It is well known that the Nordic Countries are some of the most progressive when it comes to LGBTQI travel.
Iceland is first country in the world to elect an openly gay Head of State and lead the way with recognition of same sex partnerships, allowing couples to marry in either a church or with the civil registrar. Reykjavik has some of the worlds most fabulous Pride parades and literally paints the streets with rainbows ahead of the celebrations on the second weekend of August every year.
Sweden has been the host of Europride three times in the last three decades, with the celebration in both Stockholm and Gothenburg however Pride is also celebrated all over Sweden, with over 30 Pride celebrations across, up and down the country throughout the year. Stockholm Pride usually attracts around 45,000 participants and 400,000 spectators! More recently, laws passed in Sweden include: gender-neutral wedding laws (2009), adoption rights for gay and lesbian couples (2003), insemination rights for lesbians (2005), and a prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation added to the Swedish constitution (2011).
Norway , like most of Scandinavia is very liberal and in 2018 ranked as the third best in the ILGA-Europe ranking across 49 European countries and is often heralded as one of the friendliest countries that gay tourists can visit. Oslo has great shopping, nightlife,lots of restaurants and a lively gay scene. The King of Norway, King Harald said; “‘Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and boys and girls who love each other. Norwegians believe in God, Allah, everything and nothing … In other words: you are Norway. We are Norway.’ King Harald speaking in the Palace Park, 1 September 2016
Finland legalised same sex partnerships in 2002 giving gay Finns a wide range of rights, this has been improving and in 2009 same sex couples could also enjoy stepchild adoption rights, gay people can join the military and when travelling in Finland gay travellers can express themselves in a way straight couples would – you can hold hands without fear of being lynched! Take a stopover in Helsinki if you want to experience the most of the gay scene in Finland.
IMAGE: Equal rights
Equality is fundamental for Sweden. It is about everyone having the same rights, opportunities and obligations regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ethnic origin, religion, disability or age. Show more
Credits: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se
Categories: Society & Lifestyle, Symbols & Traditions, Outdoor, People, Day, Summer
Terms of use: Image Bank Sweden Terms of use apply
Created: 2013-10-02
ID: 3057
