Homotropolis | Issue #1 2016 by Homotropolis

BUILDING RAINBOW BRIDGES IN COPENHAGEN & MALMร

ISSUE #1, 2016

What's on?

Learn About

Meet

LGBTQ events in Copenhagen, Malmรถ and surrounding areas.

Trans issues in Denmark, Midsummer celebrations and a very queer queen.

Amir from IraQueer, the woman behind LEZ, gay dads in Copenhagen and Lighthouse X. 1

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6 CLOSE-UP: AMIR ASHOUR 10 SERIOUS TRANS ISSUES IN DENMARK 13 SWEDEN ISSUES WORLD'S FIRST PRIDE STAMP 24 CITY MAP OF COPENHAGEN AND MALMÖ 26 THE REVIVAL OF LEZ 30 WONKING THE NIGHT AWAY 34 BIG AMBITIONS IN HAPPY COPENHAGEN 36 LIGHTHOUSE X: SOLDIERS OF LOVE AND DIVERSITY 44 BEHIND THE CURTAINS: THE MARRIED MAN + MUCH MORE 3

CONTENT Thomas K. Rasmussen (editor in chief) Helle Bjørnstrup Adam Westman Cissel Maria Hammershøy

COVER Modified detail from the poster "Building a Rainbow" designed by Werbeagentur Robert Putz & Co, 1976.

PRINT Scanprint A/S

D I S T R I B U T I O N Homotropolis is a free magazine available at cafés, shops, restaurants, bars and organisations in Copenhagen and Malmö. The magazine is targeted at LGBTQ tourists and citizens in the Greater Copenhagen region. For a complete distribution list please contact crew@homotropolis.com All articles are available online at www.homotropolis.com

HOMOTROPOLIS Issue #1. May - July 2016

Dear reader

Thank you for picking us up. You are now looking at the very first issue of Homotropolis in English. Since 2011 we have been an LGBTQ media outlet in Danish, but about a year ago we understood there was a need for an English magazine serving LGBTQ news, stories and upcoming events from so-called Greater Copenhagen, meaning Copenhagen and Malmรถ including surrounding areas. We have strived to put together a magazine relevant and interesting to you whether you are a rainbow tourist keen to learn about Copenhagen or Malmรถ from an LGBTQ perspective or a citizen on either the Swedish or Danish side of the bridge. We aim to strengthen the rainbow bridge between Copenhagen and Malmรถ and to further connect the LGBTQ communities in both cities while at the same time be useful and of high relevance to LGBTQ visitors who wish to get an overview of what is going on in the place they have just arrived to. We are also very proud to be official media partner for both Copenhagen Pride and Malmรถ Pride, and our second issue which will be out in early August will be all about these two pride festivals. Being a quarterly magazine you will be able to pick up your fresh and free copy of Homotropolis 4 times per year and we truly hope that our efforts to provide you with interesting and informative content will prove succesful. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome and can be emailed to us at crew@homotropolis.com. Now go ahead, turn some pages and enjoy what we have put together for you for this very first issue. Best regards, Homotropolis Crew

CLOSE-UP AMIR ASHOUR In every issue of Homotropolis we introduce you to an inspiring and extraordinary LGBTQ person from either Copenhagen or Malmö, and our very first close-up is zooming in on Amir Ashour, the founder of IraQueer. Amir is currently residing in Malmö and our editor Adam Westman met up with him.

I actually met Amir Ashour about a year ago for a coffee. We walked and talked about all kinds of things in our lives such as friends, music, travelling and food. At that point I did not know a thing about the organisation called “IraQueer”. But as I got to know Amir, I also got to understand his passion for human rights, especially concerning the situation for the Iraqi queer community. Amir is the founder of IraQueer, the only organisation working for the LGBTQ community in Iraq and the Kurdistan region. Along with a young team of activists, the mission is to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community and spread information, provide support and share personal stories. IraQueer was launched in March 2015 starting out with Amir alone, and today the organisation counts nearly 40 people. Amir is the only person from the team who has his picture and name revealed on the IraQueer website. All of Amir’s activist colleagues work anonymously and undercover, but they still face a big risk of being exposed inside Iraq, and if that were to happen the consequences of being affiliated with IraQueer would be enormous and severe. The exposure would not only affect the activist in question and make him or her a moving target for the militias to hunt down, but it could easily also affect LGBTQ people that have been in touch with or helped by the organisation. The security and safety of the team is therefore one of the hardest and highest prioritised challenges that the activists from IraQueer deal with. SUPPORT FROM AROUND THE WORLD Amir has made it one of his missions to be open, outspoken and visible and thereby giving a voice to the persecuted and discriminated LGBTQ people who live in Iraq. As a direct consequence of that he can no longer return to Iraq. His face is too known and it would be putting his own life at risk. Having his name, picture and contact information easily accessible online has meant that both haters and supporters get in touch. >> 6

“I receive a lot of hate speech and negativity in my inbox from various groups of people, and the fact that I choose to be all out in the open makes me very easy to reach”, says Amir, who does not let the frequent homophobic messages get to him. “I focus on all the love and support IraQueer receives, not only from inside Iraq but from around the world. The positive stories from team members, the good results and the steps we take as an organisation in the right direction. This is much more important and it keeps me motivated”, Amir says. CHANGE FROM WITHIN In Iraq there is very little knowledge and no real education about LGBTQ issues. Homosexuality is still widely considered to be something shameful and there is no social acceptance and tolerance of LGBTQs within the Iraqi society. A big part of IraQueer’s work in Iraq is therefore to educate and inform. “The LGBTQ people in Iraq are the only ones who can change things and reclaim their place in society. It is obvious that this will be a long process with many challenges along the way. Iraq is hostile and dangerous territory for all LGBTQ activists”, Amir explains. HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE IraQueer represents the first step of the LGBTQ movement in Iraq and Amir is hopeful when it comes to the future of the organisation he founded. “I see us growing and becoming a source of power for the LGBT+ community, and the Iraqi/Kurdish community in general, since we promote humans rights for all. I hope more people will join and support us not only through emails and texts, but publicly as well”, says Amir who plans to remain a vital part of the organisation for years to come. “For myself, my focus for the next number of years will be IraQueer. It’s my top priority to give it everything I have to see it grow stronger, and then at the right time pass that task on to someone else; and start pursuing my own political ambitions and get involved in leading Iraq in the future”. For more information about IraQueer go to www.iraqueer.org.

