Copenhagen’s LGBTQ+ Scene and Culinary Delights
When HRH Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark stepped out as Patron of Copenhagen 2021’s WorldPride event to deliver a speech about LGBTQ+ equality, it seemed like the pinnacle of state-sanctioned Danish liberality. For there was the Australian-born commoner turned fairytale princess, destined to become Queen Consort of Denmark, standing in the rain with pink trousers and a rainbow umbrella declaring that gay rights are human rights.
Denmark’s reputation as a land of acceptance stretches back much further than that. The city’s official tourism site proclaims that “diversity is in our DNA,” showcasing that Copenhagen has a rich LGBTQ+ history. The snug, welcoming CentralHjørnet, often cited as the world’s oldest gay bar, has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened its doors in 1917. Furthermore, the story of Danish painter Lili Ilse Elvenes, who was among the first to receive sex reassignment surgery in 1930, is prominently featured in the film The Danish Girl.
Moreover, the LGBT+ Danmark organisation, active since 1948, has been instrumental in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Remarkably, Denmark became the first country to officially register same-sex unions in 1989, setting the stage for marriage equality to spread across forward-thinking nations.
Consequently, many wonder why gay venues still exist given the widespread acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ people today. However, there remains a vital need for community spaces to connect and relax. Therefore, Copenhagen excels with both an array of vibrant gay bars and cafés, as well as countless hotspots that attract the LGBTQ+ community with a blend of innovative design and world-class food. Style, unsurprisingly, is a prevalent theme throughout Copenhagen.
Culinary Excellence in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has been recognized as a culinary hotspot for many years. Chef René Redzepi’s three-Michelin-starred Noma is celebrated for bringing Nordic cuisine into the spotlight. Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet’s Geranium, where diners embark on a three-hour tasting menu called Universe, recently surpassed Noma to achieve the title of World’s Best Restaurant 2022. Furthermore, numerous fine eateries abound, often nestled within hotels adorned with Scandi-cool design, tempting guests with decor as captivating as their handcrafted cocktails.
A new urban oasis in the heart of the city, Paper Island (Papirøen), is currently under construction and promises pioneering architecture, innovative gastronomy, and art. It lies just across the water from the iconic Nyhavn harbor and the prestigious Soho House Copenhagen.
The Queer Quarter in Copenhagen
The city features several gay bars along Studiestræde, a colorful, historic street located in the Latin Quarter, which runs parallel to Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. This vibrant stretch, approximately 200 meters, is convenient for winter visits when you can quickly hop between lively venues and during summer when the festivities naturally extend outdoors.
While smoking is gradually being phased out, it remains permissible in a select few bars such as Masken and Jailhouse, promising a lively, albeit foggy atmosphere.
