Therese’s Legacy Above the Clouds: A Queer Couple Reclaims the Austrian Countryside
TRAHÜTTEN: There is a queer comeback in the Austrian countryside. This summer I visited Austria's first queer hotel run by the non-binary queer artist couple Io Tondolo and Itshe Petz. Dedicated to welcoming queer people back to rural life, they even host women-only events for lesbians, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual women.
Diary: The one about the tie
DIARY: Two days ago, I purchased my first ties—two Yves Saint Laurent in a Malmö vintage shop. The clerk and I estimated them to be from the 1970s. That evening, I attempted to tie one, resorting to YouTube tutorials, but lacked the patience to master the knot.
Berlin's Secret Twin
LESBOS: Berlin and Skala Eressos. Two of my favorite lesbian havens on earth. At first glance, they seem worlds apart. But as I started writing, I realized something profound: Skala Eressos might just be Berlin's long-lost twin sister. Here's why...
Romeo in the Garden
LESBOS: The Greek woman, in her late 70s threw us a curveball that night. We were enjoying beers on our balconies when, out of the blue, she strutted onto the scene like a mischievous Romeo.
Victoria's Berlin: The Ultimate Lesbian Guide
BERLIN Searching for the ultimate lesbian guide to Berlin? Look no further! Victoria Rúe, our guest blogger and a seven-year Berlin veteran, knows the city's best queer clubs and bars.
Kill your darlings in Berlin
BERLIN I went to one of the best lesbian cities on earth. I was going to stay three nights and ended up staying two weeks. This round in Berlin mesmerized me. At the same time I could not help wondering if I had come too late to the party.
I've got the lesbian fever, and Berlin is the cure
BERLIN Just like people can leave you unmoved, cities can too. Berlin is just not one of them. It has marked me like a tattoo and has given me the lesbian fever.
My Berlin Awakening
BERLIN The lesbian scene in Berlin hit me hard. I felt a sense of belonging and discovered what I'd been searching for. This experience also highlighted the complexities and challenges of being a lesbian, making me understand why it can be confusing.
A Visit to My Future Self
BERLIN My search for connection on my lesbian tour led me to constantly ask locals about places to meet other women. Then, in Berlin, I stumbled upon the Silverfuture bar, and it was like hitting the jackpot. The energy there was so unexpected and exciting, it left me pleasantly surprised.
LESBIAN/QUEER FESTIVALS IN EUROPE 2024
EUROPE: If you have wondered where all the lesbians are, I can reveal that they are here, taking part in some of the lesbian/queer festivals. Please let me know if you miss your favorite. The list is a living document and will be updated regularly.
LESBIAN/QUEER HOTSPOTS IN EUROPE
EUROPE: In my search for lesbians, I have made a lot of discoveries of where to find them. I am happy to present the lesbian/queer hotspots. If you miss your favorite, please let me know. The list will be updated regularly.
On the Hunt for Lesbians in Vienna
VIENNA Marea Alta, once a lesbian haven, has transformed into a hub for the broader queer community. After two evenings of encountering mostly queer men, I finally struck gold, finding the lesbians I'd been searching for.
The Shelf Where My Story Lives
VIENNA If you ever wonder why we need physical bookstores, let me tell you about my visit to Vienna's oldest gay and lesbian bookstore, Löwenherz. Seeing shelves overflowing with books celebrating lesbian and queer lives, stories that had been so often silenced in the "normal" world, brought tears to my eyes. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of these spaces – havens where our stories are finally seen, heard, and embraced.
Glitch: A Bookshop Steeped in Feminist History
MUNICH When the original owners decided to retire, the future of Lillemor's seemed uncertain. But in a testament to the enduring spirit of feminist activism, a new collective stepped in. Four women, determined to preserve this vital space, purchased the shop and breathed new life into it as Glitch.
La Gata: A Frankfurt Landmark for Lesbians
FRANKFURT One by one, the lesbian bars in Europe are shutting down. La Gata is one of the few left. When you open the door, it's like walking into a movie. 1970s hit you with all it's got of brown, wood panel and faded pictures of naked ladies.
The Disappearing Scene in Frankfurt
FRANKFURT Palm trees and pastel colors surrounded me at Zum Schwejk, a gay bar that felt more like a tropical escape than a place to find my tribe. I was told the lesbian scene had all but vanished, and even got the recommendation to become a gay man. Luckily, I met Julia and Alina, who gave me their take on lesbian life in this city.
Fashion from the lesbian closet
MALMO Clothing has always been a powerful tool for self-expression, especially within queer and lesbian communities. This series examines how modern women and non-binary individuals use fashion to break boundaries and celebrate their individuality.
The City That Showed Sandra Who She Was
MALMO Sandra Raciborska, the driving force behind Queer Girls Malmo, counts this memory as one of the most joyful of her lesbian journey.