RESTAURANT KARLA

Tasty traditional Danish dishes and ‘smørrebrød’ made by loving hands. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

For menu and opening hours visit www.karla.nu Restaurant Karla | Dantes Plads 1 | 1556 København | 3312 7025

UPCOMING EVENTS 17 MAY INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA 18:30 - 20:00 // COPENHAGEN CITY HALL SQUARE

2 JUNE GAYSTORTION - DISTORTION STREET PARTY. DJS AND DRAG QUEENS. 16:00 - 22:00 // FLENSBORGGADE, COPENHAGEN

28 - 30 JULY

MIX COPENHAGEN OPEN AIR. BAR OPENS AT 19.00. MOVIES START AT SUNSET. 19:00 - 23:30 // ØRSTEDSPARKEN, COPENHAGEN

16 - 21 AUGUST COPENHAGEN PRIDE WEEK. DEBATES, PERFORMANCE ART, CONCERTS + MORE. 12:00 - 23:00 // COPENHAGEN CITY HALL SQUARE + RAINBOW SQUARE PRIDE PARADE ON 20TH OF AUGUST For more information visit copenhagenpride.dk or stay updated on Facebook. 9

SERIOUS TRANS ISSUES IN DENMARK In early March 2016 Amnesty International published a report on transgender rights in Denmark expressing strong criticism of the way trans people are being treated in the Danish health system. Along with organisations LGBT Danmark and Copenhagen Pride, Amnesty has subsequently launched a campaign named “sick system” [#sygtsystem] aiming to improve medical treatment and calling on the government and The Danish Health Authority to stop classifying transgenderism as a mental disorder. A recent survey in Denmark showed that 8 out of 10 Danes do not consider transgenderism to be a mental disorder, but regardless of public opinion the Danish health system continues to label trans people with a mental disorder diagnosis. Furthermore a recent report carried out by Amnesty strongly criticises the medical treatment of transgender people in a number of ways concluding that Denmark is violating both human rights as well as The Yogyakarta Principles. “Denmark is forcing transgender people to undergo years of humiliating clinical investigations. It is not only degrading but also in breach of their human rights”, Helle Jacobsen from Amnesty Denmark says. DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS WHILE MASTURBATING? In the report 21, Danish transgender people talk about their experiences with the health system. Stories include answering questions such as “do you think of your parents while masturbating?”, “do you enjoy roller coasters?” and “have you ever been paid for sex?”. One transgender, Stine, explains in the report how the understanding of gender is both extremely outdated and binary at the Sexological Clinic at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, currently the only place in Denmark permitted to treat transgender people: “The practitioner did not think that I was dressed womanly enough, even though she herself was wearing a suit. I asked her what she considered to be womanly. I mean, women wear everything from skirts to sweat pants or suits. 10

She did not answer that. Instead she asked me if I tend to masturbate while wearing women’s clothing”.

issue and has been surpassed by e.g. Argentina where the only requirement for treatment of transgender people is informed consent.

THE LONG WAIT FOR HORMONES Due to the very long and complex clinical investigations that With the current campaign for transgender rights both Amalso have the purpose of ruling out possible psychotic dis- nesty International, Copenhagen Pride and LGBT Danmark orders, it can easily take years before transgender people are calling on politicians to stop the discrimination and take are prescribed hormones and actually immediate action on the serious chalbegin their treatment. This leads to lenges within the health system and to some taking treatment into their own “The time has come remove transgenderism (“transsexualhands by ordering hormones illegally online. The Amnesty report points out to stop violating the ism”) from the official list of diagnosable mental illnesses once and for all. the importance of adopting regulation rights of transgender to establish reasonable time limits for “We need to put an end to this conthe provision of hormone treatment. people.” stricting and inhuman binary gender perception which prevents trans peoThe current monopoly that the SexoLars Henriksen, ple from getting started with their logical Clinic in Copenhagen has on treatment and become healthy and Copenhagen Pride treating trans people is also criticised strong citizens who are piloting their and it is recommended that the right own lives. This is 2016. The time has of independent doctors to carry out come to stop violating the rights of transgender people”, Lars hormone treatment is being reinstated. This would both bring Henriksen, Chair of Copenhagen Pride, says. down the waiting time and give transgender people the option of being treated by their doctor of choice.

DENMARK FALLING BEHIND While a legal change of gender became possible without undergoing forced sterilisation or surgery back in 2014, Denmark is no longer the progressive frontrunner on the trans

The campaign for trans rights will continue throughout Spring and Summer and a number of activities are planned by the organisations involved. The hope is that 2016 will see longawaited political results and radical improvements in the way trans people are being treated in the Danish health system.

GREETINGS FROM MALMÖ PRIDE Malmö Pride is an annual festival in Sweden’s third biggest city organised to celebrate and recognise all that is Malmö and the LGBTQIA community. Those of us behind Malmö Pride 2016 are super excited about our work and hope to create a Pride experience that is as broad as possible. From the Pride Park filled with activities and music, to Pride House that will be filled with even more interesting seminars and lectures to the Pride Parade on the 6th of August that we envision as the biggest and most amazing Pride Parade in Malmö to date. One of our main goals is to create an environment that is welcoming and representative to everyone no matter who you are, and we put a lot of thought into how we can create a programme that is as inclusive as possible. We take great effort and pride in only collaborating with companies who believe in the fundamental idea of Pride and actively work with LGBTQIA questions. And this year we are super proud to announce that Malmö Municipality has granted us with a very generous contribution, showing that questions regarding LGBTQIA are not only something a group of volunteers fight really hard for, but actually something Malmö Town and the people in charge of this lovely city think is very important. We really hope to see you here on the 5th to11th of August. Best regards, Malmö Pride 12

SWEDEN ISSUES WORLD’S FIRST PRIDE STAMP A new postage stamp depicting the rainbow flag was issued in Sweden on the 4th of May to celebrate Pride, diversity and equal love. The Swedish postal service has now made sure you can send proud rainbow greetings all across the world. ”By issuing a stamp with the Pride Flag, we want to emphasise the equal value of all people and the strength represented by people’s unique qualities and differences. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the Pride Flag has been reproduced on a stamp – which makes it particularly gratifying that people will now be able to send affectionate greetings with the Pride Flag stamp to all corners of the world,” says Per Ljungberg, Head of Communications at PostNord Sweden. The original idea for the stamp came from Swedish artist Lisa Rydell back in 2014 and was quickly approved by PostNord’s Stamp Advisory Committee who then commissioned Rydell to do the design as well. ”For many people, the choice of stamp is an extension of their written message – which will be made especially profound with the new Pride stamp. This motif is also well in line with PostNord’s internal diversity initiatives,” Mr Ljungberg from PostNord says.

