Pride Aargau this Saturday: the four times you need to know

Zurich unveils Switzerland's first queer memorial at Sihlfeld Cemetery

Around 20 queer community members carved the stone together at Sihlfeld Cemetery. Zurich Mayor Raphael Golta and drag queen Mona Gamie spoke at the unveiling.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Zurich inaugurates queer memorial – history finally made visible

On 20 August 2026, Zurich opened a queer memorial – a permanent, public site for the city's LGBTIQ+ history.

redacción autopilot · August 21, 2026 · 2 min read

HIV testing in Switzerland: the lab rules have changed — these timelines still matter

The FOPH has simplified and accelerated Switzerland’s diagnostic workflow. For people testing, the crucial distinction remains: six weeks for a laboratory test, twelve for a self-test.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Khur Pride 2026: the day plan is set — and the afterparty has one key catch

March at 14:00, festival from 15:15 and afterparty from 21:00: what to know for 29 August in Chur, including payment and age rules.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 18, 2026 · 3 min read

Mpox in Europe: why WHO has reassessed risk for MSM — and what applies in Switzerland

WHO/Europe now reports local clade Ib transmission in several countries and assesses the risk for MSM as moderate. Switzerland's FOPH still describes the national situation as stable — making calm prevention and clear support routes the useful response.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 14, 2026 · 3 min read

Gonorrhoea in Switzerland: the sharp rise is levelling off — what the latest figures show

Switzerland recorded 6,895 reported cases in 2025, just 0.4% more than the year before. The FOPH data does not show a new surge, but the level remains high — making clear testing guidance useful.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Swiss LGBTIQA+ organisations launch national mental health strategy

LOS, Pink Cross, TGNS and Interaction have published a joint LGBTIQA+ mental health strategy — with concrete demands for politics, healthcare and research.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Pride at 3,303 metres: queer hiking in the Engadin (13–20 September)

The second Pride Culinary Hiking Week brings LGBTQIA+ travellers into the Upper Engadin: guided mountain hikes, local food, real connections — a week of queer life at Swiss Alpine altitude.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 31, 2026 · 2 min read

Swiss LGBTI-Label 2026: 20 organisations recognised for inclusive practices

The Swiss LGBTI-Label recognises companies and organisations that actively promote inclusive working conditions for LGBTI people. In 2026, 20 organisations were certified.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 30, 2026 · 2 min read

A queer meeting space for Bern: new association founded, city council backs the cause

Bern is the only major Swiss city without a permanent queer community space. A new association is working to change that — with cross-party backing in the city council.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 29, 2026 · 2 min read

Bern Pride 2026: 10,000 march for queer rights on Bundesplatz

On 25 July 2026, around 10,000 people marched through Bern's old town. With music, drag shows and clear political demands, Bern Pride closed at the Bundesplatz.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Federal Yodeling Festival Basel: gay men's choir officially out for the first time

At the 2026 Federal Yodeling Festival in Basel, the Jodlerklub Männertreu Suisse performed as an openly gay men's choir for the first time — a first in the folk culture festival's history.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 28, 2026 · 2 min read

Mannschaft Magazine closes after 16 years — the end of a Swiss queer media institution

The Bern-based LGBTIQ magazine Mannschaft ceases publication after 125 issues and a successful expansion to Germany and Austria. For over a decade and a half it was one of the few professional queer voices in Switzerland.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Homophobia at a Central Swiss school: student threatened and bullied over sexual orientation

A student at MPS Schwyz was repeatedly insulted and threatened over his sexual orientation in front of around 100 peers. The school has announced measures.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Zurich Pride Festival 2026 cancelled: what lies behind the sponsor collapse

Swisscom pulled out, the association had been running at a loss for two years, and 140 members voted to cancel: the Zurich Pride Festival 2026 will not take place. What the crisis reveals about funding queer events in Switzerland — and what 2027 is supposed to bring.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Pride Aargau 2026: solidarity as a statement — after the death of co-founder Noa

Noa Theo Oehninger, 24-year-old co-founder and co-president of Pride Aargau, died unexpectedly in December 2025. On 5 September 2026, the third Pride Aargau takes place in Aarau — under the motto «Zämehalt: Mitenand und Förenand!», which carries particular resonance this year.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Zurich meets the world: Global LGBTIQ+ health research summit at UZH

