Berlin has long held a reputation as one of the most tolerant cities in the world, with a large and vibrant gay scene. The historical epicentre was around Schöneberg; now, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain all boast their districts. With a yearly calendar of international events, plus club nights and bars a plenty, Berlin is open for all.
Those looking for a historical introduction usually take a trip to the Schwules Museum. Currently undergoing renovation, the museum and accompanying archive will be open at Lützowstraße from May 2013. In the meantime, make sure you visit the Gay Holocaust Memorial in Tiergarten, rather belatedly opened in 2008 to commemorate those persecuted by the Nazi’s.
Stories of Berlin in the 1920’s and early 30’s are legendary. Writers like Anne-Marie Schwarzenbach, W.H Auden and Berlin’s famous adopted son, Christopher Isherwood all spoke of Berlin’s burgeoning gay scene as it grew with the metropolis. Take an hour out of your day and book a place on Brendan Nash’s Isherwood’s Berlin tour. It’s a great introduction to the British writer’s favourite haunts and Brendan’s blog, Cabaret Berlin serves as a great primer for Weimar entertainment.
Looking to the present day, Berlin hosts several annual events, from Fetish Week in late March (with the annual German Mr Leather competition) and Folsom in September, plus events like the Gay Night at the Zoo in August, the Teddy Awards at the Berlinale and Kino International’s regular Mongay film screenings. And you can always keep tabs on Berlin’s nightlife through Siegessäule, one of the city’s most established gay magazines and event listings.
June is always a great time in the city, with the Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest in and around Motzstraße, followed by the annual Gay Pride, the Christopher Street Day parade on the 22nd June, 2013. With an alternative Transgeniale CSD in Kreuzberg on the same day, there is always a place to party.
