Berlin remains Europe’s most diverse and welcoming capital, where LGBTQ+ life is part of the city’s culture. Post pandemic, the German capital is open and ready to welcome LGBTIQ+ travelers to partake in Berlin’s vibrant scene and enjoy a fun-packed year of culture and events.
Dating:
SpeedDating XXL Gay
January 31 – July 5, 2023
Berlin’s biggest gay speed dating event gives you the chance to go on up to 20 unique same-sex dates in one evening. Taking place at different dates and at locations throughout Berlin, and guided by a moderator, it will be simple to start a conversation and see where it takes you.
Performance:
We Are (nothing) Everything
February 16 – 19, 2023
Choreographed and performed by Makisig Akin and Anya Cloud, this performance dance is a queer reimagination of a creation story. It tenderly shows the multiple ways that love can manifest itself, and intimately explores the spaces where desire, guilt, grief, and love intersect.
Award Show:
37. TEDDY AWARD, the Queer Film Award at the Berlin International Film Bestival
February 24, 2023
The TEDDY AWARD, the oldest and most important queer film award in the world, will again take place as part of the Berlin International Film Festival. At the festive 37th TEDDY AWARD ceremony, the coveted trophies will be awarded in the categories Best Feature Film, Best Documentary / Essay Film, Best Short Film, Jury Award and as a Special TEDDY for outstanding achievement. The award in followed by a glittering TEDDY After Show Party at the Volksbühne theater.
Event:
50th Easter Berlin Leather and Fetish Week
April 4 – 11, 2023
The Berlin fetish community once again welcomes thousands of visitors to one of Europe’s largest fetish gatherings. Easter in Berlin has become an integral part of the international event calendar and guarantees a fun-packed week with new acquaintances and old friends. The events culminate in the Mister Leather Berlin contest on Easter Sunday, April 9.
Tour:
The Story of Berlin’s Clubs – in Augmented Reality!
Several dates between May 5 – December 30, 2023
This guided augmented reality tour explores Berlin’s culture and history of the last 50 years around sexual politics, techno, raving and clubbing. Discover how today’s Berlin club culture began, culminating in world-famous clubs like Berghain and Kit Kat – all against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall.
Festival:
Lesbian and Gay City Festival
July 15 and 16, 2023
Traditionally held on the weekend before Berlin’s Christopher Street Day, this two-day event attracts a large international crowd to officially kick off the gay scene’s party season in Berlin. With music, shows, information booths as well as food and drinks, the event is not only a celebration, but also a protest against exclusion of any kind. Also known as Motzstraßenfest, the events remain true to the motto “Equal rights for unequal people – worldwide!”
Festival:
CSD Berlin | Berlin Pride – Christopher Street Day
July 22, 2023
Music, party, and a fun atmosphere – usually one million people protest at the CSD in Berlin for equal rights and the right to self-determination. In 2023, the CSD will continue to advocate effectively and visibly for LGBTIQ+ rights. The organizers are again making every effort to hold a larger demo procession and the final manifestation.
Here’s the official after movie of CSD Berlin 2022.
Movies:
MonGay Queer Cinema at Kino International
Every Monday
Every Monday night at 10 pm, the iconic Kino International features MonGay, a diverse program of films of particular interest to LGBTIQ+ lovers. Movies range from blockbusters to old classic, shown in an intimate family atmosphere that evokes the feeling ending the day with a group of friends.
Where to stay:
Pink Pillow Berlin Collection
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, Berlin’s successful Pink Pillow Collection of hotels promise exceptionally welcoming, relaxed, and professional service to their LGBTQ+ guests. Going above and beyond “gay friendly”, participating hotels pledged to five principles which include contribution of social projects, knowledge of the LGBTIQ+ scene and – above all – assure that all guests and staff members feel welcomed and respected. The 57 participating hotels range from small boutique hotels to five-start luxury accommodations.
More information on LGBTQ+ Berlin here.
Information on travel to Berlin at www.visitberlin.com
