A queer tour of Copenhagen's Christiania
TRAVEL / 'Here you can scream and shake your hands and wear lipstick'
Xtra staff / National / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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Copenhagen’s Christiania has just more than 850 residents, but they are known throughout the world for their unique, free-living lifestyle. 

Since the 1970s, when a group of squatters took over the former military barracks, the commune has thrived despite threats from the government and developers.
 
“Christiania is a free city -- a hippie city -- in the city of Copenhagen,” says resident Jens-Peter Damgaard. 
 
Since the beginning, Christiania has had a strong queer contingent. 
 
“Being gay in Christiania is like being gay elsewhere in Copehagen,” Damgaard says. “But out here you can scream and shake your hands and wear lipstick if you want, and nobody takes notice of it.”
 
The centre of this community is The Gay House, where plays are staged, art is exhibited and wild parties are the norm. It is a definite must-see on your next trip to Copenhagen. 
 
Below is a video tour of Christiania.      

 
 
Christiania has always had a strong gay presence.
(Courtesy: The Gay House archives)
Copenhagen's Christiania


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Reader Comments


 
Nice little video
Many tourists visiting Copenhagen don't see more of Christiania than Pusher Street, famous for selling hash (though it's illegal). Christiania may look scruffy at first, but get out and see the greener areas and the charming cottages people have built and you'll be entranced. And that's not just from the contact high! Info in the video about the government trying to "normalize" Christiania is a bit dated. Christiania and the government have worked out a deal so that they can stay and Christiania has formed a legal foundation. How this will play out remains to be seen. One note of caution: Yes, Christiania is very much a place for free spirits. But the police crackdown on Pusher Street has left only the most violent criminals selling hash there, and some can be very homophobic, so I'd use some caution interacting with them. Also put your camera away while on Pusher Street -- photography is not allowed there and people have had their cameras smashed, or worse. Other than that, do what the locals do, smoke a joint or drink a beer, stroll around, listen to some music and cruise those Danish boys!
Richard Jackman, Bellingham Washington, USA
03/13/13 9:34 PM EST
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