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The LGBT+ scene in Budapest
Budapest has a very lively gay scene. The past decades have brought a great deal of general tolerance and new possibilities for the gay community. As a result, the city now has one of the best gay scenes in Central Europe. Budapest is gaining more and more popularity among tourists including LGBTQ+ people, straight people and everybody in-between.
Budapest Pride (www.budapestpride.com) is held every year, during which an increasing number of LGBTQ+ people as well as allies both from Hungary and abroad come to celebrate. In 2019, following several years of being separated with crowd barriers from anti-protestors as well as the general public, participants could walk freely again during the parade. A huge step for freedom of identity!
The city also has a constantly increasing array of clubs, bars, gay-friendly restaurants, saunas, cruising areas and drag shows as well as underground and mainstream parties. Whether you’re here to do some sightseeing or party hard and leave the city tipsy, we are excited to have you here.
There is, however, way more to Budapest than partying. One of the main stages and the LGBTQ+ venue of Sziget Festival, the 4-time winner at the European Festivals Awards,, Magic Mirror hosts a wide range of LGBTQ+ themed programs such as film screenings, panel discussions, cabaret, dance and theatre productions as well as workshops that give you an excellent opportunity to find out what it means to be gay in Hungary.
HUMEN, one of the most active LGBTQ+ related companies in Hungary, has been hosting a festival focused on LGBTQ culture (www.humenfesztival.hu) for four years. What started as a one-week film festival, has now grown to be an all-around art festival during which dozens of LGBTQ+ themed movies, theater performances, guided exhibition tours and photo exhibitions are also included. Also, those interested can take part in free and anonymous HIV-screening or enjoy the Rainbow Brunch on the second Saturday of every month.
Hungary has also joined the Mr. Gay World contest, with the first Mr. Gay Hungary crowned in 2018, who achieved to bring home the title of 2nd runner up in the international competition.
