How are members of the LGBTQ+ community treated in Luxembourg? Are their rights protected in the country, and how comfortable is it for people from the community to live in the Grand Duchy?
According to the Equaldex study, Luxembourg has a LGBT Equality Index of 67 out of 100 and ranks 8th in Europe, and 34th in the world ranking of the most tolerant countries. This index shows legal rights and public attitude towards representatives of the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, the Legal Index, which shows the legal rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, is 82 out of 100.
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.
On May 15, 2015, the country's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel married his partner Gautier Destins. He became the first leader of an EU country to marry someone of his own sex.
Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 2013 to 2023
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.
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.
In Luxembourg LGBT discrimination has been illegal since 2006: article 454 to 457 of the Luxembourg Penal code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender.
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 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.
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.
Luxembourg Pride Week traditionally takes place in the summer, and in 2024 it will take place from 6 to 14 July.
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.
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.
Nightlife in Luxembourg is very diverse. Here you can find bars and pubs for every taste, from small wine bars where you can taste the best varieties of wine to affordable beer bars with an excellent selection of beer and good cuisine. There is no dedicated gay area in Luxembourg.
Most clubs and bars in Luxembourg have always been LGBTQ+ friendly clubs. After the pandemic, almost all gay pubs and bars in Luxembourg were closed. Today people want to have more places to meet and socialise. Many community members say they want a place where they can come to socialise and get to know each other or just listen to music and have a good time with their partner.
Here are some places in Luxembourg where LGBTQ+ people can go out and have fun or just feel at home.
At club meetings, films by directors from different countries are shown. This includes retro shows. Most shows take place in Rotondes in Luxembourg city
Source: equaldex.com, en.wikipedia.org, rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org, rosa-letzebuerg.lu, rosaletzebuerg.lu, cigale.lu, uni.lu, luxembourgpride.lu, luxembourgpriderun.lu, letzgoboys.lu, barnum.lu, facebook.com
We took photos from these sources: Yannis Papanastasopoulos on Unsplash, Luxembourg Pride website, LeQuotidien, Volt Luxembourg, Luxtimes, Trip Advisor