZ are two of the best-known gay bars in the city and there’s also the infamous and exclusive Berghain Club which is well worth a visit for intrepid tourists.
There’s also plenty of poker action to avail of in the city, so once you’ve done sampling the delights of the gay scene get yourself to a casino and pit your wits against some of Berlin’s best players. The Trabrennbahn Mariendorf and Spielbank are two of the best to try out.
When you think of dream beach getaways and idyllic honeymoon destinations there are a few locations that spring to mind. You might consider the Caribbean, plan to bounce over to Bermuda, or maybe even the Maldives. Unfortunately, the sad truth is all those countries still class being gay as a criminal act. So there’s one clear winner when it comes to the best place to go for a gay beach vacation, the Seychelles aka the GAYchelles!
In May 2016, the Seychelles Parliament voted to amend Section 151 of their Penal Code that named sodomy a felony that was punishable with up to 14 years in prison. While the news wasn’t especially well-received by religious leaders, it was a landmark decision that gives gay travel enthusiasts added confidence in visiting the stunning 115-island country off the East African coast, making it one of the few African countries to decriminalize the gays.
With male-male intercourse now legal (lesbian sex was always fine apparently) the Seychelles have even legalised same-sex marriage, and gay residents are able to legally adopt children as a couple. That being said, the predominantly Catholic country is still fairly conservative, operating a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to all visitors, but with any hostility directed more towards locals than tourists.
Tourism is one of the Seychelles’ most lucrative industries, so it relies on doing it well. The islands are scattered with high-end resorts, catering to the luxury escape fantasy that fills most of our minds when we think of a trip to the Seychelles.
I was lucky enough to stay at the luscious Eden Bleu resort which has always been welcoming of LGBT travellers, offering discrete private beaches and villas long before it was all decriminalized.
While the country is now more accepting of LGBT visitors and locals, it’s still a long way from having any kind of gay scene. The capital city of Victoria can be walked in about 30 minutes (40 if you stop to take photos) so don’t expect a bustling social scene of any kind. That’s not really what tourists come to the Seychelles for.
Two of the islands, Mahe and Praslin, are a little more vibrant and are home to a few nightclubs, bars and discos (oh yeah, discos). While there are no actual gay-only venues local sources say that Barrel is probably the best place to go if you’re looking for an LGBT-accepting crowd and a place to dance the night away before you pass out on a beach.
The Seychelles are a great beach holiday for any gay traveller, and the locals will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I visited the Seychelles as part of an LGBT press trip, and even wandering around with a big group of gays I never encountered anything but friendly, genuine welcome attitudes.
When to visit the Seychelles
The Seychelles has a tropical climate and has warm temperatures all year round so you’ll never need to pack anything warmer than shorts. The downside being that there are rainy seasons, which is great if you like swimming in the rain or if, like me, your ginger skin is not designed for sunbathing.
When searching for a nudist beach, minds often wander to a warmer, more ‘European’ environment. Where banana hammocks are frequently discarded in favour of sunning those few parts that were left to the imagination. But you don’t have to travel that far to get some sun on your privates at a not-so-private locale, there are plenty of nude beaches right here in the UK.
We have nude beaches in the UK? Really? All I can think about is the amount of unflattering shrinkage that will be occurring. But for those of you who enjoy shedding your clothes and parking your posterior on pebbles WHATEVER the weather, there are a surprising number of nudist beaches right here in the UK for you to explore.
Just remember that not all nudist beaches are gay beaches, and not all gay nudist beaches are ok with other “activities”. A nudist beach is not always an excuse to go dogging.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Let’s start with the most (in)famous nudist beach in the UK. Studland has the image of naked men baked right into the title. The popular beach is packed come summertime, whether or not the weather is hot, so this is not the beach to come to if you’re looking for peace and solitude. The shy nudists out there might be better off trying a different beach if you’re still precarious about stripping off.
Studland Bay has a dedicated gay section which, whether you like it or not, has unsurprisingly become a popular cruising ground. Many voyeurists take to the dunes for a little slap and tickle of the bait and tackle before taking a cheeky skinny dip in the sea.
Brighton Beach, Sussex
Originally opened in 1979, Brighton’s nudist beach is one of the most popular and most accessible nudist beaches in the UK. And since it’s Brighton and involves public nudity, the beach is hugely popular within the gay community. Despite the fact that the beach itself is one of shingle and pebbles, it remains one of the UK’s busiest naturist spots. So be sure to bring flip-flops and particularly comfortable towel if you’re planning on sunning your bits in Brighton.
Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall
If you’re looking for something more secluded, and perhaps a little more comfortable and beach-like, then it’s time to head to Cornwall. Britain’s best beaches are tucked away at its southernmost point, many of which are treacherously difficult to access. The rugged beauty of the West Cornwall coastline makes it ideal for naturists, populated with plenty of little coves and rocks that are perfect for sunbathing in your birthday suit. Though naturism is not officially recognised down there, you’ll be sure to come across many isolated coves whose seclusion makes them well-suited for nudists.
Porthzennor is one of the coastline’s secluded sandy coves that is difficult to get to but ensures that there won’t be any passers-by that will be shocked to see your white bits. The crashing cliffs cleave open to reveal several corners of private sand that make an ideal private beach for two (or more). Just be careful when swimming as there are often strong undertows, and the closest land from there is the USA.
St Osyth, Essex
Nude beaches in Essex just seems to be asking for trouble to me. I mean how many people try to tan in the land of fake tan? But low and behold St Osyth exists, not far from Clacton-on-sea, in the heart of good ole Essex beach country. The beach itself is a bugger to get to, taking about 20 minutes to walk to from the nearest car park. So while this makes access difficult for the more “mature naturist”, it also discourages snoopers.
The beach itself is about 2 miles long and isn’t overlooked, with about 1 or 2 miles of ground between it and the nearest road or track. St Osyth is unofficially divided into three different sections: one for straight naturists, one for men only, and then one populated by sand dunes. The latter part has been known to be something of a “swinging” area, but again that’s all just luck of the draw and who’s around on that day.
Morfa Dyffryn, Wales
Wales?! I know, first Essex now Wales, but hear me out. What the Welsh coast lacks in warmth, it makes up for with incredible landscapes to go with your manscapes (I’m running out of naked men jokes here). The blissful Morfa Dyffryn beach was made an official nudist beach in 2000 after a number of complaints by residents. The council put signposts up earmarking a 1 km space for people to disrobe. It has pristine clear (albeit slightly chilly) waters that are so clean they have earned the highest quality rating by European standards. Waters which are frequented by dolphins and the occasional German nudist. High praise from both.
So at this point in the list, we’ve all but abandoned the idea of a hot sandy beach in favour of whatever else UK beaches have to offer. So in for a penny, in for a pound, and let’s get naked on the brisk beaches of Scotland.
Cleat’s Shore is Scotland’s only official nude beach, and despite that impressive title, it is almost always empty. This makes it a great spot for our first time naturists. You’re far more likely to spend your time conversing with nature rather than other couples. But you won’t be the only nudists on the beach; seals are common in the area, so at least you’ll be skinnier than someone.
Throw in some rock pools, basking sharks and the occasional golden eagle, and Cleat’s Shore is a nude beach with a difference, which, let’s face it, is probably a good thing.
So don’t write off the UK as a great place to strip off. Yes, the water may be colder, but the experience may be all the richer because of it. Have you been to any secret or beautiful nude beaches in the UK? Want to know what it’s like to go on a nudist beach for the first time, our editor tried it out.
Have you ever been? Malta is a little paradise off the coast of Italy, just three hours flight from the UK. It’s full of culture and interesting nooks and crannies fill every town. There are crystal waters to gaze upon to while away your stresses and we really want to go there right now. Oh and it’s so gay… (friendly)
Our travel writer, Ray Si helped lay it all as to why Malta is one of the world’s most LGBT+ friendly countries in the world today.
It ranks high
It is a little-known fact that Malta ranks as the leading country, before even The UK and Belgium, regarding how the laws and policies of the country positively impact on the lives of LGBT+ people.
Discrimination protections
Discrimination regarding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in Malta has been banned nationwide since 2004.
Constitutionally equal
Malta is one of the few countries in the world to have made LGBT+ rights equal at a constitutional level.
No converts
In 2016, Malta became the first country in the European Union to ban conversion therapy.
But not many LGBT+ venues
Despite being a liberal country, Malta is extremely limited when it comes to exclusive gay venues.
All pictures via FLICKR, click on the picture to visit the photographer.
Yes, there are a number of great nudist beaches in the UK, but apparently, if you want to go to the best in Europe you’ll have to travel further afield.
According to Globehunters the best nudist beach for gay friendliness is actually the incredible liberal country of Sweden.
The travel experts point out that Agesta Beach in Sweden is the “best beach destination for the LGBT+ community” and it gives the country a magnificent 322 points on its LGBTQ+ Danger Index.
Globehunter’s LGBT+ Danger Index score was taken from Asher & Lyric’s index of the safest and least safe countries for gay, bi, lesbian and trans travellers, with the highest scores indicating a safer country.
Chilly willy?
However, if you’re planning to head to Sweden’s premier nudist beach you might want to actually keep some clothes on as the Average summer temperature is just 15.7 degrees – that’s way to chilling for us to get our kit off.
