CPH Post Copenhagen 2021

TOBIAS JØRGENSEN _ GETZCOOL MEDIA

When Copenhagen 2021 kicks off on August 12, it is the culmination of several years’ work. In 2015, the team behind the annual Copenhagen pride parade began an ambitious plan to get the largest LGBTI+ event in the world – WorldPride – to Copenhagen.

NOW WE’RE ALL HERE! FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE NEXT ELEVEN DAYS PROMISES TO BE A LOT OF FUN, BUT IT ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO EFFECT REAL CHANGE, SAY ORGANISERS

Meanwhile, sports association Pan Idræt had a similar bid to bring EuroGames to Copenhagen – a LGBTI+ sporting event open to everyone, irrespective of sex, age, sexual identity or physical ability.

Both bids were successful in 2017.

WorldPride and EuroGames were combined under the umbrella of Copenhagen 2021, Malmö was brought in as collaborator and the biggest LGBTI+ event in Scandinavian history – with free concerts, 22 sport activities, digital events, a human rights conference and over a thousand events – was born.

A degree of seriousness “We really want to position Copenhagen as the LGBTI+ capital of Northern Europe,” said Steve Taylor, the director of communications for Copenhagen 2021, about the organisers’ ambitions for the mega-event. But rights issues are just as important to Copenhagen 2021 as the more colourful aspects.

“You can have lots of fun at Copenhagen 2021, but we do it while tackling serious business. We wanted to use the status of Copenhagen to have an international conversation and create an event that people talk about in the global history of LGBTI+ politics and advocacy.”

While the organisers behind Copenhagen 2021 are proud of Denmark’s LGBTI+ history, they argue that there are still challenges to be solved.

“As much as we are advocating for LGBTI+ equality in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, we’re also advocating for the Danish government to move on those last remaining LGBTI+ issues that they still need to deal with,” explained Steve Taylor Some work to be done Among the key issues, Copenhagen 2021

points to the rights for trans and intersex people as well as the fact that conversion therapy is legal in Denmark. This makes it possible for an institution to encourage LGBTI+ people to ‘pray the gay away’ – a practice that has been compared to torture by the UN. “No Nordic nation has as yet banned conversion therapy, which is shocking.”

A Rainbow Europe Index is published every year, ranking European countries according to LGBTI+ equality. In 2021, Denmark ranked at number nine with 64 points out of a possible 100 – a position the Copenhagen 2021 team would like to see improved.

“It’s tricky, we accept that. But other countries have managed this. We can all

look at Malta, which is the best in Europe on the Rainbow Europe Index. Malta has dealt with most of these issues already.”

The Øresund Declaration As part of the human rights conference at Copenhagen 2021, politicians and global leaders will sign the Øresund Declaration, which has 15 demands from the decriminalisation of homosexuality, marriage equality and consent. The goal is that over the next nine years, countries that sign on can be measured against the declaration and live up to their promise.

“That’s the long-term ambition for the global human rights agenda that will come out of the event. We’re hopeful it will help to position Denmark as one of, if not the, leading nation in the world for LGBTI+ equality.

For information about the plays, cabarets and events, please visit:

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TOBIAS JØRGENSEN _ GETZCOOL MEDIA

BY KASPER GRANDETOFT

PREMIERE 19/08 SKUESPILHUSET

VISIT COPENHAGEN/MATHIAS BRANDT

WHY COPENHAGEN? HOW OVER A THOUSAND EVENTS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND A PROGRESSIVE HISTORY FORM THE BASIS OF COPENHAGEN 2021, AND MAKE COPENHAGEN THE LGBTI+ CAPITAL OF NORTHERN EUROPE

BY KASPER GRANDETOFT For many people, it won’t come as a huge surprise that Copenhagen became the main host for the largest LGBTI+ event in 2021. The Danish capital has long held a reputation as one of the most accepting LGBTI+ cities in the world. In June, Lonely Planet named Copenhagen the number one most gay-friendly place on the planet.

“One of the most tolerant and open communities in Europe, Copenhagen’s functional yet edgy fashion scene, brilliant array of cocktail bars, excellent range of gay-friendly boutique accommodation and packed calendar of events make it one of the most accepting places on Earth,” the travel guide wrote.

Denmark’s LGBTI+ history Much of Denmark’s current LGBTI tolerance can be traced back in its history.

In 1933, Denmark decriminalised homosexuality at a time when many other countries regarded homosexuals as mentally ill. The first person to undertake

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a legal gender change was in Copenhagen, where American Christine Jorgensen had surgery work in 1951 and 1952. In 1987, Denmark introduced anti-discrimination legislations and two years later legalised same-sex partnerships – the first such law in the world.

More recently, same-sex marriages became legal in 2012 and Denmark became the first country to allow a legal change of gender without requiring prior medical approval in 2014. Denmark was also the first country to remove being transgender from the list of mental illnesses in 2017.

Royal support Copenhagen 2021 is the first event of its size in Scandinavia since the COVID-19 pandemic and local support indicates that people are more than ready to ditch any remaining lockdown slump.

The support runs all the way to the top, with politicians and leading figures embracing the event. Even the royal family

is involved with Crown Princess Mary acting as patron for Copenhagen 2021 – the first time a royal figure has put their name behind a major LGBTI+ event.

“As hosts we are proud to showcase our values of equality and human rights,” Princess Mary said in an online speech last year.

Facts: - The first WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000 - The first EuroGames took place in the Netherlands in 1992 - It’s the first time WorldPride and EuroGames have taken place together and the first time either has been split across two cities in two countries Dozens of events will be streamed through digital platforms to ensure participants can join from anywhere in the world - Thousands of visitors are expected across both cities over 11 days

Opening hours Tue-sun 10-17 Wed 10-21 Mon closed Kronprinsessegade 30 Copenhagen, Denmark davidmus.dk

KELLY HANSEN

LET THE GAMES BEGIN! ENJOY 22 DIFFERENT SPORTS IN THIS YEAR’S EUROGAMES

BY LENA HUNTER The annual EuroGames, hosted by the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), kicks off on Wednesday 18 August.

In the spirit of inclusivity, it’s open to all – irrespective of age, race, gender, sexuality and experience.

Contests in 22 different sports will be judged by the same international sporting federations who adjudicate the Olympics – so if you fancy having your javelin throw or 100m breaststroke judged by the highest echelon of industry professionals, this is your moment.

Besides throwing Europe’s largest celebration of the LGBTI+ sports community, EGLSF’s manifesto includes fighting sexual discrimination in sport, stimulating integration and emancipation of LGBTI+ athletes, and supporting new LGBTI+ groups and the coming out of LGBTI+ athletes.

The birth of EuroGames The EuroGames follows in the footsteps of the Gay Games – the first international LGBTI+ sporting contest established in San Francisco in the 1980s by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell.

The founding of the EGLSF, created by German and Dutch LGBTI+ sport clubs in 1989, quickly followed. It counts over 120 LGBTI+ clubs from all over Europe among its members, representing more than 22,000 European athletes.

Three years later the first EuroGames was held in the Netherlands. Since then, the largest EuroGames have been in Munich

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in 2004 and Barcelona in 2008 – where over 5,000 athletes took part. This year’s tournament in Copenhagen is expected to be one of the biggest to date.

A need for change Despite an overall trend towards inclusivity, the sporting world has historically leant towards homo and transphobia. Perceptions of ‘macho’ identity, locker-room banter, laddish fan behaviour, and hazing are just a few examples of heteronormativity as the dominant paradigm in sports culture.

According to Outsports, this year’s Tokyo Olympics had at least 182 publicly out LGBTI+ athletes – more than all past Olympics combined. The 2020 Olympics also featured its first transgender athletes, notably New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard and Canadian women’s footballer Quinn, who use they/them pronouns and became the first openly transgender Olympic gold-medal champion.

The importance of organisations like EuroGames was laid bare when plans for the usual ‘Pride House’ – an inclusive space inside the Olympic Village – at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia were struck down by the Ministry of Justice on the basis that it constituted “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation which can undermine the security of the Russian society and the state”.

Get involved!

So what better cause to dust off your sneakers or dig your hockey stick out of the attic for? There are a plethora of events to sign up for: from artistic (previously known

as synchronised) swimming and track and field events (running, high and long jump, discus, javelin) to squash, tennis, bowling and chess … even dodgeball and the littleknown Swedish sport floorball, which was invented in the 1960s.

