THEGAYUK

Tag: Germany News

Get the latest LGBT+ Germany news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Germany.

  • The Best Places for Gay Travel 2017

    The Best Places for Gay Travel 2017

    Planning a gay vacay this year but not sure where to go? While there are a lot of amazing destinations for gay travel, there are a few spots that are extra special when it comes to welcoming LGBTQ travellers, and some that have naturally become gay hotspots because of their fabulousness.

    gay travel gay hotel

    Hipster, designer and gay travel blogger extraordinaire Adam Groffman put together a list of some of the Best Places for Gay Travel in 2016 on his Travels of Adam site that he has kindly shared with THEGAYUK. Read on to get your inspiration for amazing gay travels for 2017.

    Here’s the thing about gay travel—you can pretty much do it anywhere. If you’re gay and you travel, guess what!? You’re gay travelling 😉

    But, still… there are some places which are just so much more welcoming, more friendly and more fun for gay travellers. Some travel companies make concerted efforts to court LGBTQ travellers, while others just naturally become hotspots thanks to their location, their creed or their clientele. Finding gay places when travelling can sometimes be a challenge—a lot of it depends on word of mouth (whether that arrives to you from friends, friends of friends, or through a gay dating app). But then there are also a handful of gay websites which make finding gay places easier. Probably the biggest international directory of gay cities is, predictably, GayCities.com. Their mix of user-generated content, stories, photos essays and events is all-encompassing.

    Each year, GayCities.com puts out a survey of the best gay cities, places, hotels and other travel things. It’s a fun survey where you can vote for your favourite gay places (I’m always voting for Berlin, hoping that it will win!).

    THE BEST PLACES FOR GAY TRAVEL 2016 MY PICKS!

    Best Gay City
    BERLIN

    As my adopted home, Berlin makes it to the top of every one of my lists—it’s great for foodies, for budget travellers, for luxury travellers, for sex tourism, for hipsters and for film fanatics. The other options on GayCities’ list of best cities are decent, but honestly: Berlin has a bit of something for everyone. New York City and Chicago are probably at the top of my list for best USA gay destinations, but with early closing times for the nightlife, it’s hard to really top Berlin.

    Best Foodie Paradise
    CHICAGO

    Chicago, nestled in the middle of America, is one of America’s most surprising cities. Unlike NYC and LA on either coast, Chicago sits right there in the middle, with the best of both worlds but its own distinct identity. When I last visited Chicago, I quite literally ate all the food—from fried pickles and pancakes to hipster donuts and BIG brunches. If ever there was a city designed for foodies, it is Chicago.

    Best Up-and-Coming City
    STOCKHOLM

    I think there are a lot of rising stars among the most gay-friendly cities. I’m currently writing this from Texas, where some of the Texan cities are surprisingly gay and—actually!—cool. But, in Europe, Stockholm’s pull makes it one of the coolest places to visit today. Stockholm doesn’t usually make it immediately on most USA tourists’ first-time trips to Europe, but with new budget airline connections, it’s only going to get more cool.

    Best Capital of Culture
    NEW YORK CITY

    New York City is an absolutely overwhelming city—it’s no wonder that it’s one of the world’s most popular cities. There are millions of things to see and do in NYC, from world-class museums, historic buildings and shopping—so much shopping! This year, the U.S. National Park Service even recognized the historic gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, as a historic monument. And don’t even get me started on Broadway—so much of the great theater and musicals originate here. Creativity and culture are bursting out of every pothole in this amazing city.

    Read more: Cheap and Free Things To Do in NYC

    Best Airline
    AMERICAN AIRLINES

    As a Oneworld alliance member, American Airlines is at the top of my preferred airlines. (It also helps that I grew up flying in and out of DFW airport in Texas—their hub.) While some frequent fliers might find AA more stuffy and business-oriented than other airlines, it’s surprisingly cool for being—literally—the world’s largest airline! Their Instagram is a fun sneak peek into the company culture—and it always goes rainbow each LGBT pride month.

  • Reparations called for anti-gay Nazi law which criminalised over 50,000 gay men

    Reparations called for anti-gay Nazi law which criminalised over 50,000 gay men

    Two parliamentarians in Germany are calling for reparations on behalf of over 50,000 gay men convicted of anti-gay laws enacted by the Nazis.

    Katja Keul and Volker Beck from Germany’s Green Party are calling for reparations on behalf of tens of thousands of gay men who were criminalised for their sexuality during Nazi rule.