For the best warmth, you’d have to travel transatlantic to either Austin, Texas’s Hippie Hollow or Jamaica’s Ocho Rios. However, Jamaica receives a dismal -98 points on the LGBT+ danger index according to Globehunters.
The best nudist beach for the gay community in the UK is Brighton’s Naturist Beach – which has an average summer temperature just marginally better than Sweden – at 16.3 degrees.
A lift – or in that delicious New York drawl, an ‘elevator’ – can say a lot about a hotel.
Being easily spooked, I usually detest them. Thus, any distraction is welcome, from music to low-lighting or a retro lift operator/baby-sitter.
So then, what to make of the 286-room Moxy East Village, and its very, very memorable lifts? At first glance, you’re greeted by glassy explosions of stars, so brightly-lit, they’re piercing. On closer inspection, you see they’re actually emojis – including the beloved poop emoji. Once you’ve processed this (‘What the actual…’), and made awkward eye contact with the other guests in what feels like a hall of mirrors, you’ve reached your floor.
Full marks on the distraction front.
Irreverent, fun and young, the clearly-defined Moxy brand follows the lead of sister hotels Moxy Times Square and Moxy Chelsea. Still brand spanking new since opening in September 2019 – the rooftop bar isn’t even finished yet – this is dependable and well-located stopover, minutes from Union Square, that won’t break the bank. Prices start at $179 (£138.12) per night, and that isn’t easy to find in Manhattan.
A timelessly smart, clean exterior, courtesy of Stonehill Taylor, is somewhat at odds with more daring design and decor from Rockwell Group inside. Not least in the lounge, where wacky features included a vast collection of 90s knickknacks. Among them VHS tapes, a Fisher Price cassette player and a skee-ball table that begs you to play with it.
The famously (or infamously) compact rooms, meanwhile, exploit space in inventive ways: fold-away furniture, bunk beds, flat screens HDTVs literally at the foot of your bed. My queen room covered 155 square feet and I didn’t feel cooped up, but people I know who’ve stayed with the Moxy in the past have felt differently. My advice: go with it, and don’t let your luggage explode all over the room, as that’ll make it feel even smaller. Space is lacking, but it’s worth it for the price point and the perks, such as fast Wi-Fi, rain showers and a Netflix connection: hallmarks of a truly modern hotel.
Meanwhile, the moody lighting and plush textures in the Alphabet Bar & Cafe is a Manhattan fantasy come true, and a show-stopping hanging wire sculpture by Edoardo Tresoldi in the absurdly glamorous Cathédrale restaurant is befitting of a five-star hotel. Elsewhere, the atmosphere and the service exudes easygoing cool.
The East Village is one of umpteen gay playgrounds in NYC so there’s plenty to see and do on your doorstep. You simply must visit the Cock, a time-tested gay dive bar, and Big Gay Ice Cream – ‘like Ben & Jerry f***ed each other’, as my friend puts it.
But what really sets the East Village apart is its historical flavour: it’s the former stomping ground of actual, proper queer icons like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Allen Ginsberg. The latter, for example, lived at 437 East 12th Street for 40 years until he passed away in 1997. It’s also where Blondie’s Debbie Harry lived while working as a Playboy Bunny in the 60s (oh, to have been her roommate), and other famous former residents include Jack Kerouac, Jeff Koons and Madonna.
Gentrification has scrambled the countercultural spirit somewhat, so to get under its skin, a tour with an in-the-know local is good bet.
When you’re planning an international relocation as a member of the LGBT+ community, there are additional things to think about besides job opportunities, housing prices and public transport. LGBT rights can vary greatly from country to country, and even within regions that are ostensibly friendly towards LGBT+ people, you can still find some cities more welcoming than others.
If you’re getting restless and looking for your next big adventure, the good news is there are plenty of amazing cities all over the world that are as LGBT-friendly as they are a winning expat pick. To help inspire and inform you, here are ten of the best.
1. Berlin, Germany
Germany scores highly in a number of expat living charts, known as a country that offers a high quality of life, economic stability and a good level of disposable income. The capital city, Berlin, happens to also be a lively and artistic LGBT+ haven.
Pride weeks every summer and an impressive range of gay nightlife spots are just the tip of the iceberg in Berlin, an incredibly liberal city that is known for its ever-changing street art and innovative vegan cuisine. Often described as one of Europe’s most tolerant cities, this is a place where you can truly be yourself, no matter who you are or how you identify.
Germany protects the rights of LGBT+ citizens in work and in housing, as well as in marriage, adoption and other crucial areas, and Berlin is a vibrant hub for the community.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex partnerships, and is described by Lonely Planet as being the ‘most gay-friendly place on earth’. Within that, Copenhagen boasts Europe’s oldest openly gay bar, and the city’s slogan is ‘Love of freedom, freedom to love.’