There is a participation fee of 90 euros for members of EGLSF and 120 euros for nonmembers, which allows you to sign up for as many tournaments as you like.

Of course, if team sports make you shudder you can sign up for one of the lower commitment and less sweatinducing EuroGames initiatives.

A series of drop-in events under the name ‘Sports to the People’ – including the Drag Olympics, roller-skating through the city, bicycle workshops and skiing – are open to visitors. Rolling sign-ups are available on the EuroGames app.

A Sports Leader Conference will also take place, with a mix of keynotes and panel debates. Smaller workshops that delve into issues affecting athletes and clubs, which offer concrete tools to fight discrimination, will run in parallel.

Finally, a Sports Village will be set up at Islands Brygge Havnepark with food and drinks, DJs, yoga, casual tournaments in golf, petanque, boxing and pub quizzes, workshops and performances.

So whether you’re leading a team to hardfought sporting glory or eating a hotdog and watching ‘Intro to Fencing’ from a deckchair in the sun, #youareincluded is the biggest LGBTI+ event of the year.

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PRIDE OF THE WORLD TRULY INCLUSIVE: COPENHAGEN IS WELCOMING VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE

TOBIAS JØRGENSEN

It’s not much of a surprise that Copenhagen is hosting WorldPride this year. After all, it was voted the most queer-friendly city in the world by both the British LGBT Awards and Lonely Planet – a big admirer of the Danish capital’s openmindedness and tolerance It is also home to the world’s oldest gay bar, Centralhjørnet, the first country to legalise same-sex civil partnerships ... the list goes on.

And as if celebrating the LGBTI+community wasn’t enough of a reason to look forward to Copenhagen Pride, this year’s collaboration with Malmö is a first international partnership in the history of World Pride.

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WorldPride, his next thoughts were “to get worried about all these people eventually not finding a place to sleep”.

The city expects at least 60,000 people to join multiple parades, which before the pandemic was scheduled to have been one gigantic parade. This doesn’t even take into account all the guests tagging along watching the spectacle from afar. Kenny is right to be concerned: the streets will not only be filled with pride, but also with people.

But the days from August 12-22 are not meant for catching up on sleep; the numerous events and activities leave little time to rest.

What’s the frequency, Kenny?

We spoke to Kenny, who can regularly be found serving drinks at Centralhjørnet, where he has worked for the last one and a half decades.

“Much has changed” Centralhjørnet has a respectably long history in the city. When the bar was built in 1917, queer people were not only openly discriminated against, homosexuality was simply illegal.

After being pleased to hear the news that Copenhagen was chosen as the host for

In this day and age, Copenhagen’s citizens are widely celebrated for their tolerance.

PRIDE 2021 GUIDE

But Centralhjørnet’s standing as the iconic LGBTI+ venue did at times cause trouble for Kenny. “Overall, there haven’t been many people openly speaking up against us, or even taking more aggressive steps, but when I started we had some occasional broken windows”, Kenny says.

“All in all, most people see this as an open and safe space. We do not discriminate, everyone’s warmly welcome to have a good time.” Nowadays, vandalism isn’t much of an issue anymore, “and if so – we changed the glass and frames, our windows are much more stable today.”

“Danes are friendly people” Centralhjørnet is not the only old gay bar in town. Café Intime (see pages 12-13) is almost as old – a constant in Copenhagen’s queer nightlife since 1922.

The early venues had to stay incognito until anti-gay politics ended in 1933.

Since then, Copenhagen has had nearly a century to develop a tolerance that has allowed many gay bars to openly celebrate their identity.

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COPENHAGEN ON TWO WHEELS A 48-HOUR BIKE TRIP STRAIGHT TO THE HEARTBEAT OF THE CAPITAL

BY BEN HAMILTON First, find a bike. Remember, borrowing one from a friend or a host is a gamble.

With the journeys we’ve got planned for you, a recently serviced bicycle is your best bet of getting from A to B. The rental service Donkey Republic takes pride in the condition of all its bicycles and in Copenhagen you’re never more than a short walk away from finding one, as they’re pretty much on every street corner in the capital!

Download the Donkey app in App Store to locate your nearest bicycle, purchase a two-day rental for 139 kroner, and let’s get started!

DAY ONE 9 AM Rent a bike in the vicinity of Østerbro near the famous Copenhagen Lakes (Søerne).

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VISIT DENMARK/ KIM WYON

Bicycle Snake The city’s largest park, Fælledparken, is easy to find and cycling on its paths is legal, making it a great place to practise if you have a few unsure members on your tour. Look up into the sky and you can see Parken Stadium – the national football team and a stop-off for many big music stars over the years.

each other and campaigning. Don’t expect to find Hans Christian Andersen though (unless he is one day reinterred), as he and Søren Kierkegaard are way down the other end near the entrance at Kapelvej 4. Once again it’s permissible to cycle, as long as you don’t go too close to the graves ... or the mourners.

10 AM Once you’re up to speed, cycle down two of the Lakes to Dronning Louises Bro, the turn-off for Nørrebrogade. Later in the day, the bridge will become a hive of activity with a distinctly hipster vibe, but for now your best bet for quality sight-seeing is the Assistens Kirkegård cemetery, which can be found barely a kilometre away (as ethnic flavours drown out the hipster ethos) on the left. Look out for Regnbuen, the LGBTI+ section of the graveyard (N625), which is best accessed via Nørrebro Runddel Metro station. Famous occupants include Axil and Eigil Axgil, who formed the world’s first civil union partnership in 1989, their reward for four decades of loving

11 AM Continue down Nørrebrogade to the end of the cemetery and head left

VISIT DENMARK/ MIKKEL HERIBA

Meatpacking District down Nordre Fasanvej until you reach Frederiksberg Have. Enjoy a walk through the gardens to Copenhagen Zoo. Without entering you can enjoy the elephant enclosure, a remarkable building. The hippo and giant panda enclosures are equally jaw-dropping, but maybe save that for another day.

2 PM Just west of Fredriksberg is Vesterbro, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Copenhagen. Istedgade is still home to the ‘red light district’ of Copenhagen, but it is ever shrinking under an onslaught of boutiques and vintage shops, stores selling antiques and knick-knacks, galleries and fancy restaurants. It’s time for some serious shopping!

4 PM One block away is Halmtorvet, the road that runs alongside Kødbyen, the city’s Meatpacking District, the home of the renowned LGBTI+ gallery and venue Warehouse 9. Greeting you are an array of bars and upscale takeaway restaurants.

8 PM For the best selection of LGBTI+ bars, head to the Latin Quarter, which is easily found a few streets up from Strøget, most particularly along Studiestræde. Before you leave the area, find some time to visit Centrahjørnet (Kattesundet 18), which proudly proclaims itself to be the oldest gay bar in Denmark/Europe/the world.

Founded in 1917, it might have a point as the oldest rival we could find, Café ‘t Mandje in Amsterdam, served its first Cosmo in 1927.

10 PM Brave souls might stop at Ørstedsparken, which is handily on the way - the most popular hook-up place in town before Grinder came on the scene. Being drawn there is fitting as it’s named after the guy who discovered electromagnetism.

8 AM If you over-indulged, we’ve got a perfect cure for the mini jungle rumbling inside your head. But before you head across Langebro, no tour would be complete without a quick visit to nearby Rainbow Square next to Rådhuspladsen, even if it’s just for a signpost pic before it’s over-run come the weekend.

9 AM Once you’re over the bridge, take a sharp right down to Islands Brygge and find a spot not covered in broken glass to whip off the improvised cycling gear and jump into the waters blue of Copenhagen Harbour. Technically this is the Baltic, but at the Islands Brygge Harbour Baths heavy netting ensures there’s no danger of nasty intruders – stinging jellyfish are surprisingly common the further you go out to sea. Ask yourself, as you paddle around, how many other capital cities have harbour waters you can legally swim in!

VISIT DENMARK/ NICOLAI PERJESI

12 PM At Sløjfen 6 grab some lunch at the traditional Danish eatery Café Lindevang.

Established in 1938, it is one of the most authentic food spots in Frederiksberg.

