What makes a city LGBTQI friendly? A wide range of queer bars and clubs, a unique LGBTQI council, rainbow coloured streets and trams or an open atmosphere?
Sweden in general is considered a very LGBT+ friendly destination – we were ranked the safest country in the world in the 2019 LGBTQ+ Danger Index. But perhaps it’s the combination of all these things that makes Gothenburg stand out, even here, among the LGBT+ community’s favourites. The non-profit organisation RFSL has named it the best LGBT+ city in Sweden, and the British LGBT Awards put it among it top 10 LGBT+ destinations.
“A fabulous all year-round escape for curious gay and lesbian travellers”
– British LGBT Awards 2018
West Pride and the rainbow coloured city
Gothenburg’s own pride festival West Pride has been around since 2007. The festival takes place in June every year and boasts hundreds of events, with the Rainbow parade as a given highlight.
– West Pride makes Gothenburg an even more open and inclusive city. The festival highlights LGBTQI persons’ lives through a norm critical approach to arts and culture, says Emma Percival at West Pride.
During the two weeks leading up to West Pride, all of Gothenburg sports rainbow colours on flags, trams, and more. The square Gustaf Adolfs torg is filled with the city’s own rainbow flags, and many comapnies and organisations join in the celebrations.
The LGBTQI+monument “Gläntan”
The monument Gläntan, located at Esperantoplatsen in central Gothenburg, consists of several components that highlight different times and places. It is based on shared collective experiences from Gothenburg’s LGBTQI+ history. The monument was created by artist Conny Karlsson Lundgren and represents the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQI+ people in Gothenburg—historically, today, and in the future. Read more about the monument here.
Homophobiatherapy – a self-help therapy against trans-, bi- and homophobia
In 2019, West Pride launchef the initiative Homophobiarherapy – a self-help therapy in eight steps based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to counteract homo-, bi- and transphobia. Listen to the eigth steps on Spotify.
Meeting places, communities and networks
Reclaim Pride – Independent networks that organise various activities
RFSL Göteborg – non-profit organisation that acts as a community and support group, as well as working with campaigns and public awareness
Newcomers – network for LGBT+ migrants and refugees
Transammans Väst – organisation for transgender people and their families, that arranges social events and support groups
Queer Angle – podcast and community for LGBT+ people and their allies
Homan Göteborg – LGBTQI association for immigrants
House of Colors – meeting place on Hisingen for young LGBT+ people
LGBTQ Students Gothenburg – for LGBT+ students at the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology
EKHO – organistion for Christian LGBT+ people
Hotels and Other Accommodation
Misterb&b – book LGBT+I friendly accomodation
Dorsia Hotel & Restaurant is an exclusive boutique hotel with unique interior design and a high level of service. The hotel is known for its elegant style and is a popular choice among LGBTQI+ travellers seeking a more luxurious stay.
Clarion Hotel Post is located by the central station and combines historic architecture with modern design. The hotel is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an excellent choice for LGBTQI+ travellers.
Avalon Hotel is a design hotel in the heart of Gothenburg, renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and proximity to the city’s nightlife. It is popular among LGBTQI+ travellers and offers a relaxed environment with high-quality service.
Scandic Rubinen is a vibrant hotel on Avenyn with an open and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has established itself as LGBTQI+-friendly and is situated close to the city’s cultural and entertainment venues.
Events & Activities
West Pride is a non-profit organisation. In 2007, they held their first Pride festival, which has since taken place annually. In addition, they run activities throughout the year, offering, among other things, LGBTQI training and certification for schools and organisations in Västra Götaland.
They also create meeting places and platforms for dialogue and reflection on LGBTQI issues.
Gothenburg Queer Lindy Festival – lindyhop festival without heteronormative roles
StandOut Travel – an LGBT+ travel and wedding agency, arranging guided tours, private tours, business trips, weddings and events
Queerkalendern Göteborg – Instagram account that guides to LGBT+ events in Gothenburg
Queer Up! – queer separatist group who arrange various activitie
Kulturhuset Oceanen – Cultural centre, performance venue and bar.
Don’t miss their award-winning literary programme series, The Queer Gaze.
Oceanen is currently closed for renovation but will reopen in June 2025.
Restaurants & Clubs
Gretas is an inclusive nightclub where community, joy, and LGBTQ pride are at the heart of everything. You’ll find a safe and vibrant atmosphere where everyone is welcome to dance, socialise, and be themselves.
Park Lane is a classic nightclub on Avenyn that hosts Club Queer with glitter and glamour on the last Friday of every month.
Haket is an LGBTQ-friendly pub with a wide selection of beers. Everyone is welcome here, and the crowd is diverse and mixed.
HUSH is a queer club night held at Bar Nomi in Gothenburg. These are evenings created by and for the LGBTQ+ community, where everyone is welcome to shine.
Crippas Café is a vegan café in Majorna, known for its inclusive atmosphere and delicious food.
Wine Mechanics Slakthuset proudly claims the title of Gothenburg’s first urban winery. Located in the old slaughterhouse district of Gamlestaden, they produce wine on-site, and in the nearby restaurant, everyone is welcome to sample the wines in an industrial setting. Alongside the drinks, you can enjoy both small and large dishes inspired mainly by European flavours.
Salons & Shops
Salong Qlipp – hairdressers who offer free haircuts to queer individuals. If someone does pay, the money is reinvested into organisations focused on LGBTQI issues.