Soon to be the host of WorldPride in 2021, expats moving to Copenhagen can expect a great work-life balance as well as a warm welcome. Denmark is also a country which prides itself on sustainability, as well as inclusivity, so if you’re working on your carbon footprint this could be the choice for you.
3. San Francisco, USA
You may already be familiar with the Castro District, which is known as one of the first-ever openly gay neighbourhoods in the USA. That’s just one part of this colourful LGBT+ hotspot, where you can see rainbow crosswalks and monuments to icons like Harvey Milk.
San Francisco remains one of America’s most forward-thinking cities to this day, and while not every city in the USA is equal, this is one destination where you can feel confident your rights as an LGBT+ individual will be upheld and defended.
While life in San Francisco can be expensive, wages are also higher than you’ll find in other major cities – and with the city playing home to a melting pot of expats from all over the world, you’re sure to find a way to fit right in.
4. Santiago, Chile
Chile might not be the first place that springs to mind when you’re contemplating an international relocation as an LGBT+ person. However, Santiago has come a long way since the turn of the millennium, and the city now offers a strong LGBT+ culture and an impressive host of gay venues and events to enjoy.
Lauded by some as the LGBT+ capital of South America, Santiago offers ample opportunity for expats looking to teach English, provided you have a reasonable understanding of the Spanish language. It’s a safe city with a low cost of living, surrounded by beautiful scenery and offering great public transport.
5. Gran Canaria, Spanish Canary Islands
The gay scene in Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles is hard to beat wherever in the world you might look. With numerous Pride festivals taking place throughout the year, this is already a number one vacation destination for gay travellers from all over the world – but it’s also a good spot if you’re planning on a permanent relocation.
If you can pin down a job contract lasting a minimum of three months, you can get fully-fledged resident status in Gran Canaria without much trouble. Though you’ll need to organise your own global healthcare plan in the meantime, as Spain does not provide free healthcare for non-residents. Despite this, settling in permanently is relatively easy compared to most destinations.
6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is famous all over the world for being a city which accepts and promotes ‘fringe’ lifestyles in many forms, so it should come as no surprise to hear that it’s also a destination proud to support and champion LGBT+ people.
In addition to regular Pride events, thriving gay nightlife venues and a host of resources and organisations that newcomers to the area can take advantage of, Amsterdam also offers easy cultural acclimatising for western expats. With English widely spoken, job opportunities in a range of industries, and late-opening shops and restaurants, adjusting to a new life in the Netherlands shouldn’t be a struggle.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland was the first country in the world to elect an openly gay head of state, and was one of the first places to legalise same-sex partnerships and marriages. Not just a country which fiercely defends the equal rights of all inhabitants, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, Iceland is also known for its stunning scenery and frequent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
Reykjavik, in particular, offers an incredibly high quality of life to its residents, with a low unemployment rate and booming tourism sector. Register for free with an employment agency to have the best chance of securing a role before your move.
8. Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is proud to have been the country which elected the world’s first out transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, as well as having continuously elected a steady stream of out and proud MPs to parliament in the last few decades.
While Auckland’s LGBT nightlife scene isn’t as loud and lively as some cities on this list, local attitudes to the community are such that venues simply don’t feel the need to segregate themselves, in many cases. You’ll find a safe and welcoming night out regardless of whether a bar is labelled as LGBT+ or not.
New Zealand appeals to many expats because of its natural beauty, from volcanoes and beaches to rainforests and waterfalls. Move to Auckland and you’ll find a thriving economy with diverse employment opportunities, from fin-tech and software companies to jobs in hospitality.
9. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp Pride attracts around 50,000 visitors each year, hardly a surprise in a country which has always been at the forefront of defending LGBT+ rights. This cosmopolitan city has been multicultural for centuries, and remains a welcoming hub for expats moving from all over the world.
Half of the population here speaks at least three languages, so while it’s a good idea to fine-tune your language skills in order to truly feel like a local, you can get along by speaking English and/or Dutch alone.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are all incredibly popular destinations with expats who are looking for good job opportunities and a great quality of life. Across this tolerant country, it’s hard to pick the best LGBT+ destination, but Vancouver, in particular, is a brilliant choice if you’re keen to find a growing LGBT community where you can easily settle in.
Described by Conde Nast Traveller as ‘Canada’s most gay-friendly city’, Vancouver is also a safe and spacious city that puts you a stone’s throw from beautiful natural sights and boundless outdoor activity opportunities. The best known ‘gay neighbourhood’ is Davie Village, but you’ll find it’s safe to be yourself wherever in the city you choose to move.
