Germany - The Opportunity you've been waiting for

	HOMOSEXUALITY ⚢ LEGAL	MARRIAGE ⚭ LEGAL
DISCRIMINATION	ILLEGAL	ADOPTION	LEGAL
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION	ILLEGAL	CHANGING GENDER	LEGAL (SURGERY NOT REQUIRED)
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION	ILLEGAL	DONATING BLOOD	ILLEGAL
MILITARY	LEGAL	CONVERSION THERAPY	NOT BANNED

Germany eventually legalised same-sex marriage earlier this summer. The relevant legislation was passed on June 30th, 2017 by the German government, marking a milestone after homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969. Germany was one of the first countries in the world to introduce the x-gender option in passports. Individuals are legally allowed to change their name and gender without having to have surgery. Contrary to many other countries the German Constitutional Court found the provision that required surgery to change one's legal gender unconstitutional. The LGBT+ community is protected under the Treaty of Amsterdam which was signed in 2009. Even though all states had anti-discriminatory legislation in place since 1992, the signing of the Treaty ensures equal rights nationwide, covering employment, housing and general discrimination.

Berlin is growing at a record speed, making it one of the western leading cities - politically, economically and culturally. The capital is one of the most diverse and inclusive places in the world. Berlin has a long history of gay activism and culture, and it’s exactly that history that turned it into the gay capital that it is today. Berlin was the birthplace of one of the first gay Pride parades in 1919. Berlins governing major from 2001 to 2004 was one of the first politicians in the world to come out as gay before the election in 2001. His famous quote “Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so” (I’m gay, and that’s a good thing) has become one of the most famous quotes in German political history.

The Oktoberfest, the world’s biggest Beer fest is held every September for 3 weeks in Munich. Around 7 million people visit the fair in Munich every year for beer, fun rides and traditional Bavarian food. The second Sunday of the festivities is known as the Gay Sunday, with most of the major tents dedicating the whole day to the LGBT+ community.

One of the most famous German gay alumni is Karl Lagerfeld. The designer is the creative director for fashion houses Chanel and Fendy while running his own fashion brand.

Germany is a great place to visit and maybe even better place to live. Don’t get turned off by Germanys reputation, it has come a long way and is welcoming to everyone.