HISTORY LESSON: THE QUEEREST OF THE QUEENS

390 years ago, back in 1626, a Swedish queen by the name of Christina was born. Already from the moment of her birth, Christina confounded sexual and gender stereotypes, and in fact she was thought to be male at first because of a hairy body and a “strong, hoarse voice”. Upon the realisation that Christina was actually a girl, her father the king, who had hoped for a male royal heir, continued to raise her as a boy. This meant that Christina received language education, learned all about politics and science and was trained to become an excellent shooter and horseback rider. At the age of only 6 she succeeded her father, King Gustav II Adolph, upon his death at the Battle of Lützen and in 1644, on her 18-year birthday, she was declared of adult age and thus began to rule the country in her own right. At this point she was as educated as any male heir would have been and was - besides Swedish - fluent in 8 other languages including German, French, Italian and Arabic. WALK LIKE A MAN - SWEAR LIKE A SOLDIER As an adult, Christina continued to resist all gender conformity. She showed no interest at all in fashion and adopted mannish styles of clothing. She wore men's shoes for the sake of convenience and never combed her hair. It was said about her that she "walked like a man, sat and rode like a man, and could eat and swear like the roughest soldiers”.

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Sebastién Bourdon, Christina of Sweden, 1653

She ignored traditionally approved "feminine" interests and explained in her autobiography that she felt "an insurmountable distaste for marriage" and "for all the things that females talked about and did”. Instead Christina continued to pursue her love of culture, literature and scholarship while spending a lot of time with her closest female friend, Ebba Sparre, whom she called “Belle” and loudly praised for her beauty and extraordinary mind. Christina even introduced Ebba to others as her “bed-fellow”. LESBIAN, BISEXUAL OR INTERSEX? In 1649 Queen Christina announced that she had decided not to marry and in 1654 she abdicated the throne in favour of her cousin Charles Gustav and immediately left Sweden on horseback wearing men's clothing. Christina travelled through Germany and Holland towards Italy, converted to Catholicism during her trip and arrived in Rome through Porta del Popolo in a couch designed by Bernini who went on to become a lifelong friend of hers. During her travels she kept on writing letters to Ebba Sparre telling her that she would always love her. Except for one short visit back to Sweden in 1660 upon the death of Charles X Gustav, Christina never returned to her country of birth and she died in Rome in 1689 at the age of 62. Biographers generally consider Christina to have been a lesbian or bisexual woman although it cannot be ruled out that she may in fact have been an intersex individual. Queen Christina was portrayed by Greta Garbo in the 1933 film of the same name.

QUEER COMEDY IN COPENHAGEN Pakistani-Canadian comedian Fawzia Mirza is rapidly rising to fame in the world of queer comedy and on May 13 she will be in Copenhagen for a special 'one night show' on the occasion of Danish organisation Sabaah’s 10-year anniversary. “I love to use performance, personal storytelling and comedy to break down stereotypes across a multiplicity of identities: race, religion, sexual orientation and gender, and defy the concept of the “model minority” often portrayed in the mainstream”, Mirza says. Among several other projects she has made a web series titled “Kam Kardashian” about the long lost lesbian Kardashian sister and more recently starred in another web series, “Her Story”, following the dating lives of trans and queer women.

BEING QUEER, MUSLIM, WOMAN AND BROWN ARE THE PERFECT ATTRIBUTES FOR THE HILARIOUS COMEDY HURRICANE KNOWN AS FAWZIA MIRZA WHO WILL BE IN COPENHAGEN ON 13 MAY TO BLOW YOU AWAY.

Fawzia Mirza will be taking the stage at Drop Inn, Kompagnistræde 34, 1208 Copenhagen on May 13 during the evening. Entrance will be free. For more info and time, check out the Facebook page of Sabaah. 15

Foto: Christian Bigum

WALK AND TALK IN COPENHAGEN The days are getting longer, the sun is more generous and it may be time to stretch your legs and take in some spring air after a long and chilly Scandinavian winter. Pan Walkathon is an alternative way of casually networking with other people while exercising. And who knows? Maybe you'll get some lasting friendships. Pan Walkathon is a monthly event that takes you on a walking tour through 5 to10 kilometers of Danish soil in a natural environment close to Copenhagen. The trips end with enjoying a hot or cold beverage with your fellow walkers. Homotropolis talked with the two women behind the concept, Anne Hjorth Christensen and Chanette Gedde – both actively engaged in the Copenhagen-based LGBT sports club, Pan Idræt: ”We came up with the concept 'Pan Walkathon' after a brainstorm. Pan Idræt wanted more female members as only 20 percent of our 800 members are women. We got inspired by the Ecco Walkathon that filled the streets of Copenhagen a short while back and wondered if such a concept may be the solution. We wondered if a walk that didn't include competitive aspects might attract more women”, Anne says. Anne and Chanette were right. They succeeded in creating an event that has become very popular with women. Almost 70 percent of the participants are female. However, it is important to note that the trips are for everyone interested in boosting their social network while exercising. ”We wanted to create a Walkathon that included everybody. You're able to bring your children or take your dog along for the walk as we keep our Walkathons within 5 to 10 kilometer distance”, Chanette notes. The Pan Walkathon is well visited. At the first event 75 people participated and 55 social walkers took the trip together at the second event. If you want to join the next trip please find 'Pan Walkathon' on Facebook. 17

COPENHAGEN HOSTING IDAHO FORUM 2016 FROM MAY 10 - 12 THE DANISH GOVERNMENT IS HOSTING THE 4TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE, IDAHO FORUM, IN THE CAPITAL MARKING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA. While IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, has been observed around the globe every year on May 17 since 2005, it was not until 2013 that the concept of an annual European LGBT conference, IDAHO Forum, became real. The 4th IDAHO Forum will take place in Copenhagen this May with a number of European ministers, politicians and representatives from ILGA-Europe invited to participate by the Ministry for Children, Education and Gender Equality. BUILDING BRIDGES AND ALLIANCES This year the IDAHO Forum will be hosted in Copenhagen from May 10 - 12 by the Danish government and the title of 2016 is “Building Bridges and Alliances”. The conference will bring attention to LGBTI people in the labor market and social acceptance of LGBTI people with focus on key drivers for advancing diversity and inclusion of LGBTI people, including cooperation and inspiration between countries, companies, civil society organisations and experts. “IDAHO Forum 2016 is an important part of the struggle to break down the taboos regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, to stop discrimination and harassment and to strengthen cooperation across Europe. We will use our role as host of IDAHO Forum 2016 to focus on how we can promote equality and rights for LGBTI people”, says Ellen Trane Nørby, Minister for Children, Education and Gender Equality, when asked by Homotropolis which results she hopes to help achieve during the conference. “Among other things, we will discuss LGBTI conditions in the workplace and social acceptance of LGBTI people - for example in ethnic minority communities. These are areas where the personal freedom to be with the one you want and freely choose your partner is under pressure. And the fight is needed - because around Europe too many LGBTI people are still excluded from equal participation in society”, Ellen Trane Nørby says. 18

