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There is a wealth of information for gays and lesbians living in or visiting Germany. Large towns and cities have active gay communities as do the smaller towns in Germany. Homosexuality has been legal since 1968 in East Germany and since 1969 in West Germany. The age of consent in Germany is 14. In 2001, gay marriage was legalised and gay couples now have many (if not all) of the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The main German tourist website offers links to Gay Berlin, Gay Cologne and other cities. All of these list gay and gay-friendly bars and clubs and other meeting places.
Gay Groups and Associations in GermanyLesbian and Gay Federation of Germany (Lesben- und Schwulenverband Deutschlands, LSVD): The LSVD is the main gay and lesbian organisation in Germany. It offers counselling and support via the website or telephone calls. The LSVD has a project known as Regenbogenfamilien (rainbow families) whose aim is to improve the social, legal and personal status of gay and lesbian families via counselling and networking. They have a counselling hotline that can help with legal issues and family planning.
Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, BZgA): This Government agency provides information and support on many health topics including HIV and AIDS. Although many of its telephone counselling services are in German there are links and address details on their website.
The German AIDS Foundation (Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe): Founded in 1983, this foundation represents the interests of those infected with HIV and AIDS and undertakes educational programmes. The organisation now has 130 local branches throughout Germany.
PaygayThis is a credit card for the gay and lesbian community offering benefits and special services on travel and in certain shops as well as on online banking service.
Lesbian & Gay in BerlinAs a result of its history, Berlin has two city centres, both of which have a gay and lesbian scene. The most well known districts are Schöneberg, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg. The districts of Mitte and Friedrichshain are known for their discos and clubs. There are plenty of activities, services and institutions in Berlin specifically designed by and for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. According to the official German tourist site, Berlin has over 150 gay bars. The city also has gay bookstores, pharmacies, sports clubs, same-sex dance classes and studios, language courses, speciality outfit boutiques, radio broadcasts focusing on gay related topics, organisations, meeting places, counselling services, associations and other resources.
Berlin also has a museum celebrating gay and lesbian history.
Regional Groups in BerlinLSVD Berlin: The German Gay and Lesbian Federation has a branch in Berlin.
Lesbenberatung: This is a centre offering advice and counselling to lesbians.
Mann-O-Meter: This is a gay information and counselling centre offering psychological advice on gay life and health issues as well as information on gay events in Berlin.
Maneo: Victim support for gay and bisexual men. It provides support to victims of violence whether domestic or homophobic.
Gay & Lesbian Publications in BerlinThere are a number of specialist publications for gays and lesbians in Berlin. They are available in gay bars and also in the Tourist Information Office.
Further Information
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This is the "Gay & Lesbian in Berlin & Germany" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Berlin. AngloINFO Berlin's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Berlin, in English!". AngloINFO Berlin is your Berlin information source, for everyone living in Berlin or moving to Berlin, covering everything from the Berlin property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Germany, to all aspects of everyday life in the Berlin international community for those living their lives in Germany. » Find out more about AngloINFO in Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||