DAY TWO

Islands Brygge 10 AM Take a quick detour east towards Christianhavn, a small area of islands worth driving around. With freetown Christiania a few wheelies away, you won’t be short of sights to see, but it’s probably too early to visit its LGBTI+ theatre Bøssehuset. From the Opera House to the Playhouse just opposite the waterfront, it’s Copenhagen architecture and design at its finest.

11 AM If you’re feeling the vibe and like what you see, then keep pedalling all the way to Refshaleøn where you can try out La Banchina or the food trucks at Reffen for an early lunch. Hands down, this is the best street food market in the country, with easily the most exotic line-up. Fuego Street Food dishes up the finest steaks from Argentina, Nomames whisks you off to the streets of Mexico City, and Big Easy packs them in with New Orleans soul food – and that’s just scraping the surface of the Americas. Don’t get us started on Thrilla in Manila’s Filipino barbecue, the panzerotti at PastaLab and the fried flatbreads at Malawa Truck.

12 PM Fuel up, because this is the big one: we’re heading to the wilds of Amager. Not only

is it a city district, but it is also the name of the entire island and it contains two other municipalities: Dragør and Tårnby.

A third of the 96 sq km island is made up of protected nature areas and we’re taking you to the biggest, Kalvebod Fælled (20 sq km). Heading away from Langebro, we challenge you to lose yourselves in the pretty massive wilderness that is Amager Fælled. As long as you keep a sense of direction, you’ll realise it’s mostly flanked by straight roads leading you to the city’s biggest shopping centre, Field’s.

1 PM Stock up on drinks, and maybe find time for some shopping, but your biggest challenge lies ahead. Continuing in the same direction, head to the Den Røde Port, the gateway to Kalvebod Fælled, and opt for the middle road, Granatvej (where, as the name suggests, they found some unexploded grenades in mid July!).

2 PM Cycling down gloriously flat Granatvej might seem rather innocuous, but don’t forget that you’re in an urban area. Look to the right and you’ll see rather futuristic residential buildings, and perhaps the odd bemused local who still can’t believe they ended up living in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. Look to the left and you might spot one of the rare planes landing or taking off from Copenhagen Airport. It’s a lot to take in, but in a nutshell it’s the very essence of Copenhagen, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be so alone you’ll feel secluded.

3 PM A timely left will take you into the woods.

Don’t venture too far as you don’t want to get lost, but if you’ve got camping gear, there are plenty of places to pitch up, along with municipal fireplaces to cook on, as long as you adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

5 PM On your way back, opt for Bryggebroen as your way back to the mainland – easily found near the corner of Amager Fælled and not further than 1 km from Island Brygge – as it leads almost directly onto the famous Bicycle Snake (see main photo), a mesmeric elevated, spiraling construction with incredible vistas. Or maybe stop off between bridges for another swim at the Fisketorvet harbour baths and have a quick snack at the shopping centre of the same name.

6 PM You’re back and after two days of exploring you’re finally ready to venture to Tivoli or Nyhavn – the first two places tourists tend to visit in Copenhagen. If you opt for the latter, perhaps pay homage to the acclaimed LGTBI+ author Herman Bang, whose bust can be found at nearby Sankt Annæ Plads.

But seriously, why follow the crowd when you can hop on a bike and discover so much more.

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OF FREEDOM WITH PEOPLE AT ITS HEART

FEW LGBTI+ BARS ARE AS CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES AS ‘THE ESTABLISHMENT’

BY GITHA SCHULTZ ‘The Establishment’, a cultural institution, a LGBTI+ stronghold, a beacon of inclusivity, a mental institution – a favourite child has many names.

And next year, Cafe Intime, situated in Frederiksberg, can celebrate its centenary.

It has been both a speakeasy and a wine restaurant, but today is primarily known as a gay bar with live entertainment – a gay bar perhaps because it was previously furnished with closed booths only supervised by the barman, and it attracted men who had to conceal their sexuality in Denmark at that time.

But it’s certainly not exclusively gay. There are just as many heterosexuals and people of other sexual orientation who frequent the place.

Years gone bye Just entering Cafe Intime, it feels as if the velvet stage curtains that hang in the entrance are drawn aside just to put you

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into its centre to witness a performance that harkens back to another era than 2021.

Cafe Intime is known for its creativity, live music, jazz, songs and entertainment, and for decades there has been a tradition for a pianist to play a set of evergreens and nostalgic music every weekend. For many years the entertainer Ole Palmkvist Knudsen, whose voice is reminiscent of an old-style wind-up gramophone record, has been firmly ensconced behind the piano, entrancing audiences with songs and music.

During the week, Cafe Intime has an open microphone where you can sing your own or other people’s songs or read your own poetry. Themed evenings, such as ‘The Song has Wings’, are common, where the special focus might be, for example, good old songs, ballads, numbers from musicals, Eurovision Song Contest hits or opera. Or there is the ‘Happy Singers Evening’ where all musical styles are welcome. At both

evenings there are professional musicians available as accompanists. While ‘Magic Monday’ is the evening when Cafe Intime can transform you through dressing up in wigs or other enchanted costumes.

A hive of activity Before embarking on successful careers, many musicians and singers used to drop in on Cafe Intime. Perhaps they used the place to hone their craft and rehearse their own songs and music.

There aren’t many places in town where you can wander in off the street and join professional musicians – maybe with your own dreams of a singing career at the back of your mind. There are both amateurs and professionals, known and unknown people, all with a common desire to freely express themselves, creatively and true to their sexuality.

The mix of humanity that this puts together makes it a really attractive place to enjoy a drink, be it a glass of wine or a

@ANGEL_D_CASTILLO

FREDERIKSBERG’S CAFE INTIME – AN OASIS

Just like a movie set Cafe Intime looks exactly like a scene from a bar in the 1986 Danish film ‘Take it Easy’. It’s a film about the great Danish jazz musician Leo Mathisen, who was born in 1906 and during the German Occupation performed at Restaurant München in Copenhagen. This was a popular place in its day – just as Cafe Intime is now – with equally eminent pianists such as Lars Emil Riis Madsen.

Cafe Intime is also reminiscent of places such as ‘Don’t tell Mama’ in Manhattan, a popular and well-known gay bar with live music and the opportunity to perform or come to a concert.

One of the very biggest Danish stars, Anita Lerche, loved coming to sing at Cafe Intime. Today she lives in the United States where she has continued her international singing career.

Like a family The Cafe Intime family welcomes people who are different – or just have no family.

This inclusivity makes Cafe Intime so much more than just a pub; it has a place in people’s hearts. There is always a civil tone and very rarely any trouble, and children and dogs are also welcome.

Cafe Intime means so much to so many people that if it were to go bankrupt or its concept were to change, it would be like a queen bee suddenly being killed in a hive.

This means there is a lot of backing from the regulars, so the place is preserved and the atmosphere continues now as it has done for many decades.

Support from within For the past several years in the run-up to Pride the current owners have served breakfast. Also, at one point, a couple of the regulars, Malin Anna Maria BirchJensen and Maria Holm, theatrical makeup artists from the Royal Theatre, gave their services free of charge to transform people into small masterpieces. These lucky people were then able to take part in the annual Pride parade with the fanciest hair and most fantastic costumes, in the most beautiful colours.

In a more recent gesture of support, Thomas Winkler, the in-house artist at Cafe Intime as well as being Tivoli’s in-house artist, created a special signed limited-

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MAGNUS CEDERLUND

beer – always served in glasses because here they don’t drink from the bottle!

Candlelit round tables adorned with fresh flowers are part of the cosy atmosphere.

And the bar prices are very reasonable considering you don’t pay an entrance fee at any time.

It’s also a favourite hang-out for photographers such as Jacob Stage, Ángel David Castillo and Magnus Cederlund to zoom in on the guests or the atmosphere.

In 2020, Cederlund published the very well-received photo book ‘INTIME’ with photos of some of the many regulars and characters who have frequented the bar for a number of years – or just dropped in on a flying visit from abroad. Cafe Intime has also been used as a backdrop for many music videos, films or series.

edition print for sale in connection with the corona crisis. The 100 signed prints are nearly all gone.

Cafe Intime’s guests are understandably looking forward to the time when music, entertainment and singing will once again be permitted without restrictions, as it has felt completely hollow during the corona pandemic.

Anything but ordinary The place can never be just an ordinary pub where people get plastered and go home empty-headed. At Cafe Intime the guests provide and breathe the very special atmosphere and feeling.