STILL MUCH TO BE DONE Danish LGBTQ organisations Copenhagen Pride, LGBT Danmark and Sabaah are co-hosting a pre-conference on May 10 titled “Still Much To Be Done” focusing on the shortcomings in both European and national LGBT legislation and policies. The conference will take place in the Danish Parliament (Christiansborg) on Tuesday May 10th from 10 am - 2 pm, and while entry is free you will need to register due to safety procedures of the parliament. More info on www.lgbt.dk. HUDSON TAYLOR IN COPENHAGEN On May 13 from 1 pm - 5 pm a post-conference held at Copenhagen City Hall will feature Hudson Taylor, not only an American wrestling champion but also a champion of gay rights and founder of the organisation Athlete Ally. Hudson Taylor is invited as a keynote speaker and his presentation will be followed by a debate among Danish sports coaches and athletes. Hudson, who is scheduled to speak at 3 pm, is preceded by a presentation from 1 pm - 3 pm titled “Queer Perspectives on Religion”. This post-conference is also organised by Copenhagen Pride, LGBT Denmark and Sabaah and is free and open for everyone to join. You will need to register. More info on www.copenhagenpride.dk. TRANS RIGHTS & LGBTQ HEALTH On May 14 from 10 am - 3 pm a final post-conference will take place at Copenhagen City Hall starting off with a keynote by Amnesty International on the situation for transgender people in Denmark followed by a debate. At 12 noon a report on LGBTQ health in Copenhagen will be presented and followed up with a panel debate ending at 3 pm. This post-conference will be in Danish. More info on www.copenhagenpride.dk BIG IDAHO RALLY ON MAY 17 On May 17, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Copenhagen Pride will organise a massive flag rally with flags from every country in the world at the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) in Copenhagen. The rally starts at 6:30 pm and finishes at 8 pm. Everybody is welcome to join in and grab a flag. More info on www.copenhagenpride.dk.

GET INVOLVED WHILE THE IDAHO FORUM ITSELF IS BY INVITATION ONLY AND THUS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO TAKE PART IN IDAHO 2016 IN COPENHAGEN.

DID YOU KNOW May 17 was chosen as the recurring date of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia because it was on that exact date back in 1990 that it was decided to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the WHO (World Health Organisation). Originally the campaign was named “International Day Against Homophobia”, but in 2009 Transphobia was added to the name making some refer to the day as IDAHOT. After Biphobia was added only last year the day is again commonly shortened to IDAHO although the correct and full campaign title is “International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia”.

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DISTORTION TO CONQUER COPENHAGEN IN JUNE THE ANNUAL DISTORTION WEEK WILL TURN THE STREETS OF COPENHAGEN INTO LOUD AND PROUD PARTY ZONES DURING THE FIRST 5 DAYS OF JUNE.

Say the word “Distortion” and it will most probably ring a really loud bell with pretty much every Copenhagener you bump into. Five days (and nights) of so-called “orchestrated chaos” seems like a fair description of what to expect when Distortion 2016 celebrates Copenhagen nightlife by turning streets into large outdoor party zones from June 1 to June 5. This year will see even more rainbows than previous years with both Copenhagen Pride and Cosy Bar hosting gaythemed street parties during the week. #COLORFUL DJs from both Sweden and Denmark will make you party to every colour of the rainbow when one of Copenhagen’s most famous gay clubs, Cosy Bar, takes over Solitudevej in Nørrebro on Wednesday June 1 from 4 pm to 10 pm. Cosy Bar has teamed up with Looky Management and rumour has it that one of Denmark’s most talented pole dancers will be there to show off her skills. “#COLORFUL” has been chosen as the title for the event and the organisers promise that both the party as well as the street itself will be exactly that on June 1. This is the first time for legendary Cosy Bar to host a street party during Distortion Week and needless to say expectations are high above the rainbow. GAYSTORTION Since 2014 Copenhagen Pride has been hosting their notorious “Gaystortion” street party in Vesterbro and this year is no exception. Expect some of Copenhagen’s best drag queens on stage along with a strong DJ line-up and rainbows all over the place when Copenhagen Pride turn Flensborggade into “Gaystortion” on Thursday June 2 from 4 pm to 10 pm. True to tradition the board members of Copenhagen Pride will be behind the bar for GAYSTORTION serving cold beers, shots, ciders and generous amounts of rainbow love. Given the enormous success of the two previous years GAYSTORTION is the street party you should not miss out on. More info and updated programme for Distortion Week on www.cphdistortion.dk. 21

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DINNER CRUISE Enjoy a 2 hour wonderful Dine & Wine boat tour on the canals of Copenhagen with a 3 course menu incl 1 bottle of wine (25 cl) or 2 beer/soft drinks and coffee/tea. Fridays, May 6th to September 30th,2016.

The view from the dinner table will change during the 2 hour tour. From astonishing old constructions, new architectural wonders to happy summer guests enjoying themselves by the water front.

MENU Starter: Roasted and pickled mushrooms, thyme mayonnaise and croutons. Baked carrots, herbs, ginger and toasted sesame. Poached cod, potato cream, garlic and rye bread. Main dish: Salted “Gråsten” chicken, fried cauliflower, chutney and crumble on berries, seeds and skin. Dessert: Mousse of Oialla chocolate 46% with berries, vanilla cake and crispy cocoa nips. Please note: The menu which is cold cannot be changed. You will be seated at a table for 6 persons.

Book your ticket in the ticket office at Nyhavn or Gammel Strand or at www.stromma.dk. Please book your ticket no later than 09:30 the day prior to departure. Departs from Gammel Strand at 19:30 - just across Christiansborg Palace.