    Thousands of men were imprisoned and sent to concentration camps during the violent oppression in Nazi Germany.

    The law in question, Paragraph #175, an anti-sodomy bill which was introduced in 1871, was used to target gay men.

    In 1935 Hitler’s government sharpened the Paragraph from the carnal act to any act that could be construed as homosexual.

    This change in the law meant that the conviction rate soared from a few hundred to over 8000 gay men in one year.

    The law wasn’t repeal after Hitler’s government ended. It remained on the books in East Germany until 1968. It wasn’t until 1994 that #175 was abolished in unified Germany, including what had once been West Germany.

    According to VICE, between 1935 and 1943 around 46,000 men were convicted under the provision. Between five and ten thousand of those were sent to concentration camps. Less than half are believed to have survived.

    Earlier in August (8th) Katja Keul and Volker Beck sent a compensatory draft law calling for reparations.

    They said,

    “An end must be put to the continuing scandal that men in the Federal Republic of Germany have to live with the stigma of having been convicted because they were homosexual”.

  • Take A Good ‘Loft’ Around Berlin

    Take A Good ‘Loft’ Around Berlin

    Berlin is a principal political hub overflowing with history, monuments, and entertainment venues, and is highly regarded for its diverse architecture and high standard of living. Of paramount importance (to me) are the 24-hour train services, outstanding theatre, and the Friedrichstraße area (formerly East Berlin) that has an East Side New York feel.

    CREDIT: TTstudio-bigstock
    CREDIT: TTstudio-bigstock

    I frequently use Ryanair when flying to Berlin as the journey time of one hour twenty minutes from Stansted is sufficiently short for one not to realise the lack of comfort provided by an economy airline. Arriving at Berlin’s Schonefeld airport, one can get direct to the city centre in forty minutes. Purchase your travel pass at the airport tourism kiosks to save time (one-day, three-day or five-day passes can be bought). Berlin’s trains are easy to use and the lack of ticket barriers provides a feeling of trustworthiness and frees one from the obstacles such barriers can present.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    Turning to accommodation in Berlin, one is spoilt for choice. Ranging from five-star hotels to hostels and private apartments, these can be sought in prime locations. A prime choice of apartment for me would be Miniloft, which is located near Friedrichstraße, an area subjected to major rejuvenation in the downtown area of Mitte, noted for its upmarket real estate. Located in close proximity to the U-Bahn station and trams, Miniloft apartments offer accommodation in four authentic and eye-catching designs, prime location and a tailor-made guide for the tourist. Miniloft has fully equipped apartments with lift access, private entry control and comforting heated floors. There is a splendid light environment, complete with the convenience of blackout blinds. A ten-minute walk will find one surrounded by the chic wine bars and colourful eateries of the Mitte district.

    CREDIT: R.Babakin-bigstock
    CREDIT: R.Babakin-bigstock

    If one is looking for culture in Berlin, the theatre breaks offer an outstanding option, and entertainment features the Broadway likes of Chicago, The Blue Man Group, and Aladdin. One point of note is that dialogue and music are in the German language.

    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied

    Moving away from Berlin’s Broadway, stay at Minioft to explore the city’s East End, Berlin’s hip nightlife district. Europe’s largest show palace is located here, Friedrichstadt Palast, which contains the world’s largest theatre stage.

    With excellent accommodation, which can be found by visiting www.miniloft.com, and outstanding cultural, historical, and recreational attractions, a visit to Berlin is certain to provide maximum appeal.

    Why not treat yourself to a stay in one of Europe’s major cities, and absorb the atmosphere in Berlin, where there is an abundance of diverse attractions waiting for you to discover.

    Miniloft is from €113.30 in May

  • Top 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In Europe

    Christmas is coming and with it comes the cold, snow, stressful last-minute-present-buying, and Christmas markets.

    You’ve probably seen some around your town or city, and if you’re in for travelling a little further afield this year, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets from around Europe.

    MADRID

    SPAIN

    The largest square in Madrid is home to a stunningly beautiful market in November and December.

    This usually summer vacation spot comes alive to celebrate Christmas during the winter months.

    VIENNA

    AUSTRIA

    Between mid-November and the end of December, Vienna’s centuries-old Christmas markets have something for everyone. One of the oldest in Europe, running since 1298 as a simple ‘December Market’, there are now over 20 Christmas market areas across the city.

    PRAGUE

    CZECH REPUBLIC

    A smaller market in Prague is coupled with the Annual International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music. The city space is home to traditional Advent markets, and open-air performances by various ensembles.

