Bøssehuset
Bøssehuset is located in Christiania and is used for cultural projects, theatre and music performances, exhibitions, speaker events and parties.
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The ultimate LGBTQIA+ guide to Copenhagen
Photo: Daniel Rasmussen
In the last Safe Cities Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Copenhagen was named the safest city in the world. Copenhagen was applauded for many things, inclusion being one of them. It is generally considered a safe destination, with many LGBTQIA+ safe spaces.
You seldom have to worry as a LGBTQIA+ person in Copenhagen and can freely roam the city with no precautions. Despite that, we understand the need to seek LGBTQIA+-specific spaces, and we have put together a guide for you. You will find it in Copenhagen regardless of your cultural interest, restaurant and cafe preferences or going-out go-to's.
LGBTQIA+ in Denmark
Copenhagen and Denmark have a long history of being forerunners for LGBTQIA+ rights. Denmark was in 1989 the first country in the world to enact registered partnerships, and the first-ever registered gay marriage was between Eigil and Axel Axgil, after having been a couple for 40 years. In 2012, gay marriage became legal and equivalent to heterosexual marriage as the 7th country worldwide to do so.
In 2016, Denmark also removed Gender Disorder Identity (GID) from the list of mental illnesses and recognized transgender people. It was the second country in the world to do so. Furthermore, Danish citizens can apply for their gender to be listed as “X” instead of male or female and have it displayed on legal documents, such as passports.
We don’t pretend to be perfect in Denmark and have achieved 100% equality for all, but we like to think that we are pretty far along and close to the goal, given our history of being forerunners in many LGBTQIA+ rights.
Things to do
LGBTQIA+ events worth travelling for
Pride is the crowning jewel of LGBTQIA+ events, and Copenhagen Pride is no different. In 2021, the World Pride and Eurogames were hosted here. Furthermore, one of the world’s oldest LGBTQIA+ film festivals takes place in Copenhagen annually.
Going out hotspots
Copenhagen is home to one of Europe’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet from 1917, which openly became a gay bar in the 1950s. That bar was only the beginning, and today Copenhagen has many LGBTI+ establishments. Whether you're heading out for a single beer, some live jazz music or a leather themed party that goes on beyond the sunrise, Copenhagen has a place for you. Most places you will find in the Latin Quarter and just off Rådhuspladsen in the city centre.
