BUDAPEST: Within 24 hours, Budapest Pride was banned because the government believes children need to be protected from LGBTQ+ individuals. I reached out to Hungarian lesbians and queer people to get their side of the story. Their raw testimonies, gives snapshots of what it's like to live in a system that is attacking their right to be visible in public space.

SITGES: I can't claim to understand what it's like to be a gay man, but a week in Sitges, south of Barcelona, gave me a glimpse into a different world. I was immediately struck by the sheer number of spaces dedicated to the community – bars, festivals, and clubs – and the comfort with which gay men held hands in public, a sight I rarely see elsewhere. It made me realize how much visibility and acceptance matter. This is my take on an off-season week in the Spanish gay paradise.

PARIS: The lesbian and queer life in Paris offered a window into hope and amazement, showing me what life could be. My conclusion is that lesbians in Paris can have a very fulfilling life with many different options for meeting people and socializing. But queer Paris also has an important past from which we can learn and be inspired. The following scenes offer a glimpse into what queer Paris can look like.

MALMO: I used to only read about women breaking free, creating lives of their own making. At 54, to my surprise, I joined their club. I suspect I was born with a rebellious spirit that refused anything less than a life in freedom. And now, I can proudly proclaim: I am living it. This is about what it means to truly live your dream.

SKALA ERESSOS: Lesbian relationships? They're a wild ride, no matter where you're at! For so many of us, it's still the biggest mystery ever! But guess what? I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ruth Schwartz, who has the secret to building healthy lasting lesbian relationships. Let’s dive in!

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VIENNA: Do you want to dive into a gender-fluid world and live in a never-ending pride? This visit to the art world is for you.

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.

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.