This is naturally supported by a couple of philanthropic owners for whom profit is not the issue. You certainly couldn’t call Cafe Intime a money-machine; ends just about meet, and it is one of the only places in Denmark where musicians and singers often play ‘con amore’ rather than for full rates.

Find out more about Cafe Intime online: via Istagram @cafeintimecph, Facebook, or its website cafeintime.dk

MAGNUS CEDERLUND

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TOP PICKS FOR PRIDE EXPLORE THE CITY AND TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME UNBELIEVABLE FOODIE EXPERIENCES

QUEEN’S DELIGHT

BY ELLA NAVARRO & IVETT NAHOCZKY

TOP ICE CREAM Bon Bon Ice Suddenly we weren’t in Frederiksberg, but the plains of Africa, as earthy, velvety notes, rhythm and bass of course, sang the praises of Bon Bon Ice’s epic ‘Black Vanilla’ flavour.

Dyed volcanic dark by the ash of coconut shells rich in anti-oxidants, this is a treat for all the senses. No wonder Bon Bon Ice has rapidly become everyone’s favourite. From the palate-cleansing mango sorbet to the beautifully aromatic pistachio served on a

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cone made just minutes earlier, every single flavour oozes creamy Italian sophistication – a testament to the owner’s frequent inspiration trips to the motherland of ice cream. With flavours clearly marked out as suitable for vegans, the glucose-intolerant and those with nut allergies – and updated every day on Instagram – the locale puts you in charge.

Andebakkesti 4, Frederiksberg; open MonFri 12:00-21:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-21:00; @ bonbonicedk

TOP DONUTS Dough Girls

TOP ECLAIRS Queen’s Delight These are the best eclairs you will ever try – better than the French ones! Made freshly every day early in the morning – passers-by can testify that they never sell second-day eclairs, which is actually their motto. Opposed to the traditional eclairs that tend to be made with a moister dough, Queen’s Delight has its own take on the pastry, which is more crunchy.

Add creative flavours such as crunchy hazelnuts, salted caramel and tiramisu, and we’re talking about eclair perfection!

Grønnegade 37, Cph K; open Wed-Fri 11:0018:00, Sat 12-20:00, Sun 12:00-18:00 or until sold out; @queensdelight.dk

Dough Girls is run by a family of GermanAustralians: the parents bake the donuts, the daughters run the shop. Located in Nørreport, just a few steps from Dronning Louises Bro, they bring donuts to a fancy level with creative ideas such as the Lamington Doughnut, which takes inspiration from a traditional Australian cake, a raspberry Berliner and classic

Danish drink. All the donuts are baked fresh every day using organic and the highest quality ingredients. They are topnotch!

Frederiksborggade 50, Cph K; open Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon; @ doughgirlsdoughnuts

TOP PASTRIES Hart Bageri Forget every pastry you’ve ever tried, because once you go to Hart your heart

belongs to them forever. Let’s start with their take on the Danish cinnamon roll.

Topped with lemon glaze this roll melts in your mouth with crunchy bits of cinnamon caramel – our absolute favourite. Then there’s the cardamom bun made with the same dough as their croissant and dipped in browned Danish butter – it’s out of this world, and you certainly don’t want to share. Whatever they bring is always a hit; they’re constantly reinventing themselves and finding new inspirations. Pop by and enjoy a taste of paradise.

Gammel Kongevej 109, Frederiksberg; open Mon-Sun 08:00-17:00; @hartbageri

TOP PICNICS Daddy’s Bakes Imagine a shop where you could pick up a picnic already made: sandwiches, bites and sweets, all for you to cheerfully consume at the beach or in the park. Well, Daddy’s Bakes is on the case with finger food inspired by seasonal produce and natural flavours. Choice meat cuts, scones, cakes and sarnies to die for - the influence of the British founder is obvious in every delicious bite.

Tåsingegade 51, st th, Cph Ø; open Mon 15:00-18:00, Tue-Thu 09:00-12:00 & 15:0018:00, Fri & Sat 10:00-17:00, closed Sun; @ daddysbakes

TOP CAKES Konditoriet Paulette Danes are well known for loving cake, but there’s a dearth of recently-opened decent shops here with the exception of La Glace, where the queues can go on forever on rainy days. Filling the void quite nicely is Konditoriet Paulette, a new patisserie in Kongens Nytorv recently founded by Emil Vang, a former La Glace pastry chef no less.

And the prices are pretty reasonable too.

Konditoriet Paulette; Gothersgade 3, Cph K; open Mon-Sun 11:00-18:00

EXHIBITION KING OF DINOSAURS 19 JUNE 2020 31 DECEMBER 2021

After 66 million years, the king of dinosaurs has arrived in Denmark.

Experience one of the most complete T. rex skeletons in the world.

BUY TICKETS AT TRISTAN-OTTO.DK

For the past 40 years, Amager Fælled has been a meeting place for men looking for other men and casual sex.

SEX IN THE OPEN AIR

FLICKR/GUILLAUME BAVIERE

BY ANDREAS MERRALD

Cruising around the forest, the communication starts with the eyes. If you look at someone else for a second too long, he knows the message, and if you are lucky, you get a smile back.

One party takes the initiative and slowly moves closer, and then the magic happens. Here you can get what you came for. And be on your way after. Without exchanging a single word.

Busy on sunny days When the sun is shining, there can be up to 30 men in the area. However, attendance has been lower since dating apps like Grindr and Tinder made their intro.

Brian Capkan remembers the day he went to Amager Fælled for the first time.

A path led him into the woods and he did not know if he was in the right place until he suddenly came across a man with a bare backside.

He was shocked, but turned on. They ended up touching each other, and since that day he has been regularly coming to Amager Fælleden.

“In the bush the only important thing is chemistry,” says Brian, who likes how the parking lot is in front of the forest, ensuring he can enter the area discreetly.

No blind dates!

One of his friends cycles past the parking lot and catches his attention.

Ivan, 36, from Spain has just finished work and is taking a walk. He prefers cruising over Grindr, where people can pretend to be somebody else.

In the forest, there is no blind date element.

“You can start with someone, and if you do not like him, you can just turn around and find someone else,” says Ivan.

“No-one is gonna be mad at you or anything. Everyone is open and no-one is looking for a relationship.”

ALTHOUGH ØRSTEDSPARKEN IS WELL KNOWN AS A CRUISING SPOT, THESE DAYS AMAGER FÆLLED IS THE BEST PLACE TO HOOK UP While lying in the grass, a naked man comes walking from the forest edge. After long and intense eye contact, they move closer to each other and exchange a few seductive words.

They find a secluded spot in the grass, where they lie down on their towels. After half an hour of intimate sex in the open air, the meeting ends with a hug, and they go their separate ways.

For company too Some find love though. A meeting in the park for Ivan, 72, who’s been coming here half his life, blossomed into a 25-year relationship.

Many bisexuals suppress their homosexual side to fit in, he says, but they come here to ease the pressure.

“The heterosexuals are actually the best ones,” he says with a shy laugh. “There is something sexy about the fact that this person is straight.”

Attracts all types Cruising is most often associated with Ørstedsparken, which is also a popular cruising spot in Copenhagen.

“You do not have such a strong drive with age, but you still need to be with someone physically: to feel each other’s bodies,” he says.

However, a few years back there were a number of assaults in the park. It made many afraid to continue going there.

“Whether I ejaculate or not, it’s not so important.”

“There may be prejudice that it is a particular type who comes to : somebody who can’t find anything else,” concludes Brian.

Suppressed desires “Many heterosexual men with wives and children come here. Many!” says Thomas, 42.

Like many frequenters of the park, he is in an open relationship, and when his boyfriend is on holiday, he comes out here to sunbathe.

His loud voice interrupts the silence of the forest. Several times he has been with someone who has ended the act with a

PRIDE 2021 GUIDE

”The goal for most people is to finish college, start work, find a woman, marry, get a couple of kids. But there are many people who do not fit into that,” concurs Ivan from Spain.

Coming here is not just about sex for him.

He comes to relax and lie in the sun with a book, surrounded by the excitement of the wandering men.

And no commitment An anonymous gentleman of 42 is also attracted to the non-committal meeting set-up.

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comment such as: “Well, now I have to go home and cook for the children.”

