THEGAYUK

Tag: Iceland News

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

  • These gay-friendly destinations are giving us serious #HoneymoonGoals

    These gay-friendly destinations are giving us serious #HoneymoonGoals

    So you’re getting married?

    Congrats! We bet you’ve got enough on your plate and could spare having to plan the holiday of a lifetime on top of that. Have you come to the point where you’re pondering all the unanswered questions and steps that are separating you from actually jumping on that plane?

    We hear you.

    One question that should never be left ignored is whether you picked a honeymoon destination that is gay-friendly. With over 70 countries still having some form of anti-homosexuality law, it’s easy to see how your perfect holiday could go awry. Although not feeling comfortable showing your affection to your loved one in public is not something you should ever have to deal with, it’s an especially unwelcome feeling on this special occasion. So, we’ve put together a list of the most gay-friendly honeymoon destinations; areas filled with beauty, vibrancy and friendliness.

    1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Previously THEGAYUK.com had suggested Brazil as a good location for a Honeymoon, however, due to the legal and criminal situation, we cannot advise going to this part of the world.

    2. Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Barcelona is constantly at the top of the most LGBT-friendly lists — and with good reason. A great mix of delicious tapas, fabulous sandy beaches, stunning historical buildings, balmy year-round climate, and a selection of gay bars, saunas, cruises and hotels to boot make it easy to see why it’s a holiday favourite amongst the gay scene.

    3. Reykjavik, Iceland

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Same-sex marriage became legal in Iceland in 2010, but the country always had a relaxed and accepting attitude towards gay couples. For one thing, their prime minister is openly gay! Despite all this, the beauty of this outlandish country is what will captivate you the most. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon: a geothermal spa located in a lava field where you can soak in milky blue water at any time of the year.

    4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Gay marriage was legalised in 2010 in Argentina, but Buenos Aires was a mecca for gay travellers way before then. Dubbed the “most European place in South America,” it’s a sprawling city rich in history. Take a stroll hand in hand along the pedestrian Calle Florida in the Microcentro, or in the Recoleta, Palermo and marvel at all the beauty without a care.

    5. Cancun, Mexico

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Cancun has so much more to offer than the hedonistic reputation that precedes it. There’s a bit of everything for everyone. Sure, there’s the crazy night life if you fancy that, but there are also a whole throng of gay beaches and hotels to pick from, and a carefree, ‘live and let live’ vibe that’ll put you right at ease.

    6. Cape Town, South Africa

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    One wouldn’t always think of the African continent when it comes to gay-friendly travel destinations, but South Africa was the fifth country in the world and first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Seen by many as one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, Cape Town promises spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and exotic wildlife. Drive safely, though, as the baboons run free!

    7. Taiwan

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Taiwan may also come as a surprise for a gay-friendly destination, but it is one of the most accepting countries in Asia. There’s something for all tastes and tonnes to explore for such a tiny island, including nine national parks (don’t miss the Taroko National Park), a bustling metropolis, pleasant sub-tropical weather and beautiful, remote beaches.

    8. Palm Springs, USA

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    The sun always shines in the South Californian desert oasis of Palm Springs. As a city that boasts the most same-sex (and the most clothing optional!) hotels in the world, it’s easy to see how you’ll have a great time. Rather go golfing? Hiking? Clubbing? There’s little that can’t be had in Palm Springs.

    Parveen Nanda is an experienced blogger and travel expert at Luxtripper, supplying luxury four and five-star hotels and end-to-end package holidays.

  • 9 Tips To Have A Gay-Ole Time In Iceland

    The land of ice and fire seems straight out of an episode of Game of Thrones, mainly because a big chunk of it is filmed there.

    It has an eery feel to its vast wilderness that fits the show perfectly and makes for a really cool gay trip. Here are a few gay travel tips that will make your visit to the land founded by Vikings that were too tough for the rest of ancient Scandinavia, as much fun as that sentence was to write.

    gay travel to Iceland

    1. Check out AirBnB

    Tourism is Iceland’s biggest industry, and since the financial crash decimated a lot of other businesses, they have invested heavily in getting as many tourists there as possible. With insanely cheap flights connecting Europe to North America, there’s plenty of foot-traffic, and the government would prefer that they stay in fancy-ass hotels. So that’s what they built. You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels and a few hostels, but not much in between. If you’re on a budget, but wouldn’t call yourself a budget traveller, Airbnb is a popular option.

    2. Book everything in advance

    The best time of year to visit is definitely summer, although that does rule out seeing the Northern Lights as the sun never really sets. This means that flights, accommodation, and tours will all be booked solid if you leave it until your trip to book anything. This includes booking your entrance AND transport to and from the Blue Lagoon in advance. There’s no difference in price but there is limited availability, so get clicking now.

    We flew direct from Gatwick to Keflavik (Iceland’s only international airport) with low-cost airline rising stars Wow Air. They offer civilised flight times for a reasonable price (from £250) or plenty of those crack of dawn flights for even more reasonable prices. Both of which come complete with lavish purple decor, and check out this legroom!

