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Lugano Gets Its First Queer Café

by Giulia BernasconiPublished May 21, 20263 min read

Lugano has opened the first explicitly queer café in Italian-speaking Switzerland. The space sees itself as a meeting point, an event venue and a safe harbour all at once.

The operators want to fill a gap: until now, Ticino lacked a permanent, low-threshold place for the community.

Alongside coffee and light food, readings, film nights and counselling services are planned. The programme is to be offered in two or three languages.

The response in the first weeks has been overwhelming. On weekends the café is often filled to the last seat.

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