Lyla Lindsey
Austria has a thriving LGBTQIA+ community and is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1971, and since then, Austria has continued to make strides towards equality. The country now offers legal recognition for same-sex marriages, gay adoption, and serving in the military, as well as protection against sexual orientation discrimination and legal recognition of a change in gender. Austria's capital city, Vienna, is particularly renowned for its LGBTQIA+ culture and pride, hosting events such as Vienna Gay Pride and the annual Diversity Ball. The country also boasts a range of LGBTQIA+-friendly bars, clubs, and hotels, making it a popular destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Overall, Austria's LGBTQIA+ community is well-developed and integrated into the country's rich culture and history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| LGBT Rights | Homosexuality decriminalised in 1971; unequal age of consent rectified in 2002; gay marriage, gay adoption, military service, and anti-discrimination protections now in place |
| LGBT Organisations | HOSI Wien, Afro Rainbow Austria, The Austrian Lesbian and Gay Forum (ALGF), The Green Party, The Social Democrats (SPÖ) |
| LGBT Events | Vienna Gay Pride, Vienna Diversity Ball, Vienna Rainbow Parade, PiNKED Vienna |
| LGBT Venues | Why Not, KEN Club, The Circus, Musikcafe SAX, Dark Eagle, Haus Romeo, Hotel aDLERS, Landhotel Postgut |
| LGBT Representation | First openly gay National Council member: Mario Lindner; First openly gay mayor: Georg Djundja; First openly LGBT minister: Iris Eliisa Rauskala |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's history of homosexuality decriminalisation
Austria has made significant strides in the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the advancement of LGBT rights. However, it is important to acknowledge the historical context and the journey towards greater equality.
Prior to 1971, homosexuality was illegal in Austria for both men and women, with criminal penalties imposed during the period of Nazi rule. In 1971, an amendment to the Penal Code marked a pivotal moment as it decriminalised non-commercial same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults. Nevertheless, this amendment introduced Section 209, which created an unequal age of consent, setting it at 18 for gay men and 14 for heterosexual individuals and lesbians. This discriminatory provision remained in place until 2002, when the Austrian Parliament formally repealed it. The Constitutional Court of Austria had already declared Section 209 unconstitutional and unenforceable earlier that year.
Despite the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the fight for LGBT rights in Austria continued. In 1995, the International Human Rights Tribunal brought attention to the discrimination and persecution of LGBT individuals in the country, sparking parliamentary debates on the issue. The Liberal Forum (LIF) campaigned strongly against Section 209 and advocated for equal treatment in matters such as marriage and adoption. The Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Green Party also demonstrated support for equal rights for same-sex couples.
In recent years, Austria has continued to make progress in LGBT rights. In 2017, Mario Lindner of the Social Democrats became the first openly gay politician elected to the National Council. In 2019, Georg Djundja was elected as the first openly gay mayor in Austria, in the city of Oberndorf bei Salzburg. Additionally, Austria has a vibrant LGBT community, particularly in larger cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, with annual events like Vienna Gay Pride and the Diversity Ball celebrating LGBT culture and pride.
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LGBTQ+ culture in Vienna
Vienna is the rainbow capital of Europe, with a large and thriving LGBTQ+ community. The city has a long history of queer activism and has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Austria. In 1930, Vienna hosted the Weltliga für Sexualreform, a conference with 2,000 participants centred around progressive approaches to sexuality. The conference was founded by queer activist and researcher Magnus Hirschfeld.
Vienna Pride has been held annually since 1996, with the Rainbow Parade, the highlight of the event, attracting 250,000 people in 2022. The parade starts in front of the town hall and follows the Ringstraße, passing important historical and political buildings. Vienna hosted EuroPride in 2001 and 2019, with the latter attended by an estimated 500,000 people. The city also hosts the Regenbogenball, an annual event organised by HOSI Wien, the first queer organisation in Austria, founded in 1980. Vienna's LGBTQ+ community also has a strong presence in the city's nightlife, with popular venues including Why Not, one of the city's oldest safe spaces for gay men, and the KEN Club, known for its bold performances and daring outfits. The Circus, which attracts thousands of LGBTQ+ guests, brands itself as "Austria's Biggest Gay Party". The city also has a thriving lesbian scene, including the Frauencafé, a small but exclusive women-only café, and the Frauenzentrum Bar, which hosts regular fests and events.