    BRUSSELS

    BELGIUM

    Running from late-November to early January, the Brussels market covers the city centre and is one of the few that includes a public ice-skating rink.

    LILLE

    FRANCE

    This cute French city springs into vibrant Christmas celebrations at the market place ‘On Place Rihour’ where visitors can find local and international treats, arts & crafts, and food. Ooh la la!

    DRESDEN

    GERMANY

    One of Germany’s largest markets, Dresden’s city area, is covered in hundreds of market stalls, and seemingly no space in the city’s vastness is left without a market. With rides, food, crafts, and gifts, as well as traditional Gluhwein, Dresden’s market is one to see to believe.

    MUNICH

    GERMANY

    A massive market in Southern Germany, the Munich market (or Kriskindlemarkt) is one of the oldest, and combines traditional southern-German food, crafts, and gifts, with modern touches. These vast markets will certainly have something to entertain everyone, no matter what your interests.

    BUDAPEST

    HUNGARY

    This market centres on the Vörösmarty Square, which houses the majority of the festivities, including an ice-rink between late-November and January.

    STOCKHOLM

    SWEDEN

     

    The Old Town in Sweden is home to this wonderful market where visitors can sample local delicacies such as elk meat and reindeer between late-November and the end of December
    STRASBOURG

    FRANCE

    One of the best markets by size, reputation and popularity, this market is the oldest official Christmas Market, beginning in 1570. Running from mid-November to late December, this market is packed with tradition and modern excitement.

  • IKEA Features Gay Couple Kissing In Christmas Advert

    A Christmas advert for IKEA features a kiss between two men in their latest advert.

    The advert which has been released by IKEA Germany features a gay male couple who come to Christmas dinner. In the advert the pair sneak a quick peck on the cheek.

    This not the first time IKEA has used gay couples in their advertising. It first introduced same-sex couples over two decades ago in 1994. The 1994 advert was released in the US and resulted in some stores receiving bomb threats.

    See what you think – do advertisers include gay couples enough in their adverts?

  • ANGELA MERKEL: Marriage Between A Man A Woman

    The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel does not believe that gay couples should have the right to marry.

    ◉ Said that marriage is between a man and woman living together

    ◉ Chancellor is out of touch with the German people on the issue of same-sex marriage

    Angela Merkel revealed her thoughts on same-sex marriage yesterday in an interview posted on YouTube and while she supports LGBT equality, it stops at civil partnerships.

    Speaking to YouTuber Florian Mundt, who has over 2.6 million subscribers, Huffington Post reports she said,

    “We have come a long way; when I remember, 25 years ago, many people didn’t dare to say that they are gay or lesbian.

    “Luckily we overcame this; you can enter a partnership, a civil partnership.

    The Chancellor reiterated that she wanted to end discrimination and she wanted equality and was questioned about how she could end discrimination whilst differentiated between straight and gay couple’s rights to marriage.

    Merkel replied, “No discrimination,”

    “Marriage as a man and a woman living together.”

    “For me, personally, marriage is a man and a woman living together. That is my concept, but I support civil partnerships.”

     

    OUT OF TOUCH?

    Statistics show that Merkel is out of touch with the German people on the issue. A survey undertaken in 2013 by RTL Television and Stern magazine revealed that nearly three-quarters of Germans are in favour of same-sex marriage.

     

  • GAY MARRIAGE: Greenland Says Yes, Germany Says Not Yet

    Following hot on the heels of Ireland’s historic Referendum, Greenland yesterday became the latest country to legalise same-sex marriage.

    In a unanimous vote in its Parliament Greenland, which is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, extended marriage and adoption rights to LGBT couples. This arctic wonderland with a population of only 57,000 became the 20th country in the world where same-sex marriage is now legal.

    However despite the fact that recent polls have shown that 75% of the German population is in favour of same sex marriage, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday quashed all rumours that they may be next saying that they were not a goal of her government. Her spokesman Steffen Seiber added somewhat tersely “In Germany we’ll take a path that suits Germany.”

  • TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Berlin: Bring down those walls

    Berlin might not be the first place you think about when you want to have a romantic weekend away; most people head to Germany’s largest city for the history, wild parties, and relaxed sexual liberty. However there is another side to this amazing city, a romantic, softer side that most people miss out on.