“But it attracts all types, and everyone cleans up after themselves!”

First published in 2018, republished here with the permission of outandabout.dk.

VISITDENMARK/KIM WYON

TOP CITY FOR SWIMMING COPENHAGEN IS BUSTLING WITH GREAT LOCATIONS FOR A DIP

BY IVETT NAHOCZKY Just three years ago, CNN named Copenhagen as the best city in the world for swimming thanks to its urban beaches and waterfront swimming areas in the harbour.

With crystal clear water and minimal salt content, a dip on a warm summer’s day is always highly advised.

But be warned: you can’t just jump in anywhere: new rules enable the authorities to fine you for swimming in undesignated areas – particularly in Copenhagen Harbour.

All types of spots For the full beach experience, head to Amager Beach Park, a quick Metro ride away, where a 2 km long artificial island has created one of the country’s top beaches, along with a lagoon perfect for a paddle.

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath Islands Brygge 7, Cph S; open 06:00-22:00, lifeguards on duty 10:00-18:00; free adm Islands Brygge Harbour Bath – designed by famed Danish architect Bjarke Ingels – has now become a crucial fixture on Copenhagen’s waterfront. Nestled just below Langebro bridge, bathers can take a rigorous plunge

Amager Strandpark Amager Strand Stien, Cph S; open 24/7, lifeguards 10:00-18:00; free adm; amager-strand.dk Just 5km from the city centre and easily accessible by the Metro, Amager Strandpark is rammed in the summer. From its sandy shores you’re treated to an arresting view over the windmill park and Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.

Bellevue Beach Strandvejen 340, Hellerup; open 24/7, lifeguards 10:00-18:00; free adm; bellevuestrandbad.dk If you have a little more time and want to experience a bit of suburbia, then Klampenborg’s Bellevue Beach – about 10km from downtown Copenhagen – is the place to head to. The beach has several piers to jump from as well as watchful lifeguards and freshwater showers. Whilst you’re there, pay a quick visit to Bellevue Theatre – designed by Arne Jacobsen.

Bavnehøj Friluftsbad Enghavevej 90, Cph SV; open Mon & Wed-Thu 07:00-20:00, Tue & Fri 12:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00; free adm The large paddling area and 25-metre pool, which has cordoned-off lanes for serious swimmers, are situated next to a large grassy area with climbing frames for children and volleyball, which make it the ideal spot to picnic and laze around. There’s also a similar pool in Bellahøj.

Bathing/Dipping Zones Various locations In total there are seven designated bathing zones to look out for: Halfdansgade, Halvandet, Havnevigen, Sandkaj, Søndre Refshaleøebassin, Kalvebod Bølge and La Banchina, along with two dipping zones that often switch locations. Remember, bathing in the zones is at your own risk and there is no lifeguard supervision. Most are open 24 hours a day.

VISITDENMARK/METTE JOHNSEN

Or why not try the newly-opened beach at Valbyparken, a beautiful park to get lost in.

Closer to the centre, the harbour baths at Islands Brygge and Fisketorvet are just two more great alternatives. Read on for our selection of the best.

into the harbour’s depths whilst surrounded by the pulsing cityscape. There are also harbour baths at Fisketorvet and Sluseholmen.

All three have lifeguards and are free to use.

Svanemølle Beach Strandpromenaden 36, Cph Ø; open 24/7, lifeguards 10:00-18:00; free adm Svanemølle Beach’s shallow gradient makes it perfect for families, while a 130-metre pier provides access into deeper waters for any adventurous types.

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KØBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET/ANJA TOLLAN

AXEL ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE

DENMARK’S ANSWER TO HARVEY MILK DIED IN 2011 AGED 96, LESS THAN A YEAR BEFORE THE LEGALISATION OF GAY MARRIAGES The international media converged on City Hall in Copenhagen on 1 October 1989 with boom mikes, cameras and translators. Amidst a crowd of hundreds of well-wishers throwing rice and confetti, eleven gay couples celebrated their civil unions simultaneously. Denmark had just become the first country to legalise samesex partnerships after years of lobbying by many advocates, including one devoted couple in particular: Axel and Eigil Axgil.

Axel was born Axel Lundahl-Madsen in Braendekilde, a tiny town west of Odense on Funen, in 1915. In an interview in 2011 quoted in British newspaper The Independent, he recalled how he spent part of his youth in dancehalls in Odense looking for love. “Most of the men came to find a girl. But I discovered that if you waited, there was always someone left behind,” said Axel. “You introduced yourself, talked and sometimes went home with them.”

Forbundet af 1948

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In 1948, he and Eigil (born Eigil Eskildsen), together with several friends, founded Denmark’s first gay rights organisation, Forbundet af 1948 (the association of 1948). By 1951, membership had grown to 1,339 and there were branches in Sweden and Norway. The couple launched a magazine for supporters of their cause called Vennen (the friend).

“When I came out, I lost my job as a bookkeeper. And my landlord kicked me out of my apartment,” Axel said in a 2009 interview with Time magazine. In Denmark in 1948, homosexual relationships between adults over the ages of 18 had already been permitted for 15 years (in stark contrast to Britain, for example, where it was illegal until 1967, and even then only between over-21s). Before 1933, the punishment for ‘omgængelse mod naturen’ (intercourse against nature) was labour in a correctional facility.

New last name In the 1950s, both were sentenced to short

prison terms on pornography charges for running a gay modelling agency that sold pictures of naked men. While in prison, they melded their first names into the shared surname Axgil as a public show of defiance. Their new last name became a show of commitment to each other and to the future of gay rights.

In their book ‘Homofile kampår’ published in 1985, Axel Axgil and Helmer Fogedgaard, another founding member of the Forbundet af 1948, describe the events that prompted them to begin the long fight to attain the rights of other citizens: “The most meaningful thing that happened in advance of the founding of the homophile organisations in Scandinavia was the release of Professor Alfred Kinsey’s report on men’s sexual habits, which came out in the USA.” Dynamite book Knut Jokker, the editor of the daily paper of the Socialdemokratiet party in Copenhagen, Social-Demokraten, agreed,

RIGSARKIVET

saying that Kinsey’s book “contained more dynamite than any other work since ‘The Origin of the Species’ by Darwin”.

“Ask an American what he thinks about the homosexual problem in the United States and he will awkwardly stammer that he had no idea that such a problem even existed in America,” wrote Jokker. “But the cold numbers in Kinsey’s report show that no less than 27 percent of young and unmarried men practice homosexuality to some degree, and among unmarried men between 36 and 40 years old, 39 percent are homosexual.”

A question of human rights Though reporters and editors of the time were equally sceptical that these figures could in any way be applicable in Denmark, Jokker did acknowledge the possibility of a more open future. “The report could get us to realise the necessity of a moral society, one that is less based on judgement and wishful-thinking than on truth. Moral concepts and laws can be revised, but nature forces us – even if conflicting – to accept it, as it is.”

Among his friends in Aalborg, Axel reported another reason for activism.

“The United Nations had just assembled a declaration of human rights, but you dared not talk about the fact that a group exists who also has a claim on these rights. The right to have our feelings be known.”

Writing history Tom Ahlberg was the deputy mayor of

Copenhagen in 1989, and it was he who ‘married’ Axel and Eigil. He gave a short speech during the ceremony that made only one alteration to the standard civil service: substituting the word ‘marriage’ with the phrase ‘registered partnership’.

Each of the 11 couples, starting with Axel and Eigil, followed Ahlberg into a private side room, where they exchanged their vows.

me and said: ‘Him? He’s my husband.’”

Axel passed away at the end of October 2011 at the age of 96 in a hospital in Copenhagen. He had lived through nearly a century of society’s changing relationship with homosexuality. His obituary appeared in newspapers around the world honouring his achievements. But he did not manage to live to see the legalisation of gay marriage.

Ove Carlsen is a psychologist who also married his partner that day. “It was totally wonderful,” he told Time in 2009. “There were musicians playing as we came down from the wedding room, and then we stepped out into the crowd, and everyone was cheering. At that moment, I knew we were writing history.”

What took you so long?

Really, it’s surprising it took so long. Danish society in general had seemed fairly comfortable with the idea of same-sex partnerships. Since they were authorised in 1989, the country has witnessed some 4,700 gay and lesbian civil unions. And in 2011, homosexual couples in Denmark were also granted the right to adopt children, and in spring 2012, the Lutheran Church of Denmark confirmed it would allow gay couples to get married in churches.

