"Homophobes are not afraid of gay people. They are just assholes" said Mayor of Reykjavik, Mr. Jón Gnarr at a surprise reception for BEARS ON ICE  attendants but the the receptions was one of the highlights for many attendats this year. In his speach Mr. Jón Gnarr also talked about why he fights for the rights of LGBT people and human rights in general and the importance of supporting this fight and give back to society and LGBT people in particular who have influenced him through arts, litterature and music.

BEARS ON ICE is about to start with events around town from Thursday through Saturday. The event starts with a Welcome Party at Iðusalur (Lækjargata 2). Among other events is a top-off party at Club Kiki (Laugavegur 22) on Friday and Men Only dance at Harlem/Volta (Tryggvagata 22).

The main party at Harlem/Volta on Saturday welcomes guests from abroad. DJ Clon Gaff comes all the way from Australia to perform as well as John Eltong from Copenhagen, Denmark and DJ Dramatik from Reykjavik. The DreamBears from London will also put on a show and get the party started.

"We´ve never had so many guys coming from all over the world for BEARS ON ICE in our nine year history and we´re really excited about the whole thing" says Frosti Jónsson, who belongs to a small group of friends who organize Iceland´s only bear event, BEARS ON ICE. This is the ninth year for the event to take place in Reykjavik but BEARS ON ICE started as a small party back in 2005. For this year´s event well over 100 guys are coming from all over the world to celebrate life, mingle and make friends, see a little bit of Iceland and have some fun. 

Reykjavik Gay Pride has just finished. Once again this was a huge success with over 90.000 people wathcing the colorful parade and the outdoor concert in downtown Reykjavik. Reykjavik Gay Pride has become one of Iceland´s biggest events but it´s not all about size. Reykjavik Gay Pride brings an important message, not only to the people of Iceland, but also to everyone around the world. The event has earned its place among Icelanders as an event of importance, paving the way for acceptance and respect. Big thanks to everyone involved for creating this wonderful event, we do appreciate all your hard work. Check out the collection of Gayice.is pictures by Pall Gudjonsson: Reykjavik Gay Pride parade and Gay Pride Outdoor Concert. 

The National Queer Organization, Samtokin '78, have awarded Reykjavik´s Mayor, Mr. Jón Gnarr, filmmaker Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir and the US Embassy The LGBT 2013 Human Rights Awards. The Human Rights Awards are given annually to individuals and Organization for their contribution to the humanitarian cause and outstanding work for the LGBT community in Iceland.

Mayor Jón Gnarr has been very outspoken about human rights and has been a strong supporter of LGBT people in Iceland and around the world. He has participated in Reykjavik Gay Pride in past years, submitted a proposal to end Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s stance on gay rights and recently he sent an official letter to the Vatican criticising their stand on gay rights.

The annual Iceland´s Drag Queen and King Competition took place in Harpa last night with some fierce queens and funky kings trying to get their hands on the trophy. Beauty is certanly pain when it comes to drag but this was the 16th time the competition takes place.   In the end two Foxy Ladies claimed the Queen´s trophy with a style but the singing charmer Brjánn Hróðmarsson took the trophy in the king´s department. Pictures from last night´s performance.

Reykjavik Gay Pride program guide is out and available online. The Program guide has all the information you need about the coming up Reykjavik Gay Pride which has an early start August 6th. The program guide also includes information about performing artist, articles and interviews and practical information for visitors. The program guide is in Icelandic and English. You can also grab your free copy at the Gay Pride service center located inside bookstore Ida (Lækjargata 2, city center). The dates for Reykjavik Gay Pride are August 6th to 11th.

Visit Reykjavik Gay Pride website for more information about the event, read Gay Pride Program Guide online or check out list of events for Gay Pride 2013.

Happy Pride!

The Mayor of Reykjavik, Mr. Jon Gnarr, has submitted a proposal to end Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s stance on gay rights. In an announcement from Mayor's office all agreements between Reykjavik and Moscow shall be terminated due to recent development in Russia. “In light of the developments that have taken place in recent years in matters of gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Russia, the Human Rights Office and the Mayor’s Office have entrusted the deputy mayor to propose amendments to the existing agreement between the two cities or terminate it all together following consultation with the Foreign Ministry,” read the minutes from the City Council meeting.