    My boyfriend and I visited Berlin over the Valentine’s Day weekend to check out what the city had to offer.
    Berlin was founded in the 1300s and is the capital of Germany. It is also one of the largest metropolitan cities in Europe. With nearly 8 million people residing in its boundaries, there really is something to excite everyone’s tastes. Berlin and its people (and yes, they are ‘Berliners’) are well known for their love of a good party. From weekly romps at the many and varied night clubs, to Pride festival, film festivals, and a myriad of other cultural festivals, it’s almost impossible to come to Berlin and not find anything of interest to do. The hard part can be deciding which of them we should do first.

    After arriving in the city we checked into our simply beautiful room in the Radisson Blu hotel in the Mitte area, a short walk from Alexanderplatz. The hotel itself is quite incredible, with an enormous aquarium tank in the foyer, stretching almost from floor to ceiling commands most of the attention of everyone in the room, whether you’re checking in or enjoying a drink in the foyer bar, or even riding in the glass-lifts to and from your room, it’s hard not to stare into the water watching the fish swim around.

    Once we checked in, we got to our room and found we had an excellent view of the Berliner Dom.

    After my boyfriend prized me away from the window looking at the view, we headed into the city for a little sight-seeing. As we walked down the street towards the Brandenburger Tor (which I am pretty sure seemed closer on the map) the sun started to set behind the Tor, providing for some engaging photos and a great atmosphere.

    After spending a couple of hours wandering around the Tor, Jewish and Gay & Lesbian Memorials, the Tiergarten Park, we headed back to our hotel to begin the search for a place to have dinner. Since we’re pretty lazy, but enjoy something a bit different, we decided to check out 360, the revolving restaurant in the TV Tower. (Fehrnseheturm) This is a well-known Berlin landmark, the giant tower can be seen from anywhere in the city. It’s located in Alexanderplatz, and we paid the €23 fee to ride to the top and guarantee a table at the restaurant. The restaurant revolves once every hour, providing a wonderful view of the entire city as you enjoy your veal roulade and red wine. This is without a doubt the best view of the city, and it is totally worth the entry fee. (Buy your ticket online to save waiting in the sometimes massive queues.)

    Later that night we hit the town and headed over to the world famous Kit Kat Club (yes, like in Cabaret) for the monthly Revolver Party. Easily one of the best parties in Berlin, this monthly event brings in some of the hottest DJ’s, floor shows, and men from around the world. A word to the wise: Don’t follow regular German clubbing tradition here: arrive shortly after 12 for speedy entry, arriving after 1am might see you stranded on the street for a couple of hours waiting to get in. Once you’re inside, the venue has an in ground pool and lounge area, several bars, dance floors, and darkrooms/areas to keep everyone busy until well into the next morning.

    It was just after leaving Revolver that I was very happy to have booked the breakfast buffet at the hotel. After a long night of clubbing, one thing I didn’t look forward to was searching the streets of Berlin for breakfast. Luckily, with the wide variety of food available from the hotel’s buffet, we didn’t have to worry about that at all. The breakfast was a welcome way to start the day, and (to my boyfriend’s delight) included an egg chef to prepare your eggs exactly as you like them, while you wait.

    After a short nap it was time to discover some more of fun Berlin. Since the weather was playing ball, we headed into the Kreuzberg area to wander around the markets and stores that line the streets. Since it’s very un-German to give things a name that describes a specific thing, without that thing being there, you may be unsurprised to find that there is, in fact, a Kreuzberg, in Kreuzberg (crossing mountain). It’s pretty generous to call this a mountain, but considering how flat everything else in Berlin is, it’s pretty high. From the summit you can look out over almost all of Berlin.

    While in the area we took a little stroll through the market hall in Kreuzberg, and grab a little bit of Spanish tapas from a stand there. I also found this very cool little store that sold various household items and gift ideas

    A quick subway trip back to the hotel to rest and refresh was well deserved. We had thought about heading down to the basement level and having a couple’s massage or a dip in the pool, but the overly comfortable bed got the better of us. As the night rolled in we enjoyed a couple of glasses of Champagne before heading out to dinner and a show. Berlin has, unsurprisingly, a plethora of cultural events to see. From live theatre, musicals, classical music at the Philharmonie, there’s so much to choose from. We decided on a personal favourite: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Check out the English Theatre for an excellent program of events this year.

    If you head over to Potsdammer Platz, where you can find the Philharmonie, Mall of Berlin and the Sony Centre, which has an awesome indoor ceiling design and a lot of touristy restaurants, you can catch a tuk-tuk style trip around the city from one of the many riders waiting on the corner. The very best of these is the rolling bed. Basically a guy on a bike pulling a double bed. You hop in, snuggle up under the blankets and enjoy a tour of the city while warm and cozy in the bed. A great idea for a coldish winter night. Prices vary depending on how far or how long you want a ride, but if you’re keen to try something different, this is certainly that.