Keep fighting Journalist Rex Wockner was at City Hall reporting the occasion. “I was so busy taking pictures and dealing with a translator that I didn’t get emotional until the next morning, when I saw Axel and Eigil on the front pages of the papers,” he wrote in an editorial.

In an interview before finally tying the knot, the then-67-year-old Eigil told him: “We just never could have dreamed we would get this far.” As far as advice for gays in other countries, Eigil said: “Be open. Come out. Keep fighting.

This is the only way to change anything.

If everyone comes out of the closet, then this will happen everywhere.”

A 2012 poll found that more than 60 percent of Danes were in favour of gay marriage. The then church minister, Manu Sareen, said it had been a long time coming. And from 15 June 2012, gays and lesbians were able to marry, less than a year after the passing of the pioneer to whom they owe everything.

YOUR GUIDE TO

Copenhagen’s hidden gems

Gay-friendly bed and breakfast Axel and Eigil continued to run their gay-friendly bed and breakfast in northern Denmark after their marriage.

However each man continued to refer to the other as his ‘friend’, unable to change the pattern that had lasted decades. In 1995, Eigil was in hospital after a heart attack that would eventually kill him.

“A doctor saw I was always with him, and asked who I was,” Axel recalled in 2009, speaking to Time.

“And Eigil looked at

FRYDENLUND.DK / LOCAL BOOKSHOPS

Sports Leader Conference Aug 16-17; 08:00-21:30, 07:30-17:00; Copenhagen Conference Center, DGI Byen, Cph V; free registration at copenhagen2021.com The Sports Leader Conference is a conglomerate of panel discussions, workshops, speeches and interviews aiming to make sports a more LGBTI+ inclusive place.

Dodgeball Aug 19-20; Østerbro Stadion, Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads 7, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Euro Games is hosting a Dodgeball Tournament in Østerbro Stadion where everybody gets the chance to try out this emerging sport.

Golf Aug 19-20; Royal Golf Center, Center Boulevard, Amager Vest; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros, plus supplementary fee of 75 euros; copenhagen2021.com What’s not to like about stepping onto the fairways to play some holes in a LGBTI+ inclusive event? Nothing really.

Chess Aug 20, Kulturhuset Island Brygge, Islands Brygge 18, Cph V; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Get your tickets on the Copenhagen 2021 webpage to join in on a chess match along with 99 expected participants in the culture house located in central Copenhagen.

Field Hockey Aug 17-20; Valby Sportspark, Julius Andersens Vej 1, Cph SV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Don’t be confused by the name, as the addition of ‘field’ merely warns Scandinavians not to reach for their skates. Register via the webpage.

Half Marathon Aug 20; start at Amager Beach Park, Amager Strand Promenaden 1, Cph S; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com If you’ve been around Copenhagen you might have wondered why all those sporty Danes are jogging. Well, some might say it’s due to their awareness of a healthy lifestyle. We’d say they are gearing up for this year’s half-marathon.

Badminton Aug 18-20; Grondal Multicenter, Hvidkildevej 64, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com The Grøndal Multicenter is hosting a badminton tournament featuring all gender-identifying and non-binary athletes. Open to every level, register on the webpage of Copenhagen 2021.

Ballroom Dancing Aug 17-20; Hal C, Arsenalvej 6, Cph K; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; plus supplementary sports fee: 15 euros; copenhagen2021.com About 3 kms from the City Hall Square, there will be people of all genders and non-binary groups dancing at A to D levels in the disciplines of Standard, Latin, 10- dance, Show- and Handi-dance.

Beach Volley Aug 19-20; Hafnia Hallen, Julius Andersens Vej 6, Cph SV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com EuroGames expects about 100 participants to join the rousing matches at Hafnia Hallen.

Bowling Aug 20; Grøndal Multicenter, Hvidkildevej 64, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Compete at an either recreational or competitive level and show off your best bowling-tricks at Grøndal Multicenter. It’s also on you whether you want to take part as a duo, single or in teams.

Swimming Aug 18-20; Bellahøj Aqua Arena Bellahøjvej 1-3, Cph NV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Either take your friends with you and show off your freestyle performance, or dive in on your own.

Tennis Aug 17-20; Per Henrik Lings Allé 10, Cph NV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com On levels A, B, C and D you are invited to show off your best tricks at the Old Tennis Complex, which has nine courts.

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Figure Skating Aug 18-19; Malmö Icestadion, Eric Pärssons Väg; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Our much-appreciated neighbour Malmö is hosting everybody’s favourite sport to watch at the Olympics: figure skating.

Floorball Aug 19-20; Valby Sportspark, Julius Andersens Vej 1, Cph SV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Floorball (aka unihockey) is a fun way to get to know other people. And under the umbrella of Copenhagen2021 it’s probably even more exciting.

Football Aug 18-20; Valby Sportspark, Julius Andersens Vej 1, Cph SV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Luckily, Valby Sportspark is big enough to host several events at the same time. That’s especially good for two reasons: a) you mustn’t worry about not being able to keep a registration-friendly distance and b) sports in the midst of nature is always double-fun.

5/10 km runs Aug 19; Gefionspringvandet, Churchillparken, Cph K; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com For those who are up for a lighter jog around the city, EuroGames is hosting 5 and 10 km runs.

Squash Aug 19-20; Grøndal Multicenter Hvidkildevej 64, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Get your rackets ready and come to Grøndal Multicenter, if you feel like playing some squash.

Artistic Swimming Augu 19-20; Øbro Hallen, Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads 3, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSFMembers: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Take a chance and dive into not-so calm waters in Øbro Hallen during EuroGames. Participants must not necessarily have a professional background, as all levels are allowed to take part in this inclusive event.

Handball Aug 19-20; Bellahøj Hallerne, Bellahøjvej 1-3; Cph NV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Enjoy a laid-back handball game in the Bellahøj Hallerne sports centre.

Track and Field Aug 19; Østerbro Stadion, Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads 7, Cph N; participation fee for EGLSFMembers: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com Are you already missing the Olympic spirit? Well, pretty much every Olympic discipline will be featured except the 5/10 km runs.

Triathlon Aug 20; Amager Beach Park, Amager Strand Promenaden 1, Cph S; participation fee for EGLSFMembers: 90 euros, others: 120 euros, plus 20 euro supplementary fee; copenhagen2021.com Speaking of the Olympic spirit, we have another event up our sleeves: all three disciplines will be carried out over the Olympic distances.

Volleyball Aug 18-20; Valby Sportsparken, Sundby Hallen Englandsvej 61, Cph S; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com The crowd is going to be huge for this one: around 400 participants are expected to take part in the tournament. So stretch your legs and arms, practise your hand-eye co-ordination and be sure to purchase your ticket via the website.

Water Polo Aug 17-20; Bellahøj Aqua Arena Bellahøjvej 1-3, Cph NV; participation fee for EGLSF-Members: 90 euros, others: 120 euros; copenhagen2021.com No matter whether your approach is of a competitive or recreational origin, get your tickets on the website of Copenhagen 2021 and dive in.

All listings sourced from Copenhagen2021.com

The Original Rainbow Flag Aug 12-21, 09:00-16:00; Copenhagen City Hall, Cph K; free adm A 30-metre section of the iconic RainbowFlag created by artist and LGBTI+ activist Gilbert Baker will be on display from the very first day of Copenhagen 2021. One of the many sections of the originally milelong flag will be found gracing the City Hall.

Drag Night Aug 20, 18:00-11:59; Fælledparken, Cph N; free adm Visitors can await a show embracing the many shades of the drag scene. Those attending will most certainly not miss out on lip-syncing, song, dance, comedy and drama presented on stage in the midst of Fælledparken, involving probably the most prestigious line-up of drag queens and kings.

WorldPride Marches Aug 21, 15:00-18:00; various starting points all over the city; free adm Due to the Danish government’s corona restrictions, the originally-planned parades in Copenhagen and Malmö have been cancelled. Instead, there will be six smaller marches starting from different venues around Copenhagen. The final destination will be Fælledparken where the different groups are welcomed to gather and enjoy the Copenhagen 2021 Closing Ceremony.

