Iceland: Celebrating “the world’s biggest small Pride” in the LGBTQ+ haven you didn’t know about
WORDS BY MALIK HADDINGTON-AHMED PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIGGA ELLA AND SUNNA BEN SPECIAL THANKS TO GUNNLAUGUR BRAGI BJÖRNSSON, BUSINESS ICELAND AND VISIT ICELAND In 2024, Iceland secured the #2 spot on ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map.
However, it’s relatively unknown as a safe place for LGBTQIA+ travellers. From introducing same-sex marriage in 2010 to banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in 2023, and inaugurating a number of progressive policies in-between, Iceland has become one of the best places to be queer in Europe.
This August, Reykjavík Pride – dubbed “the world’s biggest small Pride” – marked its 25th anniversary with a vibrant five-day celebration, featuring an opening ceremony, drag shows and a parade that showcased community groups from across the island. GAY TIMES was invited along to experience the festivities and all the great things Iceland has to offer first-hand… Before getting into the heart of Reykjavík, we were treated to a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s first five-star hotels.
Nestled within a private inlet of a UNESCO Global Geopark, complete with a spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and private lagoon for guests, this hotel embodies quiet luxury.
