May heralds a new chapter in the LGBTQ+ calendar in Iceland, as the country continues its transition into the full embrace of spring. With the last vestiges of winter bidding farewell, May brings forth a sense of rejuvenation and anticipation for the warmer months ahead. Against this backdrop of burgeoning greenery and blossoming flowers, the LGBTQ+ community in Iceland finds itself at the forefront of cultural expression and celebration.
From Reykjavik’s bustling queer hubs to the idyllic settings of rural villages, May offers an abundance of opportunities to revel in the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ life. As tourism begins to flourish, the atmosphere remains intimate and inviting, fostering connections that transcend borders and boundaries. Icelandic queer communities, known for their ingenuity and resilience, curate a captivating array of events, from lively festivals to meaningful discussions, ensuring a tapestry of experiences for all to enjoy.
As May unfolds, so too does the promise of vibrant festivities and bold affirmations. So shed your winter layers, embrace the gentle warmth of the sun, and immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of LGBTQ+ culture that defines Iceland in May.
ApocalypsticK – DRAG Kabaret
When: Friday May 3
Time: 21:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 2.500 ISK
This event is taking place at one of the unofficial homes of modern drag in Iceland. ApocalypsticK promises to entertain and titillate as the queerdos of Reyjavík descend on Gaukurinn for a night of glamour, foolery, filth and much more. Tickets available at the door and don’t forget to bring a few bank notes to tip the performers who get you going.
Heart Attack! Drag at Kiki
When: Saturday May 4
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar
Cost: 2.900 ISK 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.
Betra Seint en Aldrei – Better Late than Never
When: Sunday May 5
Time: 15:00
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cost: Free
This is a special afternoon dedicated to women who came out late. In the event description the group have stated:
If you came out late and would like to meet other women who share your experience, come along to Samtökin 78 for an afternoon meeting.
Hinsegin Gleði Með Bladri og Felix á Kisningaskrifstofu (queer supporters meet up for Balur and Felix)
When: Wednesday May 8
Time: 20:30-23:00
Where: Grensásvegur 16, 108 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
This event is for supporters of Baldur Þórallsson’s bid for the 2024 Presidential election of Iceland. It is a happy hour for queer people who would like to mingle and ask questions of the candidate. This event will primarily be in Icelandic.
Allur Regnboginn – Hinsegin Fræðsla Fyrir Foreldra (Queer Education for Parents.
When: Tuesday May 7
Time: 20:00 – 21:30
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: 3.500 ISK
This short educational talk is designed for parents and other educators to explore the topic of queerness and get tools to discuss it in everyday life, and to be ready if a child in their family has questions or should come out as queer.
The Course Leader: Sólveig Rós (she/her) is a parenting and pedagogic expert with extensive experience in queer education and course management.
Registration is required before by sending an email to solrosradgjof@gmail.com
This event will primarily be in Icelandic
Pride Flag Stand-Up and Book Launch
When: Wednesday May 15
Time: 21:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 2.500 ISK for entry; 5.000 ISK for entry + a copy of the book.
Anyone who has been around queer circles knows that there are so many different flags and sometimes it can be confusing to understand which is which and why they are important. Local artist and comedian Sindri “Sparkle” Freyr is bringing all of this together in their most colourful stand up special so far. In this show, Sindri will bring together the history and importance of these special symbols complete with laughs and the launch of a book that gets to the nitty gritty of more than 30 different flags.
Hump Day Social
When: Wednesday May 22
Time: 7pm to late
Where: BINGOBAR, Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free entry, buy your own drinks
Humpday social is a regular event that invites gay men to come and be social on a hump day (Wednesday). The basic idea is to provide an environment for gay men to shake off the mid-week blues by socialising with their brethren. The event is open to any gay men who would like to meet, catch up with or hang out with other members of the community in Reykjavík. Couples, singles, alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers are all welcome. The event changes venues so it’s also a great chance to see some of the incredible venues the city has to offer. Occasionally the group receives special discounts or extended happy hours for their events so be sure to join their facebook group to stay up to date.
The Book Club of national queer organization samtökin ’78 (Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78) – My Policeman
When: Thursday May 23
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 May’s book club will be ‘My Policeman’ by Bethan Robers. This 2012 novel is set in Brighton, England in 1957 and focuses on Tom, a policeman coming to terms with his sexuality in an oppressive and homophobic society. The story follows Tom, along with two others, Marion and Patrick over a few decades of their lives. The story is split between Marion’s and Patrick’s perspectives, with Tom being the main focus for them both.
A movie of the same name was released in 2022 starring Harry Styles as the titular policeman.
The book can be found at most libraries and some bookstores, the movie is available in Amazon Prime.
There will be coffee and cakes as usual. If you have not finished the book or seen the movie by the time the club takes place, don’t worry, you are welcome (although you might hear some spoilers).