Gay & Lesbian in Zürich, Lucerne, Basel & Berne

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Gay & Lesbian in Zürich, Lucerne, Basel & Berne

The cosmopolitan city of Zürich has a well-developed gay scene and organises many cultural events for the gay and lesbian population.

A same-sex partnership law was passed in Zürich in 2002. The registered partnership gives same-sex couples who live in Zürich canton and who register with the government the same rights as a married couple. Equal rights affect taxation, inheritance and social security benefits. 

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Registered Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriage in Switzerland

Gay Events in Zürich

Christopher Street Day Parade Zürich (CSD): This annual gay pride parade takes place in May or June on Helvetiaplatz and attracts tourists and locals alike. The three-day programme includes film evenings, debates, forums, seminars, a demonstration and a parade through the city.

• CSD Parade Website (in German)

Warmer Mai: Zürich's biggest gay and lesbian event takes place annually in May and includes themed parties, theatre, art exhibitions and sports events.

• Warmer Mai Website (in German)

Pinkapple: Switzerland's largest annual gay and lesbian film festival features short films, feature films and documentaries on a gay and lesbian theme.

• Pinkapple Website

Zürich also hosts many well-known gay parties including the Black and White Party and the Follies au Lac.

Gay & Lesbian Websites 

• g26.ch: Resources, information and events for the gay community in Berne (in German)
• Zuri-Gay: Online magazine with events, and a directory of gay-friendly resources in Switzerland
• LOS: Swiss Association for lesbians, with links to lesbian groups in German-speaking Switzerland

Gay Associations and Groups in Zürich

Homosexuelle Arbeitsgruppen Zürich (HAZ): The HAZ group is one of the largest lesbian and gay organisations of Switzerland. They organise regular social events, discussion evenings and cultural events.

• Homosexuelle Arbeitsgruppen Zürich - HAZ
  At: Sihlquai 67, 8005 Zürich
  Tel: 044 271 22 50
  Website (in German) 

Queeramnesty: Amnesty International for gays, lesbians and transgender in Switzerland.

• Queeramnesty
  Postal Address: Postfach 1306, 8048 Zurich
  Tel: 032 724 28 86
  e-mail
  Website (in German)

The Swiss Gay Motorcycle Club (Der Schwule Schweizer Motorradclub): The club organises regular events throughout Switzerland.

• Swiss Gay Motorcycle Club website (in German)

Gay Sport Zurich (GSZ): Sports club for gays and lesbians in the greater Zürich area. Sports offered include aerobics, tennis, badminton, squash, swimming and volleyball. GZS also provides the opportunity to travel to international tournaments in Europe throughout the year.

• Gay Sport Zurich
  Postal Address: PO Box 3312, 8021 Zürich
  e-mail
  Website (in German)

Zart and Heftig: Gay student association of Zürich University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) organising regular social events, film evenings and monthly get-togethers.

• Zart & Heftig website (in German)

Gay Associations and Groups in Berne

Pinkcross: Umbrella association for gay and lesbian organisations in Switzerland. Based in Berne, they campaign against discrimination and for equality for homosexuals.

• Pinkcross
  At: Zinggstrasse 16, 3001 Bern
  Tel: 031 372 33 00
  Fax: 031 372 33 17
  e-mail
  Website 

Frauenraum: Lesbian Association for Women in Berne organising networking and social activities.

• Frauenraum website (in German)

Gay Bern: Website with information on groups and meetings for gays, lesbians and transsexuals in the Berne canton. They also have a helpline for those who may suffer discrimination, have questions about their sexual identity, or need help, support or advice.

• Gay Bern
  Tel: 031 311 63 53
  Website (in German)

ComingInn: Youth association for male gays and bisexuals under the age of 27 in the Berne canton. Regular events are organised.

• ComingInn website (in German)

Gay and Lesbian Sport Berne: Gay group organising a variety of sports activities for gays and lesbians in Berne; badminton, bowling, football, jogging, hockey, volleyball and racquet sports.

• GLSBe website (in German)

Gay Associations and Groups in Lucerne

Homosexual Working Groups Lucerne - HALU Luzern: Umbrella organisation for homosexual and bisexual associations in the Lucerne canton. They have a LesBiGay centre in Lucerne providing a meeting point for lesbian, bi-sexual and gay people of all ages.

• LesBiSchwules Zentrum
  At: Geissensteinring 14, 6005 Lucerne
  Website

Gay Associations and Groups in Basel

Habs: Gay and lesbian association in the Basel canton. The website has links to groups and events in the region.

• Habs website (in German)

Lesbian & Gay Sport Basel (Sportangebot): Gay group organising a variety of sports activities for gays and lesbians in Berne; tennis, cycling, swimming, beach volleyball, fitness, bowling, badminton and Nordic walking.

• Sportangebot website (in German)

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