    The following morning saw us getting up a little earlier to grab another buffet breakfast. The hotel’s team are awesome about late checkouts, with the regular checkout being at 12, and you can of course leave your bags in the hotel so you can spend your day doing something more interesting than waiting around for your taxi to the airport. Next time you’re planning a romantic getaway, give Berlin a try, you’re sure to fall in love.

    The reporter stayed as a guest of Radisson Blu Berlin.

    REVIEW AND PHOTOS BY: Aaron Holloway
    Rainbow Pride Watch by Be Pride – www.bepride.it

  • Top 10 Gay German Films

    Since it produced one of the world’s first ever explicitly gay films called Different From The Others back in 1919, Germany has been at the forefront of making really good LGBT movies. To mark the occasion of the release of the German-produced Futuro Beach made by Brazilian filmmaker Karim Ainouz, we have named our Top Ten German Gay Movies.

    gay german films

    1) Futuro Beach

    This stunning new movie is light on plot as it focuses much more of the sensuality of each moment. There are certain pivotal scenes that are sparse of dialogue where he allows the camera to remain much longer than the norm with such riveting effect. Whether it be Donato letting off steam dancing rather manically in a club, or when he and Konrad are making rough and passionate sex together, or in the closing scene of the final motorbike ride. This story about the search for self-identity is one that will linger with you for a long time after you have seen it.

    NEXT PAGE

  • FILM REVIEW | Silent Youth

    Marlo a young engineering student is taking a break from school and is visiting a girlfriend in Berlin.

    When she goes off to work, he takes off to explore the city. Crossing the street he momentarily links eyes with another man, and after the pass, they take furtive looks back at each other. Moments later as he crosses a bridge, Marlo espies the same young man, and starts to follow him. When he catches up he with him he hangs back for a few minutes before sidling up and tries awkwardly to start a conversation.  Both of them are unsure of themselves, let alone of each other, and even after they eventually decide to walk on together, very few words are exchanged.

    Kirill is Russian and has just returned to Germany after visiting his Grandmother and beyond saying that, he reveals very little about himself.  It’s a surprise then that after this he agrees to meet up with Marlo again and accepts his phone number.

    For their second outing Kirill’s father without uttering a word gives the two boys a lift to the Templehoff, Berlin’s old abandoned airport.  They wander aimlessly around the empty runways communicating intermittingly with brief snatches of conversation. Kirill, the more extrovert of the two, admits to having ‘tried it with a man’ then surprisingly fesses up to be the father of a baby girl who he is no longer allowed to see.  Poor reserved virginal Marlo who keeps stressing that his ‘girlfriend’ is just a friend has nothing to counter this new revelation with.

    Back at Kirill’s tower block apartment, the boys feast on bread and Nutella, before Kirill suddenly announces he wants to take a shower. Naked together the boys finally get physical but instead of this bringing them closer, once the lovemaking is over, Kirill seems more distant and odder than ever.

    There is a lot going on unspoken on in this movie as these two men deal with discovering their sexuality and sometimes it really is not clear what it is.  After watching these gentle souls very slowly interact with each and try to come to terms to discover what if anything is beyond all these awkward silences, you cannot avoid feeling a little numb even though it did almost redeem itself with its very sweet ending. All, however, a tad too slow for my liking, which is a pity as the two boy’s characters had great possibilities.

     

  • Man vows to have gay sex everyday for a year – for art

    Mischa Badasyan a 26-year-old Berlin-based performance artist has a new project called ‘SAVE THE DATE’ when he is giving ALL to his Art.

    Literally.

    His aim is to have sex with a different man every day for a whole year, which evidently he counts as art. He wants to unselfishly use his body to shed light on the intersection of loneliness and desire created by modern hookup culture. He is also planning to use the project as an opportunity to spread the word about safe sex and condom use.

    Hoping to start the project next month Badasyan has already signed up with all the major gay networking sites such as Grindr, and got a condom supplier to sponsor him. He’s not intending to tell any of his ‘dates’ about the project but is hoping to get some sort of small token from each one.

    Reaction from the gay community to this Project has been mixed as it is by no means a unique idea, it’s just the first time this course of action attempted regularly by many gay men has ever been labelled as Art.