The recent story of a US clerk Kim Davis refusing to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples rightfully made a lot of fuzz around the globe and was seen as test to a US Supreme Court ruling that has given homosexuals the right to marry in the USA. In 2010 the Icelandic Parliament approved unanimously marriage legislation to include matrimony between same sex couples (man and man, woman and woman), upgrading same sex marriage to be fully equal with marriage.

BEARS ON ICE, Iceland´s annual bear event, is just around the corner, but the festival kicks off September 3rd with a Welcome Party at Iðusalir in Reykjavik´s city Center. Over 150 bears and friends from all over the world are coming for the event in September to enjoy what Iceland has to offer including sight seeing tours, visit to the world famous Blue lagoon and some partying as well.  

Reykjavik Pride  Opening Ceremony took place last night at Harpa (August 6th, 2015) with local and international artists performing. For over a decade, the Reykjavík Pride Opening Ceremony has been one of the festival’s most popular events showcasing the talents of a variety of artists, but also a yearly gathering of the extended queer family in Iceland. Here are a few photos from Reykjavik Gay Pride Opening Ceremony (pictures by Pall Gudjonsson). 

Reykjavik Pride week has started with all sorts of events and activities taking place in Reykjavik for a few days. Last night Iceland´s most entertaining competition took place at the old Opera with kings and queens in drag taking on a battle of the crowns.  Handsome Dave and Queen GóGó Starr walked away with the trophies leaving the crowd gagging on all the eleganza. Check out the pictures from last night competition "Draggkeppni Íslands" (Pictures By Pall Gudjonsson)

Páll Óskar aka Paul Oscar, one of Iceland´s best known pop singer and a true gay icon is releasing his new single, "Líttu upp í ljós" (Look into the Light) today. Celebrating life is Paul Oscar´s trademark and thats what his new dance pop singleis all about.

Reykjavik Gay Pride launched a new website and the Pride Magazine listing all events for the the coming up Pride which starts August 4th. The guide includes information about all the Pride events taking place during the festival, interviews and articles on LGBTIQ issues and culture. Reykjavik Pride is a festival that celebrates queer culture and legal rights, but also an event that focuses on human diversity and different aspects of queer culture – and the festival guide is a platform for such discussions.

This year´s Pride is packed with interesting events from August 4th-9th. The theme of Reykjavik Pride this year is "health", and the interviews and articles in the programme guide are focused on various aspects of health, health care and the queer society.

Check out Reykjavik Pride brand new website and Pride Magazine. 

Reykjavik Gay Pride will kick off for the 17th time August 4th and is accepting applications from those interested in participating in the Pride Parade August 8th. The Reykjavik Pride Parade has become one of Iceland´s biggest outdoor events is definitely the highlight of the event which last from 4-9th of August.

This year´s theme is "Health" and everyone who´s interested to participate is encouraged to send a application.

The Gay Route The parade will go from point A to C, Sound systems and generators will be fitted on trucks and cars at point D. The route gives the participants a lot of space so don´t be short on decorations! Among events on Schedule this year apart from the big parade are concerts, gay cruise, and a Pride Ball. Check out Reykjavik Gay Pride website for more details.

Among events on Schedule this year apart from the big parade are concerts, gay cruise, and a Pride Ball. Check out Reykjavik Gay Pride website for more details.

ILGA-Europe, The European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, has released its 2015 ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, reflecting the National legal and policy human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and interest (LGBTI) people in Europe. Iceland came in 8th place in their 2014 Index but drops down to number 12th on the list. The total score for Iceland remains about the same (63%) but Malta’s rise to 3rd in ILGA´s 2015 rating is undoubtedly the most eye-catching story of the 2015 Rainbow Map.