Vienna has passed extensive anti-discrimination legislation, and the city actively supports its LGBTQ+ population by subsidising gay and lesbian culture and special events. Political associations and groups are working to eliminate legal and social inequality, and the Vienna Tourist Board has developed strategies to ensure a pleasurable experience for LGBTQ+ visitors to the city. Vienna's LGBTQ+ community also has a presence in the city's art scene, with the Löwenherz bookstore offering a wide selection of LGBTQ+ literature and hosting regular events, and the Gayt store in the fifth district, which has an art gallery in its basement featuring works by gay artists.
TransX is an organisation based in Vienna that focuses on the rights of trans people and understands transitioning as fluid. They organise excursions, workshops, and festivals, and lobby for political and legal change. FAmOS Rainbow Families is another Vienna-based association that supports and represents the interests of families and children within the Austrian Rainbow concept.
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Gay-friendly hotels and resorts
Austria has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, with a rich history of gay men in its past and a bustling nightlife in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. The country has a lot to offer LGBTQIA+ travellers, from annual events to gay-friendly hotels and resorts.
Austria has a range of gay-friendly hotels and resorts, offering everything from skiing holidays to city breaks. Here are some options:
- Landhotel Postgut, Lungau: This hotel is perfect for those who love the outdoors, offering skiing in winter and horseback riding in summer, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Lungau region.
- Haus Romeo, Scheffau: Located in the Wilder Kaiser mountains, this Alpine gay resort is ideal for a relaxing break.
- ADLERS, Innsbruck: With Innsbruck at your feet and surrounded by mountains, aDLERS offers a great escape from everyday life.
- Hotel Schwarzer Adler, Innsbruck: This boutique hotel has hosted many famous artists, celebrities, and European royals over the years.
- Misterb&b: This travel company offers a range of LGBTQ+-welcoming options, from private rooms and apartments to gay-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in the heart of gay districts.
LGBTQIA+-friendly Events
Austria also hosts several LGBTQIA+-friendly events throughout the year, including:
- Rosenball: A classic Viennese ball with an upbeat, dance-focused twist.
- Rainbow Parade: Vienna's annual gay pride celebration, now in its 15th year.
- Kreativball: A sell-out event in recent years, this ball is another popular event in the LGBTQIA+ calendar.
- Diversity Ball: Held in the grand setting of Vienna's City Hall, this event features dazzling performances, vibrant music, and extravagant outfits.
- Circus: Billed as "Austria's Biggest Gay Party," this event attracts thousands of LGBTQIA+ guests to different venues in Vienna.
- PiNKED Vienna: A popular queer party series, featuring pop and electro beats in changing club locations.
With such a range of gay-friendly hotels and resorts, as well as a vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene, Austria is an excellent destination for travellers seeking an inclusive and welcoming experience.
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LGBTQ+ rights and laws
Austria has made significant strides in recognising and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 1971, an amendment to the Penal Code decriminalised non-commercial same-sex sexual activity between adults, marking a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards LGBTQ+ equality. However, this amendment introduced Section 209, which set an unequal age of consent for gay men at 18, compared to 14 for heterosexual couples and lesbians. This disparity was challenged and, in 2002, Parliament formally repealed Section 209, a move supported by the Constitutional Court of Austria.
Austria's LGBTQ+ community has continued to advocate for equal rights, and their efforts have resulted in notable legislative changes. Registered partnerships for same-sex couples became legal in 2010, and in 2013, a government bill was passed, permitting stepchild adoption by same-sex couples. This was further strengthened in 2015 when the Constitutional Court mandated that laws must be amended by the end of the year to allow joint adoption by same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage is also recognised in the country.
