Queer Switzerland

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Evergreen explainers on rights, health and the scene — to understand the topic, not breaking news.

GuideActivism

Marriage for All in Switzerland: what concretely changed since 1 July 2022

Since 1 July 2022, civil marriage in Switzerland is open to same-sex couples too. The full overview: converting a registered partnership, joint adoption, sperm donation, facilitated naturalisation — and what still remains open.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Changing your gender marker and first name in Switzerland: the full guide

Since January 2022, a single declaration at any civil registry office is enough in Switzerland — no medical report, no surgery, no court. Who qualifies, how it works and where the limits are.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideActivism

Switzerland's anti-discrimination criminal norm: what Article 261bis covers since 2020 — and the gender-identity gap

Since 1 July 2020, public discrimination and incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation is a crime in Switzerland. But gender identity was deliberately left out — and Parliament is still debating whether to add it.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

PrEP in Switzerland: how to get it, the medical follow-up, and what it costs

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. In Switzerland the SwissPrEPared programme coordinates access, and since July 2024 basic insurance covers the cost under certain conditions. Here is how it works.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideActivism

Banning conversion practices: where Switzerland stands in 2026

A nationwide ban is still open: the National Council is in favour, the Council of States hesitates, and some cantons act alone.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 5 min read

GuideCommunity

Blood Donation in Switzerland: What Now Applies to Gay and Bi Men

Since 1 November 2023, Switzerland applies the same blood-donation criteria to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. We explain how the rules for men who have sex with men evolved from a blanket ban to individual risk assessment.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Seeking Asylum in Switzerland as an LGBTIQ+ Person: How It Works

Persecution because of sexual orientation or gender identity is a recognised ground for asylum in Switzerland. How the SEM procedure works in broad terms, and where LGBTIQ+ refugees can find specialised support.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideActivism

Intersex Rights in Switzerland: What the Ethics Commission Says About Surgery on Children

Switzerland's National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics (NEK-CNE) urged back in 2012 that non-urgent, irreversible interventions on intersex children be deferred until they can decide for themselves. Where the country now stands between ethics recommendation and law.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Recognised from birth? Switzerland's debate on co-parents and filiation reform

For married female couples in Switzerland, the non-birth mother is often not automatically recognised as a parent. Here is what the filiation-law reform could change and where it stands.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Discrimination at work: how well are LGBTIQ people protected in Switzerland?

Constitution, criminal law and the Gender Equality Act protect LGBTIQ people at work only in part. A clear overview of rights, gaps and where to turn.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Trans and non-binary health care in Switzerland: what basic insurance covers

How gender-affirming care is organised in Switzerland, the role of specialised centres at university hospitals, and when basic insurance (KVG) covers medically indicated treatment.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

HIV Self-Testing in Switzerland: How It Works and Where to Get Confidential Support

HIV self-tests have been legally available in Switzerland since 2018 – in pharmacies, drugstores and online. We explain calmly and factually how they work, what the window period means, and where to get a confirmatory test and confidential counselling.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Mpox and the Vaccine: Calm, Clear Facts for Gay and Bi Men in Switzerland

Switzerland recommends the mpox vaccine for higher-exposure groups, including men who have sex with men and trans people with frequently changing partners. Here is what mpox is, who the jab is for, and where to get clear information and vaccination — calmly and confidentially.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Reporting Anti-LGBTIQ Hate Crime in Switzerland: How to Document, Report and Find Support

A calm, practical guide to reporting anti-LGBTIQ hate crime and discrimination in Switzerland: the LGBTIQ-Helpline and its stophate.ch reporting tool, the criminal norm (Art. 261bis) covering sexual orientation since 2020, and the steps to document, report and get confidential support.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Gay Sauna Etiquette in Switzerland: a relaxed first-timer's guide

What a gay sauna is, how entry, lockers, towels and the wristband work, and the unwritten rules that matter: consent, discretion, hygiene and no phones. A warm, respectful first-timer's guide for Switzerland (18+).

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Your First Zürich Pride: A Friendly Guide to Switzerland's Biggest Queer Celebration

Heading to Zürich Pride for the first time? Here's what the weekend looks like, how to get around, where the queer scene clusters, and how to find the exact dates, welcoming to locals and visitors alike.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 5 min read

GuideCulture

Gay Switzerland in Winter: Pink Snow, Cosy Cities and Alpine Escapes

From gay ski weeks in the Alps to fondue, saunas and getting to the mountains by train: a warm, practical guide to a queer Swiss winter.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read

GuideCommunity

Gay Nightlife in Switzerland: A City-by-City Primer

From Zürich's lively scene to Lugano's Mediterranean ease, a warm, practical overview of going out gay across Switzerland's six big cities — pointing you to our city hubs and nightlife listings for the actual venues.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 22, 2026 · 4 min read