Where is the world’s most gay-friendly place?
Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen has been named the world’s most gay-friendly place.
The city – which has a population of just under 2 million – was named as the most “progressive, inclusive and accepting” place for LGBT people, by travel guide Lonely Planet.
The honour is not entirely unwarranted – Copenhagen recently celebrated a quarter of a century since it played host to the world’s first same-sex civil unions, and equal marriage has been legal in Denmark since 2012.
The city celebrated hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in May by marrying three Russian gay couples, while in July one of the city’s main squares was quietly renamed Rainbow Square in honour of the Pride movement.
The entirety of New Zealand placed second in the list. A year ago the country’s parliament burst into song when equal marriage was passed.
Statistics released since same-sex marriage became law show that New Zealand has become a destination for couples from Australia and across the south Asia who wish to marry.
The country could also be on its way to having a gay Prime Minister – as openly gay Grant Robertson is currently running for the Labour party leadership.
Placing third was Toronto, Canada, which hosted this year’s WorldPride, and married 115 couples in one of the biggest ever mass gay weddings.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was accused of homophobia after voting against proposals to help homeless gay teens – but he is set to leave office following health complications.
The top five was rounded out by Palm Springs (US) and Sitges (Spain), while Berlin (Germany), Skiathos & Mykonos (Greece), New York City (US), Reykjavik (Iceland) and Montevideo (Uruguay) also featured in the top ten.
Sadly, Chicago – which earlier this year was named the top travel destination for men who are still in the closet – did not make the list.
