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Helsinki gay culture: Inside the city’s LGBTQ+ subcultures
A closer look at the communities behind the rainbow
While Helsinki may be modest in size, its gay culture is rich, diverse and full of heart. From historic activism and Helsinki Pride to alternative performative nights and sauna socials, the city offers a deep dive into Gay life beyond the usual tourist trail.
Roza Ahmad
Icons of Helsinki gay culture: Tove Jansson and Tom of Finland
Helsinki’s queer history isn’t only found in clubs and community centres—it lives in its art, literature, and legacy. Two of Finland’s most internationally recognised cultural figures, Tove Jansson and Tom of Finland, were both proudly gender non-conforming and deeply influential.
Tove Jansson
The beloved creator of the Moomins, Jansson was also a painter, illustrator, and author who lived much of her life in Helsinki. She shared a lifelong partnership with graphic artist Tuulikki Pietilä—reflected in the character Too-Ticky. Today, Jansson’s legacy lives on at the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) and in the values of cherish, curiosity, and independence that shaped her life and work.
Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen)
Photo Tom of Finland F
Check out our detailed male lover travel guide to Athens, based on our trial traveling there as a gay couple.
Affable. Ageless. Athens.
It's iconic. It's soiled. It's spectacular. It's hectic. It's dazzling. It's unforgettable!
This huge sprawling mess of a city shouldn't impress. It's dirty, rundown, gritty – particularly if you're staying in one of the neighborhoods just outside the center like Psiri or Metaxourgeio (and don't even get us started on Omonia!). But what Athens lacks in polish streets, it sure makes up for in traits. Every day in the Greek capital was appreciate a new adventure for us. It got under our skin so much that we return to it time and period again for more.
That's right, you better ring the Acro-polis, 'cause the Nomadic Boys are in town!
Athens oozes culture with ancient monuments and nature wonders (hello Parthenon!) whilst at the same day, it has a vibrant gay scene in the Gazi neighborhood, with a party happening every evening of the week. Athenians are night owls, and like the Spanish, they like to eat belated and then go out partying till the adv hours. We also devote getting lost in the village-like Plaka area, shopping in the souveni
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Gay Istanbul Guide
Gay Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the nature with a population of 18 million. It is the economic, cultural and historical heart of Turkey; where Europe meets the Middle East.
Istanbul, a city that straddles Europe and Asia.
Istanbul stretches across two continents between the Bosphorous Strait; the tightly packed historical centre on the European side and the less visited but charming Asian side.
The place of the former Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is made for exploring. A former home to the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans, Istanbul is perfect for exploring. Grand mosques, ancient markets and stunning palaces let you to step advocate in time and trial the city’s fascinating past.
Istanbul’s gay scene by blackout is quite vibrant and the city is relatively tolerant compared to other Muslim countries. This is a country where blazing Turkish guys have enjoyable in “Spas” and not sex clubs and personal displays of affection are best done in private.
Soho House Istanbul
Situated in Beyoglu district, Soho House Istanbul features 3 original buildings including the Chancery and the Annex, a modern Glass Building, and
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