The gay community has become an important component of society in Germany, which is now one of the most progressive countries in Europe for same sex lifestyle.
Gay communities have sprung up in all major and small-sized cities throughout the country.
Under the flag of the rainbow, Germany offers more variety than any other country can: a wide range of cultural attractions, scenic beauty and a highly organized gay community enable gays and lesbians to experience a memorable trip or a relaxing vacation!
More detailed information can be found on our city pages. Please use the links below.

Gay and lesbian emancipation began at the end of the 19th century in Germany. As early as 1895, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (the first-known gay activist) supported homosexual rights in his speech on Lawyer's Day in Munich. Magnus Hirschfeld established the first Scientific Institute for Research on Homosexuality in Berlin in 1897; furthermore, the city of Berlin also lays claim to the world's first Gay Museum, which opened in 1985.
Gay and lesbian equality has made enormous strides since the late 1960s. Homosexuality became no longer punishable by law in East Germany in 1968 and in West Germany in 1969.
In 2001, a "Life Partnership Law" was introduced by the Federal Government allowing 'registered partnerships' for same-sex couples and giving them rights and obligations in areas such as inheritance, alimony, health insurance, immigration and name change. Since January 2005 registered same-sex couples are allowed to adopt (stepchild adoption only), and procedures with regard to division of property and alimony have been improved. The debate about same-sex marriage is still on the agenda in the German parliament.
In May 2008, the Memorial to Gays persecuted by the Nazis was opened in Berlin. A concrete slab reminds of the prosecuted gays and lesbians in the Third Reich with a film projection of a never-ending scene of a same-sex couple kissing - every two years it will change from men to women or vice-versa.

Germany's annual Christopher Street Day parades are part of the international gay and lesbian celebration commemorating the gay movement. Most of the world calls this celebration "Gay Pride", whilst German speakers talk about "CSD". Since the early 1980s, CSD events have developed into mega-happenings in Germany, attracting more than two million participants and every major German city holds its own Christopher Street Day in the summer.
In addition to CSD events, leather fetish events have established themselves throughout Germany. Organized by local leather clubs, annual parties are hosted, attracting visitors from home and abroad and include the Leather Party in Hamburg held in August and the Gay Oktoberfest in Munich (September/October) where thousands of gay beer-swillers gather and celebrate "Gay Sunday" in the Bräurosl beer tent.
But Germany is not only interesting for its leather scene - gay "bears" and their friends can participate in a number of events here, too. Especially in Cologne where "Bear Pride" takes place. The main event is the Mr. Bear Germany Contest where thousands of "bears" and their friends visit the city. Frankfurt with its next "Bear & Leather Days" in 2009 is the highlight amongst a wide range and variety of events that take place throughout the year for bearded and hairy guys.
For a listing of all events in Germany, check the city pages below and be sure to use our event search.