    3. Regular vs. gay tours

    When it comes to the typical tourist jaunts, Reykjavik Excursions endless options and departure times, ferrying us to the Golden Falls (careful) and the Blue Lagoon in comfort. However, if you fancied something a little special, you could opt for a gay tour company called Pink Iceland, who arrange many of the same tours, but with a little rainbow twist.

    4. Rainbow unicorn chocolate

    There’s rainbow unicorn chocolate. If you don’t buy it you’re technically not allowed to call yourself gay anymore.

    5. Visit the penis museum

    Yeah, of course, there’s a penis museum. Why wouldn’t there be?

    6. Get the public transport app

    If you don’t drive or don’t really want to drive while in Iceland, then you need to download the Straeto.is app. For some bizarre reason, Google doesn’t recognise any of Iceland’s rather limited public transport, so this is the only way to figure out how to actually get anywhere rather than paying 3,000 Kr (£21) for each taxi trip into town. Plus the buses will not give you change, and you can pay for tickets directly through the app.

    7. Take a sleeping mask

    If you go during the summer, don’t underestimate the importance of a sleeping mask. Iceland gets about an hour or 2 of “darkness” per night, so you basically just don’t sleep and go a little crazy.

    8. Pre-drink

    Before hitting the town for a night of gay dancing at the infamous and only gay club in the country, Kiki bar, be sure to get lightly trashed before heading out. Like many things in this beautiful country, alcohol is insanely expensive. And this is coming from someone who lives in London.

    9. Hook up

    Iceland is the safest country in the world, so you should feel confident to go meet up with guys. And be sure to set aside some time for this, since the community is so small and insular, any fresh meat will be well received and the locals would be grateful of some new conversation. Note: We cannot guarantee that they’ll all be winners.

    Be sure to check out Pink Iceland for more information and to book a gay tour or two. And feel free to check out my Instagram for more pictures of me being a dork around Iceland (and around the world!).

    GAY RIGHTS In Iceland

    LEGAL:

    Same-sex sexual activity

    Age of consent: 15

    Marriage

    Sex-sex unions

    Step child adoption

    Joint adoption

    Right to change legal gender

    Access to IVF for all couples

    “NOT LEGAL”

    Blood donation for gay and bisexual men

    Anti-discrimination laws in employment

    Anti-discrimination laws concerning gender ID

    THE COUNTRY

    Capital: Reykjavík

    Langauge: Icelandic

    Population: 330,000+

    Currency: Icelandic Króna

    Time Zone: GMT

  • 4 Tips To Going Nude In Iceland

    As the name implies, Iceland is frickin’ cold.

    Although they may only get a few days of sunshine each year, Iceland’s summers make British summer seem positively balmy. So getting naked and wandering around in a field is not going to be an option for about 360 days of the year. I mean you could, but there’d be some serious shrinkage. However, we’ve never let that stop us before have we boys? 😉

    So if you’re planning to bare it all in the barren countryside of the land of ice, here are a few things you should know before stripping off:

    1. You won’t find (m)any Icelandic nudist groups

    The cool and laid-back nature of Icelanders will have you thinking that nudism is widely celebrated like it is in many other European countries. In truth, nudism in Iceland is more typically done individually rather than in groups or at social gatherings, as it has only recently started to be popular.

    nude in iceland

    2. Spa does NOT imply nude spa

    Unlike my recent trip to Germany which left me lacking a towel even when in polite company, Icelanders aren’t all about getting your bits out. Spas and swimming pools are a big part of Icelandic culture, but they almost always involve wearing swimming trunks. So don’t rock up to the Blue Lagoon with the D hanging out. You will be asked to leave. (However, the water is so opaque, I doubt anyone would notice if you stripped off while you were in there)

    3. You MUST shower naked

    Let me clarify that, as you probably shower naked anyway. You must shower naked before entering public pools or spas. There were even shower police on-hand in the changing rooms to make sure that you didn’t just rinse yourself in your swimmers. Showering thoroughly before getting into the spa is a topic of national importance in Iceland. So much so that this public service message was made to further clarify the issue.

    4. Find a remote spot to strip off

    Spas in and around the capital city tend not to allow nudity, likewise with the Blue Lagoon. And while there aren’t any official nude beaches or specific nudist locations in Iceland, the vast majority of Iceland is barren and remote, with plenty of natural hot springs and geyser dotted across its volcanic landscape. And while I wouldn’t recommend skinny dipping in a geyser as they tend to reach temperatures of 80-100 degrees Celsius, few people would judge you for stripping off in a secluded natural hot spring.

     

    Maybe check out the Secret Lagoon, but be warned, there may be children there. And keep an eye out on social media for groups looking to promote naturism within Iceland. They will often rent out swimming pools after hours, or arrange nudist meetups in remote locations, which would be a great way to get nekkid and mingle with some Viking locals in the buff.

