April brings a blossoming of queer culture across Iceland, as the country shakes off the remnants of winter and embraces the budding signs of spring. While patches of snow may still linger in remote corners, the days grow longer, offering a glimmer of warmth and renewal. Amidst this seasonal shift, the LGBTQ+ community in Iceland comes alive with a vibrant array of events and gatherings, beckoning locals and visitors alike to join in the celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
From Reykjavik’s dynamic queer scene to the intimate gatherings in quaint towns, April offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture. As tourism picks up pace, the atmosphere remains intimate, allowing for meaningful connections and authentic experiences. Icelandic queer communities, renowned for their resilience and creativity, curate an eclectic mix of activities, from thought-provoking discussions to exuberant parties, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As April unfolds, so too does the promise of brighter days and bolder expressions of identity. So don your favourite coat, step out into the crisp air, and join the festivities that define LGBTQ+ Iceland in April. Embrace the spirit of community, solidarity, and empowerment as you embark on a journey through the diverse landscape of queer culture in this enchanting Nordic nation.
Queer Open Mic at Gaukurinn
When: Wednesday April 3
Time: 20:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
Step into the spotlight at the ‘Queer Open-Mic’ hosted by Sparkle, where the vibrant heart of the queer community beats loud and proud. This special event is a celebration of queer voices and talents across stand-up comedy, music, poetry, and more. It’s an inclusive platform where queer performers can shine, share, and connect in a space that champions diversity and creativity.
Sign up to dazzle the audience with your unique performance by contacting Sparkle, Twitchy Love, or simply by walking into Gaukurinn before the event kicks off at 20:00.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or ready to debut, ‘Queer Open-Mic’ is your opportunity to be part of an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, melodies, verses, and the undeniable strength of the queer community. Let your talent glow and contribute to a night that promises not just performances, but a celebration of queer identity and expression.
Roller Derby Beginner’s Course
When: Tuesday April 9
Time: 18:30
Where: Sævarhöfði 33, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cost: 2.500 ISK
Roller derby has been happening in Iceland for a few years now and it’s one of the most inclusive sports around. This event is designed to give beginners the chance to see what it’s all about and potentially even uncover some new roller derby stars.
This course is designed to introduce you to the sport, learn the basics of roller skating, and most importantly, have fun in a judgement free zone. You don’t need skating ability or even skates or equipment but it is recommended that you bring your own helmet, water bottle and sneakers.
For more information and to sign up for future courses. Click here.
… og hvað með það? / Theatre Show in Icelandic
When: Tuesday April 9
Sunday April 14
Time: 20:00
Where: Leikhúsið Funalind, Funalind 2, 201 Kópavogur
Cost: 3500 ISK
This theatre piece is in Icelandic and tells the story of two men who have a date in the city of Kópavogur. The synopsis of the piece doesn’t give a lot away. Just that the men meet for a date, anything could happen and many things do. This is a co-creation project, written by Rúnar Guðbrandsson, Árna Pétri Guðjónsson and Sigurður Edgar Andersen. Many of these people are known in Icelandic performance circles for their interesting and boundary pushing takes on stories so this promises to be good.
Heart Attack! Drag at Kiki
When: Saturday April 13
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar
Cost: 2900 kr at the door
Heart Attack is a monthly drag show, hosted by the drag family House of Heart! This extravagant group of performers brings you a different show each month, filled with music, dance and laughter. This is one of the best ways to experience and support local drag so mark it in your calendars and bring a few bills to tip your kings and queens.
Drag Expanded! A Celebration of Kings, Things and Creatures!
When: Saturday 20 April
Time: 20:00
Where: Loft, Bankastræti 7, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: As Loft is a hostel, the performers cannot charge entry, however it is customary to bring cash to a drag show to tip the performers you enjoy.
In the past 10 years, Icelandic drag has really come into its own and this night is testament to that. Often drag nights are reserved for drag queens, and those who don’t fit into this category are left out. Drag kings and other kinds of drag performers don’t often get to be the centre of attention or receive the same kind of admiration as the queens do and thin night is all about giving a platform to these heroes of the night.
This evening is all about celebrating the variety of drag performers out there and showcasing the top notch talent Iceland has to offer.
Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78 (The Book Club of the National Queer Organization)- Light from Uncommon Stars
When: Thursday April 25
Time: 20:00
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
For literary fans within the community, Iceland’s national queer organisation Samtökin 78 hosts a monthly book club open to all interested in getting together to discuss queer works of literature.
The subject of this month’s book club is, Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki. Ryka is an author and academic from the United States and Japan. She is trans and has a degree in both gender studies and English. In her writing, she explores themes of gender. Light from Uncommon Stars has been described by Goodreads as: An adventure set in California’s San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts.
The book explores sapphic love, gender identity and of course space and doughnuts. It can be found in some libraries, at bookshops and in audiobook/ebook formats online.
There will be coffee and cakes as usual. If you have not finished the book by the time the club takes place, don’t worry, you are welcome (although you might hear some spoilers).
[Image: Píratar]
When: Saturday April 27
Time: 13:00-15:00
Where: Lækjargötuhús Árbæjarsafn, Kistuhylur, 110 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
The Pirate Party of Iceland will be hosting a panel discussion on queer issues at Lækjargötuhús Árbæjarsafns. This particular event will feature panellists from many different community organisations including the ‘Q’ Student Union, Santökin ‘78, and Icelandic Presidential candidate Baldur Þórhallsson. This is a chance for people to mingle with members of the community and to ask questions of the panellists and other attendees.
The Pirate Party will be hosting a panel discussion on queer issues at. Panellists include members of various associations such as Q and Samtökin ’78 as well as presidential candidate Baldur Þórhallsson. There will be opportunities to ask questions as well as mingle with the panellists and other attendees.
As this is an Icelandic community event, the majority of this will be in Icelandic.