WorldPride Closing Party Aug 21, 19:00-02:00; Halvandet, Cph K; 250kr, on the door: 300kr This is one you don’t want to miss as some of the biggest LGBTI+ stars in the world come together to bring you an unforgettable night of music. Among those performing are Lady Bunny, Bebulah, Tim Andresen, Annælix, Shaarup, Philipp Drube, Neri J and Frank Heise.

Copenhagen 2021 Closing Ceremony Aug 21, 14:00-02:00; Fælledparken, Cph Ø; free adm, register for tickets This is where all the events will be officially handed over: EuroGames to Nijmegen 2022, EuroPride to Belgrade 2022 and WorldPride to Sydney 2023. But first and foremost, it’s an occasion to dance your socks off, mostly to stars performing at KB Hallen who will be live-streamed to crowds all over Copenhagen, including Jeuru, Keep Dancing Inc, Sander Sanchez and Todrick Hall.

Drag Bingo Aug 20, 20:00-23:00; WorldPride Square, Cph K; 25 kroner Hosted by the prestigious quartet ‘Veninderne’, this bingo session will most definitely stick in your mind for a lifetime. The four drag-artists have already conquered Danish hearts with their bingo events and appearances on national TV and radio. As if this alone would not make you join, depending on your luck you could win prizes as well.

Ride to Pride bicycle tours Aug 12-22; Malmö City Archives; free adm The guide invites you on a tour through the city’s LGBTI+ history, travelling back 100 years. Along the ride you’ll find places telling tales about power, struggle and pride. But don’t be stressed about your probably already busy schedule, as the guide can still be found after the events of Copenhagen2021.

LGBTI+ Chill Zone at Bøssehuset Aug 16-20, 11:00-21:00; Bøssehuset, Christiania; free adm Bøssehuset has established a cosy, comfy place to sit and enjoy various cultural and communal events. The schedule covers a wide range of possible activities, so if you can see yourself stretching out on a yoga mat, just skip the first part and join later on for a feminist sing-along or a shared meal.

Bøssehuset is Copenhagen’s queer culture site located in the heart of Christiania.

Canal Tours Aug 15-20; 15:00-20.30; ved Stranden, Kaj Plads 3, Cph K; 120 kroner It’s not quite your usual canal tour through Copenhagen – which, don’t get us wrong, is beautiful on its own – but the host Betty Bitschlap is the cherry on top. The tour involves music and sing-alongs, along with a few special Betty additions that are exclusive to those who join.

City Walk featuring 111 LGBTI+ places in CPH Aug 15, 10:00-12:00; Lurblaeserne, Cph K; free adm Historian, podcaster and author Anders Larsen, probably familiar to many as Chantal al Arab, will guide you around the city, making sure you’re not missing out on any queer venues. Be ready to rediscover places that are widely considered straight.

The English-language tour ends at the Museum of Copenhagen.

Wigs and Heels on Wheels Aug 19-21, 15:00-17:00, Rainbow Square, Cph K; 169 kroner Starting from the Rainbow Square the tour will cover Copenhagen’s most famous sights, including the city’s palaces, Nyhavn and the Botanical Gardens. Lasting about an hour, it will be hosted by stand-up comedian and drag queen Annie Recton. It’s on you to either end the ride at Reffen to enjoy some food or go back to where the tour started.

Big WorldPride Eurovision Party Aug 20, 20:00-01:30; Clarion Hotel, Copenhagen Airport, Cph S; 345-475kr Sing along with the drag queens to some of the biggest Eurovision favourites of all time. And then enjoy live performances from the likes of Emmelie de Forest, Denmark’s winner in 2013, and many more former Eurovision stars, including Robin Bengtsson and Dotter. Clarion Hotels will make a donation to charity for every ticket sold. A night of teardrops guaranteed.

Drag-Brunch with Vinegar Strokes Aug 15, 11:00-13:00; Zoku, Cph S; 350 kroner What’s not to love about a rooftop brunch with a view of the world’s Pride Capital?

Don’t let yourself be fooled by the early calltime: alongside the family-style brunch from the Living Kitchen, there will also be some alcoholic pick-me-ups for those who want them. The host will be no less than RuPaul contestant Vinegar Strokes, who’ll make sure this brunch will not be your regular sleepy brunch on a grey Sunday.

Drag Auction Aug 18, 14:00-16:00; Street Hip, Ravnsborggade, Cph N; free adm Lola Ramona and Di Di Cancerella will walk you through an auction located in Nørrebro, Copenhagen’s most culturally diverse district. The auction is dedicated to the support of local Danish organisations FSTB that help and advise children struggling with their gender-identity, as well as Sabaah seeking to improve conditions for LGBTI+ people from ethnic minorities.

Pride themed football match Aug 22, 14:30; Malmö IP stadium; 10-50 euros Malmö is not only the birthplace of Sweden’s national hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but also the host of the Pride football match where Malmö’s FC Rosengard takes on KIF Örebro. The shirts worn by the players will be auctioned in support of the LGBTI+ community after the game is over.

Quiz Night with Veninderne Aug 17, 19:00-21:00; Sports Village at Islands Brygge Havnepark, Cph S; free adm Denmark’s most celebrated drag quartet, Veninderne, are hosting a Pub Quiz by the waterside.

Underwear & Naked Party in Malmö Aug 13, 21:00-23:59; Klublokalen SLM Malmö; 6 euros A party for queer men into male fetishes.

As soon as you join the party you can join the club and become a member, yet it isn’t a must. Beware that you’re obliged to not only leave your jacket at the entrance though, as the dresscode doesn’t really allow any garments.

WorldPride bathing Aug 16-17, all day; Hylliebadet, Hyllievângsvägen 20, Malmö; 5-10 euros Let yourself be surprised by fun events dedicated to WorldPride including everyone inside and outside the LGBTI+ community at Malmö’s communal swimming hall.

Spots can be pre-booked on the website.

All listings sourced from Copenhagen2021.com

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Berghain Aug 16, 23:00; Skuespilhuset, Sankt Annæ Plads 36, Cph K; free adm, reserve tickets via teaterbilletter.dk Be transported back to the days of the famous Berliner disco on this Alice in Wonderland-like journey! Written by Magnus Iuel Berg with music composed by Simon Muchinsky from When Saints Go Machine While the opening day performance on August 12 is sold out, there are still seats available for the late night show at Skuespilhuset, but be quick!

The Money Shot Aug 13, 19:00, Aug 14, 14:00 & 19:00, Aug 15, 12:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 195 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk Catch the premiere of Neil Labute’s play about two Hollywood stars who get sold on the idea of shooting a real sex scene to boost their sagging profiles – particularly, as for the woman, it will mean sleeping with a man. How will their partners take to the idea of their beloved temporarily swapping Hollywood for the porn industry? feminine octagon Aug 14, 17:00 & Aug 15, 12:30; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 195 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk Award-winning American playwright Amy Gijsbers van Wijk presents feminine octagon (aka ‘aristotle can eat me’), a take on what happens in your feverish dreams if you’re obsessed with ancient mythology. Join this serpentine journey of identity, connection, and the utterly bizarre loneliness of being to meet the deities in all their glory.

My Body My Nation Aug 17, 19:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 195 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk Mahatma Gandhi once said: “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind,” and sadly not much has changed since his day, as many of us do not have ownership of our own bodies. This performative act contemplates this problem within social, political and ethical contexts with stunning results!

Cabaret Night Aug 16-18, 21:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; free adm Slink off to another world for the evening at one of the three Cabaret Nights at Folketeatret, or why not come to all three?! The performers are Schwanzen Sänger Knaben (Aug 16), Ramona Macho (Aug 17) and ButtStuff (Aug 18).

Glory Box Aug 19, 21:00 & Aug 20, 19:00 & 21:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 210 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk A drag performance like no other from the magical Moira Finucane via a live stream from Australia. If you thought the 2020 Olympic opening ceremony was the televisual extravaganza of the year, you hadn’t reckoned on the glamorous appeal of this performance.

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PRIDE 2021 GUIDE

The Shy Manifesto Aug 18, 17:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 195 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk Since its debut last November, this has been one of the most sought-after tickets in town. Daniel Neil Ash is a revelation in Michael Ross’s 2018 play, bringing a multitude of characters to life through his clever ear for accents. The imagined flashforward to him cleaning up shit on Bournemouth Beach is theatrical gold.