COPENHAGEN

CITY MAP

Know your gay way around Copenhagen & Malmรถ

BARS & NIGHTLIFE 1. CENTRALHJØRNET KATTESUNDET 18 1458 COPENHAGEN CENTRALHJORNET.DK

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3. FAITH NIGHTCLUB KNABROSTRÆDE 3 1210 COPENHAGEN FACEBOOK.COM/FAITHCPH

6+14 2

7 4

2. COSY BAR STUDIESTRÆDE 24 1455 COPENHAGEN COSYBAR.DK

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3 16 24

23 10 20 12

4. G*A*Y COPENHAGEN VESTER VOLDGADE 10 1552 COPENHAGEN FACEBOOK.COM/COPENHAGENGAY 5. HEAT CLUB (DROP INN) KOMPAGNISTRÆDE 34 1208 COPENHAGEN FACEBOOK.COM/HEATCPH 6. JAILHOUSE CPH STUDIESTRÆDE 12 1455 COPENHAGEN JAILHOUSECPH.DK 7. KISS KISS BAR & CAFÉ STUDIESTRÆDE 41 1455 COPENHAGEN KISSKISSGAYCLUB.DK 8. MASKEN BAR STUDIESTRÆDE 33 1455 COPENHAGEN MASKENBAR.DK 9. MEN´S BAR TEGLGÅRDSSTRÆDE 3 1452 COPENHAGEN MENSBAR.DK

10. MY FAIR LADIES MIKKEL BRYGGERS GADE 11 1460 COPENHAGEN FACEBOOK.COM/MYFAIRLADIESCPH

CO PE

NH AG EN

11. NEVER MIND BAR NØRREVOLDGADE 2 1358 COPENHAGEN NEVERMINDBAR.DK

21. ØRSTEDSPARKEN NØRREVOLDGADE 1 1358 COPENHAGEN

CAFES & RESTAURANTS 14. JAILHOUSE RESTAURANT STUDIESTRÆDE 12 1455 COPENHAGEN JAILHOUSECPH.DK 15. KAFÉ KNUD SKINDERGADE 21 1159 COPENHAGEN KAFEKNUD.DK 12. OSCAR BAR CAFÉ REGNBUEPLADSEN 7 1550 COPENHAGEN OSCARBARCAFE.DK 16. RESTAURANT KRONBORG BROLÆGGERSTRÆDE 12 1211 COPENHAGEN RESTAURANTKRONBORG.DK

SHOPPING 17. HOMOWARE LARSBJØRNSSTRÆDE 11 1454 COPENHAGEN WWW.HOMOWARE.DK 18. MEN´S SHOP VIKTORIAGADE 24 1655 COPENHAGEN MENSSHOP.DK

SAUNAS & CRUISING

THEATRE & EVENTS BØSSEHUSET MÆLKEVEJEN 69D 1440 COPENHAGEN BOESSEHUSET.DK 22. WAREHOUSE9 HALMTORVET 11C 1700 COPENHAGEN WAREHOUSE9.DK

INFORMATION 23. CHECKPOINT KØBENHAVN VESTERGADE 18E, 4 1210 COPENHAGEN AIDSFONDET.DK/HIVTEST

24. COPENHAGEN PRIDE TOURIST INFORMATION KNABROSTRÆDE 20, ST 1210 COPENHAGEN COPENHAGENPRIDE.DK PLEASE VISIT OUR TOURIST INFORMATION LOCATED IN THE HEART OF COPENHAGEN FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY HAS TO OFFER. WE´RE NICE AND OFFER FREE COFFEE AND WIFI. VISIT COPENHAGENPRIDE.DK FOR OPENING HOURS.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

MISSING?

19. AMIGO SAUNA STUDIESTRÆDE 31 1455 COPENHAGEN AMIGO-SAUNA.DK BODY BIO KINGOSGADE 7 1623 COPENHAGEN BODYBIO.DK

13. VELA VIKTORIAGADE 2 1655 COPENHAGEN VELAGAYCLUB.DK

20. SLM LAVENDELSTRÆDE 17 1462 KØBENHAVN K SLM-CPH.DK

12. OSCAR BAR CAFÉ REGNBUEPLADSEN 7 1550 COPENHAGEN OSCARBARCAFE.DK

DO YOU THINK YOU NEED TO BE ON ONE OF OUR MAPS?

1. WONK STORTORGET 11 211 22 MALMÖ WONK.SE

2. BEEdata BAR April 18, 2016. 1:14400 (1 cm = 0.14 c inkatlas.com, OpenStreetMap Map PLEASE CONTACT UScontributors. AT CREW@HOMOTROPOLIS.COM

SÖDRA FÖRSTADSGATAN 36 211 43 MALMÖ BEEBAR.SE

THE REVIVAL OF

LEZ

Copenhagen has relatively few party options catering specifically to the lesbian clientele, but good news arrived with the upcoming revival of the female-only concept LEZ. LEZ has been a popular recurring event for lesbian and bisexual women over the past few years, but for quite some time the organisers behind one of Copenhagen’s most beloved girls-only party concepts have been quiet. That is, up until now. LEZ is being revived with a new woman behind the wheel and her name is Denise Mellin. Denise is a very passionate and enthusiastic woman and her projects are usually guided and driven forward by her creative mind. She has a degree in arts and design; a degree she draws from in everything she does, and combining that with a thorough inside knowledge of “Raahuset” - the LEZ venue in which she has been a bar manager for 6 years - the future of the women-only party concept looks bright in every way. ”Raahuset has given me so much; both on a personal and professional level. In a few words, Raahuset is the ultimate "playground" for any kind of creative expression”, Denise states when asked to explain what is so spectacular about the LEZ venue. Denise is no stranger to LEZ. She got involved right back when it all started and has been working closely with the original founders of LEZ: ”I have known the founders, Cody and John, since before LEZ came into existence. I have had the pleasure of seeing them plant the very roots of LEZ and make it into what it is today. When I was offered to take over LEZ I was very honoured and - to be honest - a little bit terrified. I have so much respect for Cody and John and everything they have achieved with LEZ”.

LEZ WILL BE MORE Although Denise is now the new woman in charge of LEZ she intends to stay true to the original concept while making sure the brand evolves and develops. “My dream for LEZ is to increase the level of entertainment and by doing that bring even more women together. I want to reach out and meet people where they are. I would also like to bring LEZ to Malmö, and hopefully more than just once”, Denise reveals when asked about her ambitions for LEZ. “In the past LEZ has had four major parties each year, always spiced up with that little extra. I want to keep it that way and build onto it. I believe that LEZ is capable of so much more. I am seriously working on expanding LEZ and currently looking into different kinds of pop-up events. LEZ is all about big colourful parties, great music, art and surprises. This is what I am aiming for”, Denise says.

“LEZ is capable of so much more” Denise Mellin, LEZ

The next LEZ party will be held at Raahuset in Vesterbro, just a 5-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station on June 18. Find LEZ on Facebook for updated info.

