fun in the sun

Bermuda has banned gay marriage; here are 10 beach alternatives that welcome us to their shores

Two gorgeous men in white speedos gently embrace, smiling in front of gently rolling waves on a sunny day
Credit via iStockphoto.com

Bermuda’s Betrayal

Bermuda’s clear, blue waters and pink sand beaches have made the island ideal for destination weddings. However, these crystalline shores have been tainted in recent years by ongoing anti-gay legislation. Gay marriage was legal in 2017. After several legal battles, policymakers announced the decision on May 14, 2022, to repeal said law. Sadly, gay honeymooning won’t be happening in Bermuda anytime soon.

“Governor Rankin and the Bermuda Parliament have shamefully made Bermuda the first national territory in the world to repeal marriage equality,” said Ty Cobb, Human Rights Campaign Global director. “Despite this deplorable action, the fight for marriage equality in Bermuda will continue until the day when every Bermudian is afforded the right to marry the person they love.”

The Bermuda Tourism Authority also had some choice words: “Significantly, it’s not only LGBT travelers that care about equal rights based on sexual orientation. Our research indicates many companies, consumers, and travelers, including the overwhelming majority of the younger visitors powering Bermuda’s growth, care about this issue”

Bermuda has a long history of homophobia. With this decision, the country has killed its reputation among not just LGBTQ travelers, but all travelers with a conscience. Despite the toll of this judicial verdict, many are still fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Bermuda and throughout the Caribbean.

In the meantime, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some summertime destinations that welcome us–and marriage equality.

Bondi Beach (North Side)

Bondi Beach

Favorite spot for surfing, sunning and sexy fun Bondi Road · Sydney, NSW 2010

Website

Last year, Australia’s Parliament voted overwhelmingly to legalize same-sex marriage, overcoming years of conservative resistance.

Known for its eclectic crowd and surrounded by superb restaurants, this Sydney beach is an ever-popular destination. However, it’s the glittering water that people are really attracted to. When the summer sun sets on those dazzling cerulean waves, it can be breathtaking to behold.

Platja de la Bassa Rodona

Platja De La Bassa Rodona

Popular gay beach Passeig Marítim, 6 · Sitges, Barcelona 08870

Website

The push for legalized same-sex marriage in Spain largely began in 2004. The law officially took effect in July 2005.

Perhaps the most popular of Sitges‘ beaches, Bassa Rodona is never devoid of pride flags or queer couples. While the atmosphere makes it a popular queer destination, it’s the balmy climate and sweet ocean breeze that makes this Spanish beach worth a visit.

Beach 19/Stop 19

Praia naturista 19

Gay beach? Nude beach! osta da Caparica · Lisbon, Portugal

Website

In June 2010, Portugal officially legalized gay marriage.

As if being a gay beach wasn’t enough, Praia Naturista 19 in Lisbon is also nudist-friendly! There’s a lot more to take in here than expanses of sand and water if you know what we mean.

Castel Plage

Castel Plage (Beach)

Private, gay-friendly beach Quai des Etats-Unis · Nice 06300
(049) 385-2266
Website

France got final approval for a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in May 2013, signing the measure that had met great challenges from the country’s conservative opposition party.

There isn’t enough space or time to tell all there is to tell about the beauties of Nice. If ever there was a place to watch a sunset, it’s got to be Castel Plage. With the classic beauty of a French town behind you and an open expanse of blue-orange sea and sky before you, there’s no comparable beauty on Earth.

Ipanema Farme de Amoedo Beach

Ipanema Beach

Barbie and Ken playhouse Avenida Viera Souto · Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Website

In 2013, Brazil became the largest Latin American country to legalize gay marriage.

You don’t know the full potential of a tropical beach until you’ve visited Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Surrounded by a mix of high-reaching buildings and rolling, green mountains, there’s an aliveness about this beach. It’s only made better by the fact that it’s perhaps the gayest beach in Brazil.

Queen’s Beach – Sans Souci

Queen’s Beach

Popular gay beach 2715 Kalakaua Ave · Honolulu, HI 96815

Website

In June 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment requires states to grant marriages to gay couples and/or recognize those marriages performed by other states.

Queen’s Surf has a delicate majesty to it. The water is a shade of azure that’s hard to put into words. On top of that, it’s far enough from Waikiki that you can actually unwind a bit.

Pihlajasaari Beach

Pihlajasaari Beach

Cruise naked and banish tan lines Pihlajasaari Island · Helsinki

Website

Finland’s Parliament passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in November 2014 and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto signed the bill into law in February 2015.

Not many would think of Finland immediately upon hearing the word “beach,” but this is one of Helsinki‘s many gems. It has a host of outdoor activities. In fact, Pihlajasaari is one of the city’s most popular summer attractions.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay

Western Cape’s clothing-optional beach Hout Bay · Cape Town, South Africa 7806

Website

South Africa became the first country in Africa and the first country in the Southern Hemisphere to legalize gay marriage.

Sandy Bay is a beach just outside of Capetown. It’s another dual act, with both LGBTQ+ shenanigans and full nudity happening here. Hidden away, and a bit difficult to get to, it’s a trip well worth the effort.

Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach

Officially clothing-optional N.W. Marine Dr. · Vancouver, BC
(604) 856-9598
Website

In July 2005, Canada began recognizing gay marriage with the Civil Marriage Act.

We hope you’re not tired of nudist beaches because this is another popular one!

Schlachtensee Lake

Schlachtensee Lake

Enchanting lake perfect for swimming Paul-Ernst-Park Terrassenstraße 60 · Berlin, Germany 14129
(030) 221-9001
Website

German lawmakers voted in favor of same-sex marriage in June 2017. The move was widely supported across the country.

Berlin has over 3,000 lakes! Of course, this gives you a lot of variety to choose from. Schlachtensee is among the most popular. It’s especially famous as a local queer hangout.

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