Gay life in Luxembourg in 2024: LGBTQ+ community, rights and more

Is Luxembourg LGBTQ+ friendly?

Although Luxembourg is traditionally Catholic, it is a surprisingly progressive country that supports the LGBTQ+ community. Luxembourg has some great legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex couples have had equal rights since 2004, including the right to enter into civil partnerships. Luxembourg made things even better by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015, becoming one of the first ten European countries to do so. This progressive stance is reflected in public opinion as well, with a high percentage of Luxembourgers approving of same-sex marriage.

Being gay is not a choice, but being intolerant is a choice and I will stay intolerant to intolerance, and this will be today my fight.

Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 2013 to 2023

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While public displays of affection between same-sex couples is not frowned upon in major cities, in the remote and conservative regions of the Grand Duchy this is less accepted as normal.

LGBTQ+ rights and regulations in Luxembourg

In addition to a tolerant attitude, LGBTQ+ members enjoy the same rights as other citizens of the country. Regarding LGBT rights, Luxembourg has passed laws that protect individuals from discrimination in various areas of public life.

How are LGBTQ+ individuals treated?

LGBTQ+ community in Luxembourg

Luxembourg isn't an LGBTQ+ party state, but there are still lots of organizations that support the community, and several great LGBTQ+ events happen every year.

Luxembourg associations and support in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a great place for LGBTQ+ individuals, with lots of associations that support them. By promoting inclusivity and awareness, these associations help to create a more accepting society where LGBTQ+ people can feel safe and supported.

Rosa Lëtzebuerg Association

The organization supports LGBTQ+ citizens of the Grand Duchy. Today it has 202 members and has been organizing Luxembourg Pride Week since 2019. The association protects LGBT rights in Luxembourg, promotes their interests, and fights all forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The association also raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in society. It holds events for members, offers social and family consultations, and has seasonal meetings. It also supports research and new initiatives to empower the community.

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Rainbow Centre

The Rosa Lëtzebuerg Association opened a new center in 2024 with the support of the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together, and Accommodation of Refugees of Luxembourg. The main goal of the center is to provide a safe and comfortable space for the LGBTQ+ community. It's expected to become a real hub of queer culture, hosting events like concerts, exhibitions, discussions, training, and master classes. Plus, Rainbow Center is a go-to source for info about queer life in Luxembourg.

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CIGALE

The LGBTQ+ Information Center was created in 2002 by the Rosa Lëtzebuerg Association and approved by the Ministry of Family Affairs. The center helps in four ways: by offering support and companionship, providing information and training, strengthening and empowering individuals, and offering a safe place for discussions and meetings. It is a protected space for people under 25, and it offers counseling and events for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Student association in Uni.lu

LGBTQ+ student association at University of Luxembourg. The association creates a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. The University has a gender equality policy and a Gender Equality Committee to implement it. The university offers LGBTQ+ students consultations and raises awareness of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. They provide social opportunities for LGBTQ+ students and train staff to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. The association works with CIGALE and Intersex фтв Transgender Luxembourg.

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Luxembourg Pride Week

The Grand Duchy often hosts LGBTQ+ events put on by the Rosa Lëtzebuerg Association and the Rainbow Center. These events include documentaries screened and discussed each month, as well as After Work for LGBTIQ+ people. Panel discussions are another common occurrence. But the most significant event in the lives of Luxembourg's LGBTQ+ community is Pride Week.

The festival was first held in 1999, so its anniversary is expected this year. It was organised by a group of enthusiasts from the Rosa Lëtzebuerg asb, and it took place in the capital. In the first years it was called GayMat. But in 2010 the event moved to Esch-sur-Alzette and became a full-fledged festival with an extensive program that lasted a whole week. In 2019, GayMat was renamed Luxembourg Pride Week.

The event is attended not only by members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also by numerous tourists. This is what the festival offers to its guests.

Commemoration ceremony

Held in memory of the victims of social hatred and crime near the National Museum of the Resistance of Esch-sur-Alzette. This year the ceremony will be held 8 times.

Equality March

A main part of the Luxembourg Pride Week since 2015. Initially, these marches were called Pride March in the community and were a way to convey demands for acceptance and legal equality. The Pride March shows faces of individuals belonging to an anonymous mass and shares this way individual life stories. The main message from the march: come, take part and let everybody see who you really are! For allies of the LGBTQ+ community, the Equality March is a way to voice their support and solidarity. Anyone can take part – individuals and companies. You can take part in the Equality March, or you can go with your own float. The most important thing is that the more colorful you are with a rainbow flag, clothing or other attributes, the better.

Luxembourg Pride Run

This activity is a sporting event that will be held for the second time this year. This is a charity race that brings together everyone who wants to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in a sportive way. Those who are interested can take part in a 5 or 10 kilometer race, as well as a children's race.

Street Fest

The festival takes place over two days and concludes Luxembourg Pride Week. Traditionally, at this time, local queer artists and invited guests from different countries perform on the streets and stages of Esch-sur-Alzette and Luxembourg. Sunday usually starts with Rainbow Brunch and is not as active as Saturday, but festival guests still have something to do on this day.

In addition, local artists present their work throughout the week, and the Rainbow Center, which serves as the festival's headquarters, hosts queer film nights, drag bingo and panel discussions.