Name: Think Outside The Box - gay night
Start: 2024-05-03
End: 2024-05-03
Location: Ithaki Venue

While conservative attitudes still linger, Cyprus is generally safe for gay travellers. Public acceptance has grown quickly, helped by LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may get stares in rural areas, but in cities and tourist spots, attitudes are more progressive.

Is Cyprus Safe for Gay Travellers?

<h2 class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Gay-Friendly Beaches in Cyprus</h2>
Although there are no official gay beaches in Cyprus, several "unofficial" gay-friendly spots have emerged, mainly in Ayia Napa. The secluded Kermia Beach is a local favorite, while the gay area of Governor's Beach near Limassol offers more privacy. Naturist-friendly Pissouri Beach and the gay portion of Larnaca Beach also cater to LGBTQ beachgoers.
<h2 class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Gay Pride in Cyprus</h2>
Nicosia hosts the annual Cyprus Gay Pride parade and festival each June/July, organized by Accept LGBT Cyprus. The vibrant event has grown rapidly since starting in 2014, with huge local support. It's a highlight of the year for Cyprus's LGBTQ community.

Gay Cyprus

Lube Bar

Cyprus Gay Bars & Clubs

Up for a night out? Check out one of these gay-popular and LGBT-favorite bars and nightclubs on the island

Cyprus Gay Saunas

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The two gay saunas in Cyprus are currently closed. Check back here to see if more open up!

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Cyprus Hotels

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination and there are many charming hotels to choose from

Amorgos Boutique Hotel main

Amorgos Boutique Hotel

Alkisti City Hotel main

Alkisti City Hotel

Unmarried individuals can request to adopt. There's no provisions for same-sex couples wishing to adopt, however.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The revised Criminal Code equalised the age of consent to 17, after pressure from the EU.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Age of consent for homosexual couples set at 18 versus 16 for heterosexual couples.

There is no criteria specifically preventing MSMs from donating blood in Cyprus as of April 2022.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

MSMs face a 6-month deferral in order to donate blood.

MSMs face a 1-year deferral in order to donate blood.

In Cyprus, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Since November 23 2022, trans people in Cyprus can update their legal gender simply by applying online. While they can submit medical documentation if they think that would support their demand, there is no obligation to do so. A person must be at least 18 years old to request this change.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

In November 2017, President Nicos Anastasiades met advocacy group Accept-LGBT Cyprus to discuss issues concerning transgender rights. A bill to allow transgender people to change their legal sex has been drafted, with the support of the President and the Justice Minister. On 10 June 2019, following months of stalling and delay, four parents of transgender children spoke in favor of the bill and urged for its "speedy adoption". The legislation would allow transgender people over 18 to right to change their legal gender on the basis of self-determination, without a diagnosis, hormonal treatment or sex reassignment surgery. Currently, a bill is in the works for gender change to be legal with the requirement that the applicant is unmarried.

The practice, and advertisement, of conversion therapy was banned after 36 members of parliament (out of 50 total) voted to pass the new bill into law.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

In April 2022, a lawmaker introduced a bill to criminally ban conversion therapy.

Until 2013 discrimination was only illegal in the workplace. In 2013, the Cypriot Penal Code has been amended to make violence against LGBT people an aggravating factor in sentencing. Article 99 of the code, entitled "Incitment to violence or hatred due to sexual orientation or gender identity", provides for imprisonment not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding 5,000 euros for any person who "intentionally, publicly or in manner which is threatening or insulting or offensive in nature, urges or incites, orally or in writing, violence or hatred against a group, person, or a member of a group of persons on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity".

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Sexual orientation only in Northern Cyprus.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

Homosexuality legalised following the European Court of Human Rights case of Modinos v. Cyprus.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

On 26 November 2015, a civil union bill was passed by the House of Representatives with 39 in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions. The law was published on 9 December 2015, and took effect that same day.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

LGBT people are allowed to serve openly under new rules brought into place when Cyprus joined the European Union

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Illegal due to the Ministry of Defence viewing homosexuality as mental illness.

According to the ILGA Europe, there's no recognition of non-binary gender in Cyprus.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Where to Stay?

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Hotels

Bars & Clubs

Saunas

Island Guide

Gay Map

Discover the top gay bars, clubs, beaches, hotels and more in Cyprus. Check reviews, photos, and more on TravelGay.com.

Gay Cyprus Guide 2024

Cyprus

The Complete Gay Travel Guide to Cyprus - A Mediterranean Haven for LGBTQ Travelers

Think Outside The Box -  gay night

ithaki-venue

Ithaki Venue

Karoke - 20:30 until 00:30

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Chicken Shack is a new gay-friendly bar and restaurant on Larnaca seafront, Cyprus. Family run business specialising in roasted chicken and fried seafood. They serve fresh food daily, and have a bar, smoking area and sea front view, as well as being rated 4.8 stars from previous diners on Google.

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Chicken Shack

Chicken Shack is a new gay-friendly bar and res...

Lube Bar is a gay bar in Larnaca, open three nights a week. Join them after work with relaxing music on Wednesdays, or get ready to dance until the early hours on Fridays and Saturdays! Enjoy cocktails in the garden, complete with Shisha in the Summer months. Also available: a selection of tasty Italian pizzas. Karaoke has stopped for the winter, but get ready for dance Fridays and their main night on Saturdays!

Lube Bar is a gay bar in Larnaca, open three ni...

This lively bar &amp; nightclub in Nicosia attracts an LGBT crowd on Friday and Saturday nights when Ithaki hosts "Think Outside The Box" gay night. Closed on Sundays. Open hours may vary. Check Facebook for upcoming events.

Gay Cyprus

The Complete Gay Travel Guide to Cyprus - A Mediterranean Haven for LGBTQ Travelers

Where to Stay?

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Cyprus Gay Saunas

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