The Sochi Winter Olympics are just about to start with all its glory and while athletes and officials from all over the world flock to Russia to participate the LGBT people in Russia are being systematically bullied and oppressed by the Russian authorities. They are systematically attacked, beaten up and killed without anyone doing anything about it. Officials from around the world, including members of the Icelandic Parliament and Iceland´s President, are flying over to participate in Putin´s show off party, and sadly no one seem to have the guts to say or do anything.  

The Icelandic gay electronic musician Bistro Boy recently released his first LP album Journey. On Journey Bistro Boy takes the listener on a travel around the world collecting sounds and samples that become a part of a story stretching from one place to another. On the album Bistro Boy teams up with guest singer Gisli Magna (Frozen thoughts) and Mono Town guitarist Börkur Birgisson (Summer vibes) as well with a group of Masai women singing for a traveller far away from home (Border crossing).

The annual Pink Masquerade Party is coming up and will take place February 1st at Iðnó (Vonarstræti 3). The Pink Party marks the highlight of the 3rd Rainbow Reykjavik LGBT Winter Pride Festival. The star and DJ of the night is Paul Oscar, Iceland's most beloved and fabulous pop star and gay icon. House opens 10.30. Ticket sale at the door and ticket price is ISK 2.500. ISK 1.500 ISK for members of Samtökin'78 until midnight. Age limit 22 years.

Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride is a four day festival which starts January 30th. Visit Rainbow reykjavik website for more information about the festival and individual events.

Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride is coming up but the four day LGBT festival kicks off January 30th. Rainbow Reykjavik is a good reason for LGBT travellers to go a little bit off the beaten track and experience something new. The festival offers a good mixture of indoor and outdoor activities including sight seeing tours, concerts, group dinners and ofcourse some late night partying which Icelanders pride themselves in doing so well.

It may be the darkest month of the year but visiting Reykjavik in December is an adventurous and fun thing to do. It´s becoming more and more popular for tourists to visit Reykjavik in December who are able to enjoy various events and activities, indoor and outdoors. Just keep in mind you can´t count on the weather so keep a flexible schedule and be ready to play things by ear.

We wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2014 bring you lots of love, happiness and travel! Thank you for visiting Gayice.is. It´s been a pleasure helping all of you who made it to Iceland this year and we´re looking forward helping the rest of you who are still to come visit. Gayice.is.

"Talking about the weather" is the new album with Iceland's bluesiest chanteuse Lay Low (Lovisa Elisabet Sigrunardottir) and one of Icelands´best known LGBT artist. Since appearing first with her 2006 debut Please Don't Hate Me Lay Low has released several albums including Farewell Godd Night´s Sleep (2008), Brostinn Strengur (2011), a live album earlier this year simply called "Live at Home". And now a brand new album we´ve been all waiting for is finally out. 

November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance to commemorate victims of transphobia. As a part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance Trans Iceland invites everyone to a special event at Fríkirkjan (church) at Fríkirkjuvegur 5 to show trans people support, stand together and fight for a better society for everyone.

The event starts 8 pm, doors open 7:30pm. Among event participants is Mayor of Reykjavik, Mr. Jón Gnarr, Ugla Stefanía from Trans Iceland and Línus Orri who will play a few songs. Anna Kristjánsdóttir, Ómel and Örn Danival will also share their trans* stories with guests.