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BONFIRES BURNING WITCHES MAYPOLES Midsummer celebrations take place in both Denmark and Sweden in June, and while the Danes burn witches in bonfires, the Swedes prefer to eat, drink and dance around a decorated maypole. It is no secret that Scandinavians love to talk about and complain about the weather. Winters are always way too long, heavy rain threatens to ruin the strawberry harvest and there is always some new invasive species trying to cross the borders due to climate change. Bad weather is a hot topic indeed. But once the long awaited summer finally arrives and the sunlight makes everybody go outdoors wearing as little as possible it is hard to imagine a happier and more lighthearted bunch of people. Summer definitely calls for outdoor celebrations and that is what they do in June - the Swedes and the Danes - in each their own little paganistic ways. THE SWEDISH WAY - JUNE 24 The Swedes have a very practical approach to their Midsummer celebration. The date changes every year simply to make sure that Midsummer is always celebrated on a Friday to better fit in with the working week. In 2016 the date to save is June 24. Midsummer is conveniently called “midsommar” in Swedish and it is generally a celebration where families and friends get together in large groups outside the cities to party and have fun in the countryside. A traditional Midsummer celebration will include flower picking, a lunch table full of pickled herring, potatoes and lots of beer and schnapps, some very loud singing and then ring-dancing around a decorated maypole. After a long afternoon of eating, drinking, singing and dancing the Midsummer celebrations continue throughout the evening and night turning into regular parties. If you are in Malmö for Midsummer on June 24 and do not know any Swedes you can join for the day then head to “Folkets Park” where public Midsummer celebrations take place. 28

THE DANISH WAY - JUNE 23 In Denmark the Midsummer celebration is called “St. John’s Eve” (“Sankt Hans”) and it goes down every year on June 23. Some meet up with friends and family for dinner (or outdoor barbecuing if the weather is good) and once it gets dark at around 10 pm people gather around big bonfires. Some bonfires will be lit right after a bonfire speech and it is common to sing the famous “Midsummer Song” (Midsommervise) written by Danish poet and painter Holger Drachmann back in 1885. St. John’s Eve was traditionally regarded as the actual Midsummer Eve and therefore the shortest night of the year. The Danes believed that the witches flew past on their broomsticks on this particular night on their way to the Brocken, so in order to keep those evil forces away, an effigy of a witch (usually made of old clothes and hay) was placed on top of the bonfire. Even though we now know that summer solstice is in fact on June 21 and it can be hard to find a Dane who still believes in flying witches, the tradition still lives on and St. John’s Eve is usually a very cosy and family-friendly celebration. If you are in Copenhagen for St. John’s Eve head to Amager Strandpark where the LGBTQ community will most likely be gathering that night. Other popular bonfire venues in Copenhagen include Islands Brygge and “Docken” in Nordhavn.

LUNDAPRIDE 2016 Pride season is already here and one of the very first pride celebrations of 2016 takes place in Lund on the Swedish side on May 21. 21st of May will be a day of celebration and rainbows in Lund, when LundaPride kicks off the pride season with a parade, seminars and a party. Expect a town full of pride and joy where everyone is invited regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2015 more than 4.000 people took part in LundaPride Parade and this year the organisers expect even more to join in. While the primary focus will be LGBTQ+ the day is for everyone to gather around values such as diversity, love and inclusion. Pride Park opens in Lund on May 21 at 11 am and the parade will take off from Lundagård at 5 pm. A special pride party (Klubb Out) will be held at night from 11 pm - 3 am. More info at www.stoltilund.se.

WONKING THE NIGHT AWAY

For the past 15 years “WONK” has been the centrepiece of gay nightclubbing in Malmö and the legendary club, now conveniently located on Stortorget in the very heart of the city, is still going strong. Like it or not, you have not really been out in gay Malmö until you have visited WONK on a Saturday night. Drag queens, shirtless bartenders and some occasional karaoke are unmistakable trademarks of WONK, and the legendary club attracts a mixed crowd of boys and girls of all ages coming together to dance, have fun, get drunk and simply wonk the night away. Homotropolis caught up with Joe Nilsson, the busy founder and owner, who in recent years successfully expanded the concept by introducing WONK to both Stockholm and Gothenburg. “In late January we relocated WONK Malmö to Stortorget which is just a 2-minute walk from Malmö Central Station making it very easy for guests from Copenhagen to reach us, and the move has actually given WONK a sort of revival once again”, says Joe who started his own nightlife career as a DJ before deciding to open clubs of his own. “WONK has existed in Malmö for around 15 years now and the idea came to me after having DJ’ed in several different places and later managing my own clubs such as “The Temple”, “Chic" and “Twisted” with some of my friends. It was clear to me that Malmö was missing something and this something became WONK”, Joe explains. The name “WONK” originates from a drag queen of the same name who worked as a DJ at the club in Malmö for the first 7 years before taking off the wig for good and settling down in Stockholm. QUEENS AND SHIRTLESS BARMEN Although the concept of WONK has changed a bit throughout the years, some elements have remained important parts of the WONK identity. “Of course I come up with new ideas all the time and renewal is important, but the basic concept has always been shirtless bartenders and drag queens and it still is today. Our monthly theme parties are also extremely popular and lots of fun”, Joe says. >> 30

Popular themes in WONK include “Neon” and “Baywatch” and the club is famous for the annual Halloween party which, according to Joe, is the “best Halloween party in Scandinavia”. FREE ENTRANCE WITH YOUR TRAIN TICKET While Joe has no current plans of expanding WONK to Copenhagen, guests from the Danish side are always warmly welcomed in the club in Malmö. If you go by train from Copenhagen to Malmö, showing your train ticket at the door will grant you free entrance. WONK in Malmö is open every Saturday from 11.30 pm - 4 am and will most definitely be serving a very "eurovicious" party on May 14 on the night of the Eurovision final. Updated info can always be found on facebook.com/klubbwonk.

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Happy Copenhagen, an organisation established only last year by Copenhagen Pride and Pan Idræt, is rapidly moving forward with ambitious plans to get both EuroGames and WorldPride to Copenhagen in 2021.

