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Schöneberg is the traditional centre of Berlin gay life and the community is catered for by a mass of bars, restaurants and cultural spaces. Hostels, hotels, apartments, and houseshares are found around these areas, whether you’re just visiting for a short stay or are looking for longer term accommodation. All of the key locations mentioned so far (Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte) have accommodation to suit gay visitors. If you are here to experience the crazy transgressive nightlife of the weekend or simply to participate in one of the uncountable gay events that take place throughout the year, Berlin offers a wide range of gay and gay-friendly accommodation across the city. It’s a fun filled weekend where all are welcoming, effectively promotes and supports LGBT culture. Strassenfest is filled with music, amusements, a celebrity talkshow, and presentations from a range of LGBT groups and organisations. This gay festival is held over a weekend in June. It is a place where gay people and those in support of the gay community can enjoy culture and nightlife together.Įach year, the LGBT community flocks to Schöneberg for Strassenfest, Europe’s largest Lesbian and Gay Festival, held around Nollendorfplatz. The city’s thriving café culture, wide selection of gay bars and clubs, mainstream availability of gay press, and other cultural attractions such as a gay museum ( Schwules Museum) attract members of the LGBT community from countries all across Europe and further afield. The legalisation of same-sex marriage has further enhanced attitudes and actions supporting gay rights. The liberal vibe of the city can be perceived in the streets and cultural centres: not only does Berlin host one of the main and most-known pride events around Europe (Strassenfest), but it also swarms with art institutions, bars, and support groups for the LGBT community. While the district of Schöneberg has historically been the centre of gay life, we can no longer call it the “gay village” of the city, as LGBT venues can be found throughout the city and in areas like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte. It is easy, then, to understand the role that Berlin still plays in the LGBT world and culture, not only in Germany and Europe, but in the world in general. It was in 1969 that decriminalisation of homosexuality was finally passed. It was only the country’s economic crash that postponed the vote for this movement, which was then made nearly impossible due to the rise of fascism.
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Truly demonstrating its progressive nature, homosexuality was almost decriminalised in Berlin as early as 1929.
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The science of “transsexuality” was founded at Berlin’s Institute of Sexual Science, while homosexual bars, nightclubs, and cabarets flourished in an exciting subculture like nowhere else in Europe. Berlin was also home to the world’s first gay magazine, Der Eigene, which was first published in 1896. The gay involvement can date as far back as the period of the Weimar Republic: during the 20s and 30s, in fact, Berlin was the centre of gay Europe. Its long history of gay activism and well-known reputation as a liberal and open city contributes to making Berlin a European symbol of freedom and transgression. Berlin is known for its vibrant LGBT scene and culture, making the city particularly attractive for visitors and expats alike.