Supporting queer causes is the right thing to do!

When GayIceland brings you stories about the queer community in Iceland, we do it with the support of our wonderful sponsors. Today, we’re happy to announce three local businesses that have recently come on board to show their support for queer rights.

Sigmar Vilhjálmsson and Jóhannes Ásbjörnsson, or Simmi and Jói, are the men behind Hamborgarfabrikkan/The Hamburger Factory. They want to help raise awareness and spur conservation.

Hamborgarafabrikkan (The Hamburger Factory)

The Hamburger Factory is, in our opinion, a restaurant for all Icelanders,” says Hamborgarafabrikkan owner Jóhannes Ásbjörnsson about why his restaurant has become a sponsor of GayIceland. “We want to celebrate the diversity in everyone and we want to welcome everyone.”

“We want to celebrate the diversity in everyone and we want to welcome everyone.”

That diversity is shown in the restaurant’s menu, which features fifteen different burgers made with creative ingredients such as fried eggs, Portobello mushrooms and tiger prawns, all served on freshly-baked Brioche buns.
Jóhannes says the restaurant has supported queer rights in creative ways in the past. For example, for Reykjavík Pride, he says they serve their burgers with the buns upside down “as a token of support to the cause, and also to raise awareness and spur conversation.”
Hamborgarafabrikkan has three locations, with two in Reykjavík and one in Akureyri, where Jóhannes says queer customers can expect the exact same service as any other customer.

Hamborgarafabkrikkan has two cozy restaurants in Reykjavik an one in Akureyri

Omnom Chocolates

Chocolatier Omnom Chocolate is no stranger to supporting queer causes.

Michael Ryan, chocolate maker at Omnom Chocolate, says its important to support queer causes.

During Eurovision this year the company gave away boxes of Omnom Popp, rainbow-coloured chocolate-covered popcorn as part of its sponsorship of Reykjavík Pride.
During the Pride festivities in August, the company began selling Omnom Popp alongside its Caramel+Milk bar, a milk chocolate bar with sparkly caramel pieces.
“Iceland is a friendly and progressive nation when it comes to these issues compared to most, but there’s always more progress to be made,” says Michael Ryan, chocolate maker at Omnom Chocolate. “We wanted to set an example of how companies can create impact through action.”

Omnom’s rainbow popcorn was an instant success when it hit the market.

“Showing support for these organizations and the queer community as a whole is important for Omnom simply because it’s the right thing to do.”

By sponsoring GayIceland, Michael says that Omnom Chocolate will be able to continue spreading the word about its work to support queer causes in the country.“Showing support for these organizations and the queer community as a whole is important for Omnom simply because it’s the right thing to do,” according to Michael. “We’re not creating rainbow and unicorn products just for the novelty of it. We’ve created them to translate the message of pride.”

Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based at Hólmaslóð 4, Reykjavík.

Alfred’s Apartments

With 23 spacious apartments in the heart of Reykjavik, as well as a guesthouse and hostel, Alfred’s Apartments is a perfect place for queer travellers to spend their time in Iceland.

The business is completely gay owned and operated, and has a track record of supporting queer causes in the past. In recent years, Alfred’s Apartments has teamed up with Bears on

Alfred’s Apartments has a track record of supporting queer causes in the past. Here is the owner, Alfreð Hauksson.

 Ice to offer free accommodations to DJs and other performers who are visiting Iceland for the event.

“When it comes to the gay scene, we need to keep something going and happening, especially for small Iceland,” says Alfreð Hauksson, owner of Alfred’s Apartments.

“I think if you have extra money you should do something like [this] .”

Because everyone who works at the business is gay, Alfreð says gay travellers can feel comfortable staying at Alfred’s Apartments. Employees are also able to give visitors advice about the gay scene in Reykjavík. “I think it’s well-spent money,” Alfreð says about the company’s decision to sponsor GayIceland. “I think it’s very relevant what they’re writing about most of the time.”

Alfred’s Apartments offers spacious apartments at a good price located just around the corner from Laugavegur shopping street in Reykjavík.

He adds that he has always tried to support human rights organizations such as Amnesty International.

“I think if you have extra money you should do something like that, and I think this is just another way to do it.”

These three local businesses join Blue Lagoon, Whales of Iceland, Landsbankinn, Dohop, Macland, Aurora Reykjavik, Ísey skyr, Núðluskálin, and Seatours as sponsors who help keep GayIceland up and running.

For more information about our sponsors, click here.

Alfreð also runs Lækur Guesthouse (a guesthouse as well as a hostel) with his brother.

Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

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Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

Webpage/vefsetur

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

      Omnom’s process is one of constant exploration, invention, and experimentation. If it doesn’t please us, if something isn’t absolutely delicious, there’s no reason to be doing it. So, we always start with our taste buds and follow our instincts. Our team searches for the finest ingredients in the world and new ways to improve chocolate. This obsession with knowing where our ingredients come from has led us around the corner to dairy farms in the Icelandic countryside and all the way to rainforest cacao farms of Nicaragua.

      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

          Contact Us


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          Thank You. We will contact you as soon as possible.