Austria provides legal recognition for individuals transitioning genders. This includes permitting legal changes to an individual's gender on official documentation and offering medical and psychological support, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries. The country also acknowledges non-binary, genderqueer, and third gender identities. The Equal Treatment Act, implemented in 2004, includes anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation in employment. Since 2017, all Austrian states have updated their anti-discrimination laws to encompass sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services.
The Austrian government has actively supported LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, Minister of Education, Science and Research Iris Eliisa Rauskala became the first government minister to publicly identify as lesbian. Additionally, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has expressed his endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights, stating that they are human rights. In the same year, he became the first head of state to participate in the EuroPride parade in Vienna, demonstrating visible support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Queer community in Salzburg
Salzburg, a city with a rich history, culture, and music, has a thriving queer community. With a population of 150,000, it is no surprise that Salzburg has a vibrant gay scene. The city's queer community actively engages with Salzburg's urban society, and the annual Pride Festival is a testament to this exchange. The festival, held in late summer, showcases the progress made by the community and serves as a platform for self-expression and visibility.
The queer community in Salzburg has a range of venues and spaces to call their own. HOSI, a local branch of a gay rights and interest group, serves as both a bar and a community hub. It hosts regular events and festivals, including Salzburg's Pride Festival, and provides an information centre for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In addition to HOSI, Salzburg is home to other queer-friendly establishments like the Princess Bar in Priesterhausgasse and the Mexxx Gaybar. The city also has its flagship of gayness, "2-Stein," located next to Hotel Stein at the intersection of Steingasse and Linzergasse.
While there are few explicitly gay bars in Salzburg, the city has seen an increase in advertising and custom-made offers targeting gay and lesbian tourists in recent years. This shift has been driven by the recognition that homosexual couples often have higher disposable incomes and are, therefore, attractive guests for hotels, bars, and shops. However, some members of the queer community in Salzburg have expressed annoyance at the notion that their needs and interests are fundamentally different from those of heterosexual visitors.
Salzburg's queer community extends beyond nightlife and tourism. The Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1953, regularly features queer themes in its artistic workshops. The artist Philipp Gufler, for example, has exhibited his exploration of queer history and role attributions at the Galerie im Traklhaus. Additionally, groups like The Heublumen work to support rural LGBTQIA+ communities in the province of Salzburg, with events like Unken Pride showcasing queer self-confidence in picturesque settings.
Overall, Salzburg's queer community is diverse and dynamic, contributing to the city's open-minded and future-oriented spirit. The community actively engages with the city's urban society while also celebrating its unique identity through events, art, and advocacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Austria is considered to be a gay-friendly country. While there is no data on the size of the LGBTQIA+ population in Austria, a 2016 report claims that 6.2% of Austrians identified as LGBTQIA+. The country's larger cities are home to many gay-friendly areas, and Austria has made significant progress in LGBTQIA+ rights over the last two decades.
Austria's capital, Vienna, hosts the annual Vienna Gay Pride, which includes the Regenbogenparade or "Rainbow Parade". The city also has many safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, including Why Not, one of the oldest safe spaces for gay men, and the KEN Club, which hosts parties with energetic pop and trash music. The Circus is another popular event, attracting thousands of LGBTQIA+ guests.
Homosexual activity was decriminalised in Austria in 1971. Since then, the country has introduced same-sex marriage and parenting rights, and there is legal protection against sexual orientation discrimination. However, Austria has been slower to implement change than other European countries, and there is still some work to be done to achieve complete inclusion.
Yes, there are several LGBTQIA+ politicians in Austria. In 2017, Mario Lindner became the first openly gay politician to be elected to the National Council. In 2019, Georg Djundja was elected as the first openly gay mayor in Austria, in the city of Oberndorf bei Salzburg. Minister of Education, Science and Research Iris Eliisa Rauskala came out as lesbian in 2019, becoming the first openly LGBTQIA+ minister in the Austrian government.
There are many gay-friendly places to visit in Austria, particularly in the larger cities such as Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Graz. Haus Romeo, an Alpine Gay Resort in the Wilder Kaiser mountains, is a popular destination. Vienna also has several LGBTQIA+-friendly bars and cafes, such as Musikcafe SAX and Löwenherz bookstore.