The organisation has within the past few months changed from being a project in its start-up phase to playing a vital part in supporting Danish sports organisation Pan Idræt and Copenhagen Pride with their bids on hosting the two major LGBTQ events EuroGames and WorldPride in 2021. ”Currently we mainly work on making sure that the right people and public authorities are supporting us in our work so that Copenhagen has a good chance of hosting the two big events a few years from now”, says Director of Happy Copenhagen, Lars Christian Østergreen and continues: ”If we succeed we will actually become the first city ever to host two such amazing events at the same time - in the same city”. Besides working intensively on landing the deal of hosting EuroGames and WorldPride, Happy Copenhagen also plays a key role in promoting Greater Copenhagen as an LGBTQ-friendly region:

ABOUT HAPPY COPENHAGEN Happy Copenhagen is an organisation founded by Pan Idræt and Copenhagen Pride with the main purpose of supporting both organisations in getting EuroGames and WorldPride to take place in Copenhagen in 2021. Happy Copenhagen also serves the purpose of branding Greater Copenhagen as an LGBTQ-friendly region along with the Capital Region of Denmark, the Municipality of Copenhagen, the Municipality of Malmö and tourist organisation Wonderful Copenhagen.

”Our efforts to promote Greater Copenhagen are intensifying as we speak. We're busy participating in network groups and preparing for our participation in World OutGames in Miami next year”, Lars Christian Østergreen explains. PARTNERCITY AT WORLD OUTGAMES IN 2017 Happy Copenhagen has just been in Miami to finalise the last details of their role as a partner city at World OutGames in 2017. ”Copenhagen will have a prominent position in the World OutGames in Miami next year where we will get the opportunity to promote Denmark through music and culture along with the Danish approach to the LGBTQ community”, Lars Christian Østergreen says. ”Our presence as partner city in Miami will be an outstanding opportunity to create a hype about Copenhagen as a possible host of EuroGames and WorldPride. We expect to talk to a lot of decisionmakers in Miami next year and convince them that Copenhagen is a great tourist destination today, tomorrow and in 2021”.

Happy Copenhagen also took part in Miami Beach Pride Parade during their visit in April alongside Copenhagen Pride. UPCOMING PROJECTS Happy Copenhagen will spend the next 6 months preparing for their participation in World OutGames in 2017, primarily in terms of line-up and involving possible sponsors and participants for the Danish part of World OutGames. Finally the entire preparation process of the hosting bids will be initiated. ”We will be busy gathering material for our bids. Photos and movies of Copenhagen during summer and Pride Week along with other LGBTQ events and happenings that can help us promote Copenhagen. And then we will get everything down on paper for our final bids”, the excited Director notes.

Happy Copenhagen's Director, Lars Christian Østergreen (right), and the Chair of Copenhagen Pride, Lars Henriksen (left) at Miami Beach Gay Pride

Soldiers of love and diversity

LIGHTHOUSE X WON THE HEARTS AND VOTES OF THE DANES AT THE NATIONAL SELECTION FOR THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2016. HOMOTROPOLIS HAD A CHAT WITH THE EXCITED TRIO.

Søren Bregendahl, Johannes Nymark and Martin Skriver are the three shining Danish pop talents behind Lighthouse X, who won the national selection for the Eurovision earlier this year with their song “Soldiers of Love”. 42 % of the Danes voted for “Soldiers of Love” sending the trio on to compete in the 61st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest where they will be representing Denmark in the 2nd semifinal on May 12 and hopefully from there make it into the final on May 14. Lighthouse X is made up of three guys in their best years who got together to form a band that is willing and able to make a difference both together as well as individually. Each band member has a cause of particular concern that they wish to promote and support and the purpose of Lighthouse X is more than just creating beautiful, catchy pop tunes. Lighthouse X wants to be a guiding light for others to navigate by, simply by being the change they wish to see in this world and this is one of the reasons why each band member has picked a cause to which a part of the profit will go. >> 37

Søren, former lead singer for C21, is supporting the organisation “Børn, Unge & Sorg” (Children and Adolescents in Grief). Johannes, musical star and married to his husband Silas Holst on the third year, has chosen “Børnehjertefonden” (Children’s Heart Foundation). Martin, also an experienced actor and musical artist, is giving his share to “Julemærkefonden”, an organisation helping and supporting overweight children. With the winning song “Soldiers of Love” the three guys are celebrating love, tolerance and diversity and we asked the trio what actually went through their minds during those minutes of falling confetti and near-deafening cheers when they realised they were chosen to represent Denmark: “Gratitude. First and foremost an enormous feeling of gratitude combined with pure happiness and some confusion. Winning the national selection and getting the opportunity to perform our song in front of a huge international audience and thereby getting our message across to so many people means everything”, Lighthouse X explains while also underlining how excited they are to soon be on stage in the Ericsson Globe arena in Stockholm. Sweden is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 after Måns Zelmerlöw and his song “Heroes” won the contest last year and thereby placing the highly popular music contest on Swedish soil. 38

FUN FACTS MARTIN SKRIVER Favourite off-stage pastime: Having fun with my friends Within Lighthouse X I am: The best My core skill as a human is: My positive mind If Lighthouse X wins the ESC 2016 then: My world will change

JOHANNES NYMARK Favourite off-stage pastime: Eating Within Lighthouse X I am: The critical one My core skill as a human is: My inclusiveness If Lighthouse X wins the ESC 2016 then: It means that Europe is ready for change

SØREN BREGENDAL Favourite off-stage pastime: Meeting new people Within Lighthouse X I am: The single one My core skill as a human is: My ability to focus on the goal If Lighthouse X wins the ESC 2016 then: We will go on a European Tour

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Lunching and dining at café Petersborg

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GAY

DADS GET TOGETHER

IN COPENHAGEN A new network for gay dads called “Homofar” recently saw the light of day in Copenhagen. Homotropolis had a chat with Martin Braad Larsen, founder of the group and a gay dad himself, about the importance of rainbow parent networking. “The idea of creating a group for gay dads actually came from a personal need”, says Martin Braad Larsen, founder of the network and the father to a 3-year old boy. “I have often experienced a lack of peers in similar situations as myself. Someone to hang out with - both with or without kids - and someone to share experiences with.

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I believe that there are others like me who feel a bit alone at times being the only parent in a circle of friends and living the life of a family man a lot of the time”, Martin explains.

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SHARING AND SUPPORTING After getting the initial idea for “Homofar” back in 2015, Martin reached out to some of his Facebook friends who were also gay dads to share his idea. Soon after informal meetings were set up and the idea of a gay dad network quickly turned into reality. “The concept is based on a closed Facebook group called “Homofar” through which we communicate, share experiences, suggest activities and help each other out in general. Besides that we have a calendar of planned events which include everything from picnics to lectures”, says Martin who also underlines that both new and more experienced gay dads are warmly welcomed to join the Facebook group. “There is always someone who has already been through what you are going through yourself or has opinions or experiences to share, and aside from that our group is a great place to meet new people and form friendships”. A DIFFERENT STARTING POINT While parenting groups in general are plenty and very popular, Copenhagen has not yet seen a group solely aimed at gay dads. “Being a gay father is different from being a heterosexual father in several ways. We have different starting points and social networks. We understand life and love in different ways and we have never been in a relationship with the mother. In some cases there might not even be a mother in the child’s life. Our choice of having children is usually a far more active and bold choice”, Martin Braad Larsen says. “Homofar” already counts more than 80 members on Facebook. They usually meet in Copenhagen Pride’s office in Knabrostræde. Want to get in touch? Simply find “Homofar” on Facebook.

