A recent approval of a proposed law ensuring that transgender individuals are treated equally before law according to human rights and fundamental freedoms is tremendous step forward for transgender people in Iceland. The legal status of transgender people in Iceland has been very weak compared to the legal status of transgender people in other countries Iceland compares itself with. While progressive steps have been taken with legislative improvements for the gays and lesbians, such as 2010 approval of same sex marriage, the transgender community has been pretty much invisible and left with no specific legislation on the issue in Iceland. The proposed law, which  will formally be effective on Christopher Street Day, June 27th. 2012, is therefore a huge milestone for the LGBT community as a whole.  Read more ...

The International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics kicked off last week and soon took over Reykjavik´s gay scene. The mayor of Reykjavik Mr. Jón Gnarr opened the IGLA tournament formally in Laugardalur swimming arena and shortly thereafter contestants were diving into the pools with a splash. Around 400 LGBT athletes from all over the world traveled to Iceland for the tournament and clearly shows that Reykjavik, and Iceland, has a lot to offer to LGBT travelers.  Read more ...

The International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics is coming up with around 400 LGBT athletes from all over the world competing and having fun. The IGLA schedule is packed for the next few days with fun things to do, starting with a "Fontana" sight seeing tour and Pre-IGLA Party on Tuesday May 29th. The competition kicks off on Wednesday. It´s not all about competing as handfull of events are taking place during the tournament, including sight seeing tours, men-only and women-only whale watching to name a few. The IGLA championship highlight is on Saturday with IGLA Banquette and Dance at Hilton Hotel. 

There is a great line of artists from Iceland and around the world to perform at Reykjavik Gay Pride in August and the event will be more glamorous than ever. Among visit performers are The New York based pop-rock band Betty which is internationally known for its L-Word theme song. Betty is originally from Washington DC, formed by activists Elizabeth Ziff, Alyson Palmer and Amy Ziff with guitarist Tony Salvatore and drummer Mino Gori to join the band later.  Read more ...

The annual BEARS ON ICE festival – the world’s northernmost bearfest – returns to Iceland in September. Iceland Express, Bears On Ice and Alfred’s Apartments have teamed up with the London Magazine Out In The City  to offer one lucky prize winner a four-day trip of a lifetime for two to the colourful capital.  

Pink Iceland, Iceland´s first LGBT tour operater, is offering special Gay Pride packages for those who want to show up for the 2012 event. The Pride Packages come with or without accommodation (but exclude flights) and include a Blue Lagoon trip, Pink City Walk around Reykjavik´s historical city center, dinner at Harpa (Iceland´s newest concert hall) and admission to Gay Pride events during gay pride week. Prices for Pink Pride Package excluding accommodation is ISK 79.500 (about 620 $ / 475 €) and ISK 150.000 with accommodation (about 1.170 $ / 895 €).  Read more ...

It´s getting closer to the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics which will take place in Reykjavik, May 29th to June 2nd 2012. According to event organisers around 400 LGBT athletes from all over the world will be showing up and competing at the tournament. During the tournament guests will have the opportunity to attend number of events and activities including Blue Lagoon opening party, day tours to some of Iceland´s most popular tourists attractions, walking tours around Reykjavik´s city center and whale watching to name a few options. Visit IGLA event website for more information about all events and activities taking place during the tournament, booking and registration or visit Reykjavik Gay and Lesbian Aquatics website for general  information about the event.

A recent attack on a transgender man at a downtown club in Reykjavik has brought the attention to a broken legislative and constitutional framework protecting transgender people in Iceland. A new constitutional draft which was originally put forward by a  constitutional committee last year did not include sexual identity in it. Sexual orientation is included in the new draft but that is simply not enough. If this will be the end results, transgendered Icelanders will be left without much needed protection.