LGBT Stockholm

Stockholm is often called the gay capital of Sweden and even of Scandinavia. It is a good destination for gay and lesbian travel.

According to the Gay Travel Index 2018, Sweden is, together with Canada, the gay-friendliest country in the world. Sweden has been a pioneer of equality for LGBT people. Homosexual activity has been legal in Sweden since 1944. Sweden became the first country in the world to allow transgender persons to change their legal gender post-sex reassignment surgery in 1972. The age of consent has been equal since 1978. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was made illegal in 1987, and same-sex marriage became legal in 2009 under a centre-right government and with all-party support. Same-sex marriage is carried out by the Church of Sweden (a Lutheran church) and by government-appointed officiants.

Stockholm has hosted Europride three times: in 1998, 2008 and in 2018 (with Gothenburg), when it attracted 60,000 people.

Stockholm's official hospitality website has a page for LGBT venues. The main LGBT rights organization is the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL).

While Stockholm has no specific LGBT neighbourhood, most cafés, restaurants and clubs are on Södermalm and Gamla Stan (Old Town).

See
During Stockholm Pride, some museums usually have exhibitions with a sexual minority theme.



Buy
Bibliotekstan fashion district is a 5-min walk from the Nybroplan ferry terminal behind Berzelii Park. Fashion retailers include HOPE, a gender-neutral clothing brand, Sweden's own international fast fashion giant H&M.

Drink

 * – Don't miss the legendary
 * – Don't miss the legendary
 * – Don't miss the legendary

Connect

 * QX — gay events listings site
 * Transfest Stockholm — events for the Trans community

Stay safe
Hate speech and discrimination against homosexuals are prohibited by Swedish law. Establishments cannot discriminate against customers because of gender or sexual orientation. This means that there are no gay-only, lesbian-only, male-only or women-only venues, except member-only venues.

Homophobic violence exists, but is rather uncommon. Police and other authorities are tough on hate crimes.

Go next
There are Pride celebrations all over Sweden, with over 30 different Prides celebrations throughout the year. This includes Sapmi Pride, which recognizes the indigenous population of Swedish Lapland. There are more Pride festivals per-capita in Sweden than in anywhere else in the world.

Gothenburg also has a strong LGBT community. West Pride attracts many travellers in early June.