Iceland gay rights
Home / gay topics / Iceland gay rights
Stay updated on current advice when traveling and remain vigilant to protect yourself if necessary.
Although the situation is relatively safe for transgender people in Iceland, both locals and tourists should remain aware of the potential for bad actors in any country.
Surveys in Iceland have revealed an overwhelming acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ rights among most of the population.
Survey results from 12 LGBTQ+ Equaldex users who lived in or visited Iceland.
Perceived Safety*Absence of verbal harassmentAbsence of threats and violence*Survey results represent personal perceptions of safety and may not be indicative of current actual conditions.
Equal TreatmentTreatment by general publicTreatment by law enforcementTreatment by religious groups
Visibility & RepresentationRepresentation in entertainment
CultureInterest groups and clubs
ServicesSupport and social services
History
Censorship of LGBT issues in Iceland
?Censorship of LGBT issues in Iceland is no censorship.
Right to change legal gender in Iceland
?Right to change legal gender in Iceland is legal, no restrictions.
Homosexuality was decriminalized back in 1940, and since then, the country has continued to make strides in ensuring equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In 1992, Iceland equalized the age of consent for all sexual relations, which marked a significant step forward for the LGBT community. This is where you’ll find most of the country’s cultural events, including the two biggest parties in the gay Iceland calendar.
Reykjavík Pride
Reykjavík Pride is one of the most important dates in the Icelandic calendar.
But visit the Land of Fire and Ice and you’ll soon discover it’s also one of the most welcoming nations on the planet.
So, is Iceland LGBTQ+ friendly? Summer, June to August, is also great, as you will find average temperatures the most appealing, 10-13 degrees Celsius (50-55 F), but you miss out on the northern lights, as there is almost 22 hours of daylight.
These months range from 4 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius (39-50 F), a normal cycle of daylight/night time, and you can witness the northern lights phenomenon in all its glory.
Over the years, the country has made strides in ensuring that trans people can live as who they are without discrimination or attack.
In terms of legal rights, Iceland allows for gender changes without requiring surgery. As Iceland’s most recognisable LGBTQ+ hub, it’s the place to come for drag shows, queer parties and other events.
Just next door is Bravó.
Just don’t forget your camera.
One of the most popular places to photograph the northern lights is Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle route. In fact, this gay pride celebration is the biggest annual event anywhere in the country.
Visit Iceland in August to watch or join the parade involving 100,000 people.
They migrate here in summer to feed in the nutrient-dense waters.
Join a boat tour to glimpse Iceland’s magnificent marine life for yourself. Situations can change quickly, and information can become outdated. Non-binary gender recognition is also acknowledged by the Icelandic government, which leads to further inclusivity for individuals outside the conventional gender binary.
For instance, the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon – two of the country’s most popular spas – have private facilities you can request access to.
Nature putting on a show – the northern lights in Iceland.
2. One notable establishment is Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík that literally translates to “free church in Reykjavík,” which is where LGBTQ+ weddings are held.
The country proudly ranks first for gender equality, a testament to its dedication towards inclusivity and diversity.
Though Icelanders tend to be open-minded and welcoming, it’s essential to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, as situations can change quickly, and there may be individuals with ill intentions, just like in any other country.
Always be prepared and informed to make the most out of your Icelandic experience while remaining safe and respectful of the local environment. And in 2010, the right to “registered partnerships” was upgraded to the right to same-sex marriage.
You may have heard about Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, an ex-prime minister of Iceland and the world’s first openly LGBTQ+ head of state.
While there aren’t many specific queer spaces, the whole city is gay-friendly.
That said, Kiki is Reykjavík’s famous gay bar. It is always essential to stay informed and seek guidance from relevant LGBT advocacy groups when traveling or living in Iceland. On a trip here, you’ll have the chance to see creatures you’re unlikely to spot elsewhere.
In the Westfjords, one of the most magical sights is the Arctic fox, the only mammal native to the Land of Fire and Ice.
This region is also one of the best places to spot puffins in summer.
That’s not all you could see though. Or, visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where the aurora dances above floating icebergs.
Trace tectonic plate boundaries in Þingvellir National Park.
3.
Visit and you’ll see that Icelanders tend to be exceptionally supportive of gay rights. Every year the seas around Iceland host around 20 species of whale. However, always watch the ever-evolving environment and maintain caution throughout your journey.