From 23 to 26 June 2026, the University of Zurich brought together around 80 researchers from more than 70 countries for the kick-off of the Global LGBTIQ+ Health project – a signal of Swiss leadership in global queer health research.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Rainbow Railroad 2025: what global persecution means for queer safety in Switzerland

The annual report shows record demand for help among displaced LGBTQI+ people. For Switzerland, it is a community, asylum and integration issue.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel 2026: health, ageing and engagement in focus

The seventh survey wave gathers community experiences from across Switzerland.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 20, 2026 · 3 min read

PrEP in Switzerland: why the centres list matters

SwissPrEPared lists contact points across several regions and makes orientation easier.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 19, 2026 · 4 min read

Ticino: Imbarco Immediato remains a key community anchor

Active since 2006, the organisation creates meeting points and visibility in Italian-speaking Switzerland.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 18, 2026 · 3 min read

Bern Opens New Youth Centre for Queer Teenagers

A safer space offering counselling, activities and an open door for young LGBTIQ people.

Lukas Brönnimann · June 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Lugano Gets Its First Queer Café

A new meeting spot in Ticino aims to give the local community a permanent home.

Giulia Bernasconi · May 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Older LGBTIQ People: Visibility in Later Life

A generation that fought for rights now calls for space to grow older with dignity.

Ruth Wyss · May 9, 2026 · 5 min read

News

Conversion practices: Switzerland says a clear no — but the national rule remains open

A new federal report confirms cases and serious harm in Switzerland. It opens the door to clearer national rules, but does not itself enact a ban.

redacción autopilot · September 2, 2026 · 3 min read

A Swiss drag artist toured China — and almost every stage became uncertain

Soya the Cow faced last-minute cancellations and shifting explanations. The tour still continued, helped by local queer networks and performances kept deliberately discreet.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 30, 2026 · 3 min read

Pride Central Switzerland this weekend: no march - but this plan is confirmed

On Saturday, Südpol in Kriens becomes a queer fair from 14:00 to 22:00 with drag, live acts, comedy and DJs. Entry is free; rain moves the programme into the Shedhalle.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Queer karaoke meets Strauss: three Zurich shows you can still catch

Through Monday, Ivo Dimchev turns Rote Fabrik into an uninhibited mix of karaoke, exercise and queer operetta.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 15, 2026 · 3 min read

WorldPride Amsterdam is over: five moments that will last

Two weeks of UNITY, a royal opening, 53 illuminated buildings and a Museumplein finale: what remains from WorldPride Amsterdam 2026.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 10, 2026 · 3 min read

NewsParty

Street Parade Zurich 2026: 4 queer afterparties after midnight

House, pop, sex-positive floors or gay electronic: these four queer parties keep Street Parade moving through the night on 8 August.

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 5, 2026 · 6 min read

NewsParty

Street Parade Zurich 2026: complete line-up — Adam Beyer opens, 200+ acts

Adam Beyer opens on 8 August at 13:00 — 30 Love Mobiles, 9 stages, over 200 acts. The 2026 motto is «Together we move».

Queer Switzerland editorial · August 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Zurich is getting Switzerland's first Queer Memorial

On 20 August, an almost two-metre sandstone is inaugurated at Sihlfeld Cemetery — Switzerland's first queer monument, co-shaped by around 20 community members.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 31, 2026 · 2 min read

News

ILGA Rainbow Map 2026: Switzerland ranks 20th — stagnation since 2023

ILGA-Europe scores 49 European countries on LGBTIQ+ rights. Switzerland holds 50% and 20th place, but drops two positions as Montenegro and Croatia advance.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Police hunt 21-year-old suspect after deadly attack near Berlin CSD

Berlin police and prosecutors are publicly searching for a 21-year-old suspect. A woman died; of the 16 injured, three were critically and eight seriously hurt. The specific motive remains unknown.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 26, 2026 · 5 min read

Council of Europe Warns of Growing Restrictions on Pride Marches

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly sees a European pattern: Pride marches are being restricted on public-order or neutrality grounds. The situation is especially urgent ahead of Oradea Pride on 25 July.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 22, 2026 · 3 min read

EU's New Return Regulation Puts LGBTI Migrants at Serious Risk

The European Parliament passed the new EU Return Regulation on June 17, 2026, by 418 votes to 218. ILGA-Europe warns the regulation disproportionately harms LGBTI migrants and contains no meaningful safeguards specific to their protection needs.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 21, 2026 · 3 min read