    Be sure to let us know how you get on!

  • Who are the gay and lesbian Prime Ministers of Europe?

    European countries have had the most openly gay and lesbian leaders, with five openly out being elected into power since 2009.

    Who are the openly gay prime ministers of the world?

    To our knowledge, there have not been any openly bisexual or transgender leaders. There have been five openly gay and lesbian leaders.

     

    Iceland

    Iceland was the first country in Europe to elect an openly lesbian leader with Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, she served from the 1st of February 2009 until the 23rd May 2013. She was part of the Social Democratic Alliance in Iceland. She is married to Jónína Leósdóttir. They have been together since 2002.

    Belgium

    Belgium elected Elio Di Rupo was Prime Minster from the 6th December 2011 until October 2014. Di Rupo came out as gay in 1996, during a press pack conference in which he was asked if he was gay, he responded, “Yes. So what?” He is the first openly gay man to lead a sovereign state, and the first openly gay man to win the position in his own right pursuant to an election

    Luxembourg

    Luxembourg was the next country to elect an openly gay man with Xavier Bettel being elected on 2nd December 2013. He is still in power.

    Ireland

    On the 13th June Ireland made Leo Varadkar Prime Minister. He is the youngest Prime Minster of Ireland.

    Serbia

    On the 15th June, Serbia got its first lesbian and female Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić. MsBrnabić is a 41-year-old graduate of the University of Hull.

     

     

  • 8 Best Gay-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

    8 Best Gay-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

    So you’re getting married? Congrats! We bet you’ve got enough on your plate and could spare having to plan the holiday of a lifetime on top of that. Have you come to the point where you’re pondering all the unanswered questions and steps that are separating you from actually jumping on that plane?

    We hear you.

    One question that should never be left ignored is whether you picked a honeymoon destination that is gay-friendly. With a whopping 75 countries still having some form of anti-homosexuality law, it’s easy to see how your perfect holiday could go awry. Although not feeling comfortable showing your affection to your loved one in public is not something you should ever have to deal with, it’s an especially unwelcome feeling on this special occasion. So, we’ve put together a list of the most gay-friendly honeymoon destinations; areas filled with beauty, vibrancy and friendliness.

    1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Bring out the glitz and the feathers! Rio has been a favourite of same-sex partners for decades. With its vibrant carnival and world-famous gay-friendly neighbourhoods, Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio ticks many boxes. The beaches are gorgeous, the views phenomenal, the nightlife exciting and the food amazing. We may also have a soft spot as the Rio Olympics saw the record for the most out athletes participating in history.

    2. Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Barcelona is constantly at the top of the most LGBT-friendly lists — and with good reason. A great mix of delicious tapas, fabulous sandy beaches, stunning historical buildings, balmy year-round climate, and a selection of gay bars, saunas, cruises and hotels to boot make it easy to see why it’s a holiday favourite amongst the gay scene.

    3. Reykjavik, Iceland

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Same-sex marriage became legal in Iceland in 2010, but the country always had a relaxed and accepting attitude towards gay couples. For one thing, their prime minister is openly gay! Despite all this, the beauty of this outlandish country is what will captivate you the most. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon: a geothermal spa located in a lava field where you can soak in milky blue water at any time of the year.

    4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Gay marriage was legalised in 2010 in Argentina, but Buenos Aires was a mecca for gay travellers way before then. Dubbed the “most European place in South America,” it’s a sprawling city rich in history. Take a stroll hand in hand along the pedestrian Calle Florida in the Microcentro, or in the Recoleta, Palermo and marvel at all the beauty without a care.

    5. Cancun, Mexico

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Cancun has so much more to offer than the hedonistic reputation that precedes it. There’s a bit of everything for everyone. Sure, there’s the crazy night life if you fancy that, but there are also a whole throng of gay beaches and hotels to pick from, and a carefree, ‘live and let live’ vibe that’ll put you right at ease.

    6. Cape Town, South Africa

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    One wouldn’t always think of the African continent when it comes to gay-friendly travel destinations, but South Africa was the fifth country in the world and first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Seen by many as one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, Cape Town promises spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and exotic wildlife. Drive safely, though, as the baboons run free!

    7. Taiwan

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Taiwan may also come as a surprise for a gay-friendly destination, but it is one of the most accepting countries in Asia. There’s something for all tastes and tonnes to explore for such a tiny island, including nine national parks (don’t miss the Taroko National Park), a bustling metropolis, pleasant sub-tropical weather and beautiful, remote beaches.

    8. Palm Springs, USA

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    The sun always shines in the South Californian desert oasis of Palm Springs. As a city that boasts the most same-sex (and the most clothing optional!) hotels in the world, it’s easy to see how you’ll have a great time. Rather go golfing? Hiking? Clubbing? There’s little that can’t be had in Palm Springs.

    Parveen Nanda is an experienced blogger and travel expert at Luxtripper, supplying luxury four and five-star hotels and end-to-end package holidays.