“ G R E AT E M O T I O N A L P O W E R ” OBSERVER

“J U L I A N N E M O O R E S H I N E S ” S E AT T L E T I M E S

“ I M P O R TA N T ” B I G STO RY

ALL LOVE IS EQUAL

FREEHELD INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS

IN CINEMAS FROM 9TH JUNE 2016

A REAL PIECE OF ART THE FALL OF THE TITANS, CORNELIS CORNELISZ VAN HAARLEM, (1588-1590)

Strategically placed butterflies Naked screaming bodies falling to the ground and swirling helplessly towards us – but why the strategically placed butterflies? Van Haarlem loved to paint nudes, and in “The Fall of the Titans” (left) both the facial expressions as well as the positioning of the men leave plenty of room for personal interpretation and imagination. The artwork was made by the Dutch painter Cornelis van Haarlem in 1588 - 1590. This oil painting, impressive in both dimensions and details, is in the collection of the National Gallery of Denmark. Measuring 239 x 307 cm it is presumed to depict the falling Titans after losing the Battle of the Gods to the younger and stronger Olympians in Ancient Greece. At the time when the masterpiece was painted, the Titans were symbols of people who could not control their urges. And you will notice the butterflies as well as what seems to be a dragonfly that were added in order to avoid genital exposure, but can also be interpreted as symbolising homosexuality. The naked Titans might be thrown into the underworld, but here it looks as if they are thrown down to us. SMK – National Gallery of Denmark See the painting in its real impressive size in Denmark’s largest art museum, featuring outstanding collections of Danish and international art. Here’s the best of everything: paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphics, photography, video works and installation art – in short 700 years of art in the heart of Copenhagen. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful surroundings as well. Statens Museum for Kunst Sølvgade 48-50 1307 København K + 45 33748494 Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 11.00-17.00 Wed: 11.00-20.00 See also smk.dk/en

FREEHELD TO COPENHAGEN IN JUNE The long awaited lesbian drama “Freeheld” starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page will be in selected cinemas in Copenhagen from June 9. Inspired by actual events, “Freeheld” tells the lesbian love story of New Jersey police lieutenant, Laurel Hester, and her registered domestic partner, Stacie Andree, fighting for justice and equality. Laurel (Julianne Moore) is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and wants to leave her hard-earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie (Ellen Page). However the county officials (known as Freeholders) conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this leading to a hard-nosed detective and an activist uniting in the defence of the lesbian couple and their struggle for equality. “Freeheld” premieres on June 9 and can be seen in selected cinemas including Empire Bio in Nørrebro, Copenhagen. More info and tickets on www.empirebio.dk.

Behind the curtains In every issue of Homotropolis we hand the pen over to a person who feels like sharing a personal or private story from the real world. It can be a confession, a complaint, an unspoken truth or a story that simply takes our readers behind the curtains of LGBTQ life.

Feel like contributing? Write us on crew@homotropolis.com

The married man By Adam Westman

He was just as handsome as always, dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt. He had that gaze upon him, that gaze that told me he was really horny. At the same time he seemed introvert. Maybe he was just shy. Always the same. An unknown telephone number calling late at night. And always after midnight, because then his wife is asleep. His whispering voice in the other end and a few moments later he is here, in my living room. He doesn’t speak much, and he is clumsy. Usually because he has been drinking. But I know there is more to it. He is clumsy and insecure because he doesn’t really know how to act when he is with another guy. He just stands there, watching me, but he doesn’t look me in the eyes. I begin to undress. I am not shy, not a bit. Though he makes my heart beat like hell. I want to shred my clothes from my body, they seem like an obstacle between me and him. All naked I walk towards him. I touch him and put my hand on his crotch. I feel him grow. Then I touch his hands and I can feel the cold wedding ring on his finger. He never takes it off. It makes me angry and I just want to bite it off, but I restrain myself. When he stands there he looks so manly and rough. All the muscles under his clothes and the testosterone flowing and it makes me so horny. I take off his clothes and then I start sucking his dick. It always begins with me sucking him, never the other way around. I guess it is some kind of trick in his mind. Nothing is really his fault if I initiate the seduction. Then he will remain innocent. Well, whatever works for him. But when we get into action, and all our feelings and desires for each other blossom, then he gets lost in this forbidden world and he doesn’t mind anymore. He plunges his dick down my throat and he moans like hell. I need to push him away before I gag. We continue on the bed. I prepare myself with some lube and I put a condom on his cock. I make sure he looks into my eyes when he enters me and I moan along with him once he is all inside me. I ride him, first slowly but then he takes over and he fucks me harder and faster. I put my hands around his neck and I give in to him. I kiss his neck and I bite him gently and careful so I don’t leave any marks for his wife to discover. We fuck and moan and get all sweaty. He whispers in my ear that he is close, he wants to cum on my body. We switch positions and I am lying on my back licking his balls when he jerks off. And then I feel his cum all over my chest and stomach. Moments later my own load has also landed on my body. We sigh and sweat and breathe. And then I feel the energy fading away. The magic is gone. >>

The room is awkwardly silent and he rises from the bed and walks to the bathroom. I am left on the bed, sticky from all our “love”. I ask for a towel and he throws one to me. While he is washing away the gay sin from his body I start to clean myself up. He washes away my kisses and spit repeatedly by the sink. When he is done, he puts on his clothes and gets ready to leave. I am still on the bed. Then comes the question. The question that has been on his mind while we fucked but remained unspoken until now: “I hope you are not sick or something….?” Always this accusation, as if he is a better person than me because he is self-proclaimed “straight” and more perfect, more… clean. It is always the gay who is the possible disease carrier and the one who lives the sinful life. He is just the seduced visitor. “No, I’m not sick”, I reply. I continue cleaning myself up. “Well, I am just really paranoid about these things…” “Yes, I know.” He doesn’t say anything more. He has never hugged me before and he doesn’t this time either. Instead he shakes my hand, says goodbye, and then he disappears once again.

Illustration by Adam Westman

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