BernPride 2026: Four afterparties for the long Saturday night

After the afternoon parade, BernPride night splits across four venues: Nachtrausch at Stellwerk, Rainbow Heartbeat at Bierhübeli, Afro Rhythm at Sous Soul and Ali Gua Gua at PROGR, all starting at 23:00.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 20, 2026 · 2 min read

.lila Queer Festival 2026: Queer culture in Zürich this September

The .lila Queer Festival returns to Zürich in September 2026 — a cultural festival with concerts, film, performance and community events around 10 September.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 20, 2026 · 2 min read

WorldPride Amsterdam 2026: Europe's big Pride summer starts on 25 July

The official WorldPride site confirms two weeks of programming from 25 July to 8 August 2026, including the Canal Parade, Museumplein concerts, Human Rights Conference and WorldPride March.

Queer Switzerland editorial · July 2, 2026 · 3 min read

Trans woman removed from Marzilibad — City of Bern apologises after police intervention

A trans woman was forcibly removed from the women's FKK area of Bern's Marzilibad by police at the weekend. The city apologised the following day, calling the incident a mistake.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 30, 2026 · 4 min read

Bern Pride 2026: everything you need to know for 25 July

On 25 July 2026, Bern Pride marches through the historic city — from Waisenhausplatz past the Zytglogge to Bundesplatz. Here is everything about the programme and how to get there.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Lausanne Pride 2026: up to 23,000 people celebrate the return of the Romandie Pride

After 20 years, Pride returned to Lausanne. On 27 June 2026, between 17,000 and 23,000 people marched through the Vaud capital — a powerful signal from Romandie.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Khur Pride 2026: «flurir ensemen» — queer Pride in Switzerland's oldest city

On 29 August, Chur celebrates its queer community with a march through the old town and a festival area in the city park. The motto, in Romansh: «to bloom together».

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Zürich Pride 2026: 40,000 march despite festival cancellation – Swiss Pride Summer continues

Despite the festival being cancelled, around 40,000 people marched through Zurich on 20 June 2026 – with celebrity support from Steven Epprecht, Karin Bearpark and Reto Hanselmann. And this was just the start: CSD Winti, Bern Pride, Pride Zentralschweiz, Khur Pride and Pride Aargau are still to come.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Seven findings: how are LGBTIQ+ people actually doing in Switzerland?

Data from the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Panel show that while sexual minorities report wellbeing close to cis-heterosexual peers, trans and non-binary people face significantly more discrimination, poorer mental health and very low perceived social acceptance.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 25, 2026 · 4 min read

"The First Homosexuals": Kunstmuseum Basel shows landmark exhibition on queer history

Around 80 artworks trace the history of homosexuality since the term was coined in 1869, on view at Kunstmuseum Basel until 2 August 2026.

redacción queerswitzerland · June 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Queer community in Switzerland: growing concern about LGBTIQ+ rights rollback

After years of steady progress, queer organisations in Switzerland are voicing concerns about political counter-movements and attempts to roll back LGBTIQ+ rights.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Switzerland adopts its first National Action Plan against LGBTIQ+ hate crimes

On 28 January 2026 the Federal Council approved twelve measures against LGBTIQ+ hate crimes. The LGBTIQ-Helpline's eighth annual report, published in May 2026, showed 281 incidents, 80 percent discrimination – and only 10 percent reported to police.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 24, 2026 · 3 min read

EU strategy 2026-2030: why it also matters for queer people in Switzerland

The new EU strategy targets hate-motivated offences, community empowerment and cooperation. Switzerland is not an EU member, but it is not isolated.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

OSCE 2024 data: why anti-LGBTIQ incidents in Switzerland need better recording

The ODIHR report shows official figures, civil society reports and clear gaps in how Switzerland records hate crime.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

National action plan 2026-2030: what must change after the Federal Council decision

Switzerland now has a first national framework against anti-LGBTIQ hate crime. Implementation by cantons, police, sport and victim support will decide its impact.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Hate Crime Report 2026: why 281 reports are only the visible tip

The new LGBTIQ-Helpline report makes violence measurable, while showing how large the Swiss dark figure remains.

Queer Switzerland editorial · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

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

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

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