On the Way to the Sawmill Aug 16, 19:00; Folketeatret, Nørregade 39, Cph K; 195 kroner, teaterbilletter.dk Take a trip to the dark side of humanity with the hikikomori, the young men who withdraw from Japanese society to watch life go by from the isolation of their bedrooms. In their loneliness, they contemplate the violence they have escaped, but at what cost?

Fluid Festival Aug 13-21, from 15:30 most days; Gammel Strand, Cph K; free adm A space to celebrate women and non-binary identities with nine days of performances, debates, speeches, and installations. Focusing on the fluidity of gender expression, sexual orientation, and gender identity, Fluid Festival proudly moves through its colourful program with partying on the sunny side of the canal.

Arcadia – The Meeting Space Aug 14-22; Rådhushaven, City Hall, Cph K; free adm Centrally located around the corner from WorldPride Square, this green and airy garden invites everybody to relax, to play and to meet new and old friends from around the world. In Arcadia we leave nobody behind.

Huset 2021: Main House Aug 14-21; from 14:00 most days; Huset, Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; free adm A homely five-story venue where young LGBTI+ people are the centre of attention.

Main House is a space for LGBTI+ youth and their allies to celebrate, explore and develop, acknowledging both the opportunities as well as the challenges.

Huset 2021: Front Yard Aug 14-21; from 14:00 most days; Huset, Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; free adm Huset’s adjoining green and welcoming outdoor space is a place for recognition and empowerment, and for young voices to be heard – loud and clear.

Sing along to the movies!

Aug 17, 19 & 20; most screenings from 19:15; Biograf Spegeln, Stortorget 29, Malmö; 16-18 euros We’ve singled out three classics that you’ll want to dress up to enjoy and belt them out in a crowd: Cabaret (Aug 17), Grease (Aug 19), and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Aug 20). So if you’re a sweet transexual from Transylvania, this is the one that you want, as life is a cabaret my friend!

Rainbow Children @ BLOX Aug 14-21; from 09:00 most days; Bryghusgade, Cph K; free adm A space for breaking the binary in the most playful way for Rainbow Children, their friends and families. Here we are proud to be who we are, and we practice saying it aloud.

Hot Meat Aug 19 & 20, 13:30-21:30, exact times via hitcph.dk/hot-meat; various locations; free adm, some registration required On August 19 and 20, the public are invited to see the result of a ten-day artist residency: four brand new LGBTI+ plays. Some 24 international creatives are gathering to create 30-minute performances tailor-made for four locations in Copenhagen: Bøssehuset in Christiania, Ofelia Plads, Indre By Kulturhus and BLOX. Each performance will be performed three times.

Concert: Abyss X Aug 20, 19:30; 8 euros Mystical music, almost eerie, the Greek singer is not to be missed.

Concert: Colin Self Aug 18, 20:30; 8 euros Known for his vibrations, electric live shows and hyper physical choreography.

Concert: Lotic Aug 21, 19:30; 8 euros Björk recently named her “one of the fiercest performer DJs I have ever heard,” so ask yourself: are you fierce enough to dance in her presence?

Concert: Princess Nokia Aug 19, 15:00-00:00; Fælledparken; free adm, registration required One of Copenhagen 2021’s much-anticipated headliners takes to the stage for the Under the Rainbow Concert, with Marko Vainio, Theo X, Ivy Rosenauer, Ängie and Jean Michel.

Elmgreen & Dragset presents Aug 12-22, 11:00-18:00/21:00 (Thu only); Copenhagen Contemporary, Refshalevej 173A, Cph K; 100 kr For ‘Short Story’, Danish-Norwegian artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset have transformed Copenhagen Contemporary’s Hall 2 into a tennis court to reflect on competition, individualism, inclusion and exclusion.

Malmö City Walks Aug 16 & 19, various times; statue of Karl X Gustav, Stortorget, Malmö, free adm, register via marie.westberg@malmo.se Take a 90-minute city walk to learn more about the LGBTI+ history of Malmö.

All listings sourced from Copenhagen2021.com

NOAH ELEAZAR

Human Rights Conference Aug 17-19; Øksnehallen, Halmtorvet 11, Cph V; 200 euros per ticket, copenhagen2021.com This event will be the most important LGBTI+ conference this year. Human rights activists, NGOs and elected officials and a whole lot more will debate ten crucial topics.

The venue is just a minute’s walk away from Hovedbanegården in the city centre.

Refugees, Borders and Immigration Summit Aug 20; WorldPride House, Dag Hammarskjölds torg 4, Malmö; free adm, registration at copenhagen2021.com The summit will take place in Malmö, which is claimed to be the most international city in Sweden, as 184 nationalities call the city their hometown. The topics under debate will range from decolonialisation to racism. The city is a 25-minute train ride away from Copenhagen.

Workplace Inclusion Day Aug 18, 09:00-17:00; Øksnehallen, Cph V; 90200 euros, copenhagen2021.com Although the Workplace Inclusion Day primarily sets out to help companies and employers to establish a LGBTI+ friendly work space, everyone is welcome to participate and learn digitally.

Conference on LGBTI+ equality Aug 20, 10:00-13:30; Danish Labour Market, Kampmansgade 4, Cph K; free adm; copenhagen2021.com With the information provided at this conference, the Danish hosts FIU aim to educate their participants on equality in the labour market and push for nondiscriminatory conditions for LGBTI+ people.

The festival is a political arrangement stretched over two large tents housing debates, panels and discussions creating awareness of LGBTI+ issues. You’ll be able to debate alongside politicians, activists and others.

Display of Original Pride Flag August 12-21; Copenhagen City Hall, Cph K; free adm; copenhagen2021.com Go ahead and witness the historical Original Pride Flag once created by artist Gilbert Baker. The original mile-long version was cut into pieces and this segment is being passed on from host city to host city of WorldPride. In 2021 it will decorate Copenhagen’s City Hall.

Geopolitical Aspects of HIV/AIDS Aug 15, 16:00-17:30; Medicinsk Museion, Bredgade 62, Cph K; 100 kroner, copenhagen2021.com Scientists, historians and researchers will debate whether there is yet to be found an adequate treatment for HIV. Based on their findings they will walk us through a fact-based approach to this problem.

Inclusive Sports Forum Aug 18, 10:00-13:00; The Stadium District, Malmö; free access online and free registration As the kick-off to the event, Mathilda Piehl, will share her yearlong experience on how to design sports to be a more queerinclusive space.

Following up, you will be able to witness interesting panels with professional athletes and psychologists among other speakers.

Be warned: the event will be held in Swedish.

Democracy Festival Aug 16-21, 11:00-21:00; Øksnehallen, Halmtorvet 11, Cph V; free adm; copenhagen2021.com

Inclusive Sports Forum Aug 19, 09:4514:15; The Stadium

Copenhagen: Gay capital of Iceland?

Aug 19, 17:00-18:00; Nordatlantens Brygge, Cph K; 45-60 kroner, copenhagen2021.com Ásta Kristín Benediktsdóttir, the former parade manager at Reykjavik Pride, will debate the roots of the so-called ‘sexual-asylum’ from Iceland’s capital to Copenhagen in the mid and late 20th century. The debate will be held in English and tickets can be purchased via the website.

District, Malmö; free access online and free registration On the second Day of the Inclusive Sports Forum, all of the speeches will be held in English. Swedish opera singer Rickard Söderberg will walk you through the event tackling the importance of inclusion of LGBTI+ athletes by letting various professional athletes share their experiences.

All listings sourced from Copenhagen2021.com

The Viking Ships in Roskilde Experience Danmark’s famous Viking Ships.

Discover ancient crafts and see the large collection of Viking ships and Nordic boats in the scenic museum harbour.

Daily boat trips and free guided tours.

Immerse yourself in history

Board the 30 meters long warship ‘The Sea Stallion from Glendalough’ Get wind in your hair - daily boat trips on Roskilde Fjord

The boatbuilders are working on a reconstruction of a Viking ship Five original Viking Ships Exhibitions and audio guide

Free daily tours - check the program at www.vikingshipmuseum.dk

Eat New Nordic Viking Food in the CaféKnarr

The Viking Ship Museum • Vindeboder 12 • 4000 Roskilde • www.vikingshipmuseum.dk