Estonia proudly joins many European countries and other inclusive nations worldwide that have recognized marriage equality. It is a historic moment for the Baltic states and Eastern Europe in general, as Estonia is the first former Soviet Union country and second to only Slovenia from the previous eastern side of the Iron Curtain to legalize marriage equality. Since 2016, LGBTQ+ people have been able to register civil partnerships in Estonia, and in June 2023 the country became the first within former Soviet countries to legalize same-sex marriage after a vote of 55 to 34 in the country's parliament, effective as of 1st of January 2024.

“Everyone should have the right to marry the person they love and want to commit to. With this decision we finally stepped among other Nordic countries as well as all the rest of the democratic countries in the world where marriage equality has been granted.“ said Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas. “Marriage equality does not take anything away from anyone but gives something important to many. It also shows that our society is caring and respectful towards each other. I am proud of Estonia.”

Minister of Social Protection of Estonia, Signe Riisalo emphasized that all people must be equal before the law. "Furthermore, this affects our attitudes. I hope any remaining fears will subside, and it will be understood that this decision did not hurt anyone. Instead, it gave something very important to many people in Estonia," Riisalo noted.

This move further reinforces Estonia's position as a progressive, welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking nation. Even though the Estonian LGBTQ+ scene is still relatively small, Tallinn has several bars and nightclubs with regular events that attract a trendy crowd. As a university town, Tartu also has an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere.

LGBTQ+ things to do in 2024…

... in Tallinn

Estonia's capital, Tallinn, is home to a handful of popular LGBTQ+-friendly nightclubs and bars, but everywhere is welcoming. In Tallinn, visit spa hotels, museums, art galleries, and world-class restaurants, many of which are listed in the MICHELIN Guide and the Falstaff Nordic Restaurant Guide.

• X-Bar - Estonia's oldest gay bar with multiple dance floors and themed nights.
• Club Hall - Large techno club with local and international DJs.
• Sauna Club 69 – A sauna club with a bar where you can order drinks and snacks.
• Hello! Bar - Small, lively gay bar in Tallinn's Old Town.
• Bar Hungr - Bar with regular events just outside the center of Tallinn.
• Heldeke! Theater Bar - Full entertainment program with burlesque shows, theatre, stand-up comedy, and theme parties.
• Botaanik – A high-end cocktail bar in Tallinn Old Town.
• Fono – A speakeasy style bar in Telliskivi serving artisan cocktails.
• Tallinn Bearty Festival – Takes place 18 to 21 April with events covering visual arts, music, and cinema.

A visit to Vabamu, the Museum of Freedom and Occupation, is also recommended. From summer 2023, Estonia's LGBTQ+ history has been integrated into the permanent exhibition. Experience Estonian history on an interactive journey through time using images and sound.

... in Tartu

The University of Tartu in Estonia's second-largest city is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. Many prominent researchers and academics of international renown have studied here. A seventh of Tartu's population is made up of students, researchers, and teachers, which of course contributes to the city's creative, innovative, and open atmosphere.

• Bar Lokaal Pirogov - A LGBTQ+-friendly bar in the center of Tartu.
• Möku – A LGBTQ+-friendly cult bar along with the connected Genklubi (Genialistide Klubi).
• Naiiv culture bar – Housed on a boat on the Emajõgi River.

You will find a friendly welcome in other restaurants, clubs, and hotels in Tartu. In early October, Tartu and Rakvere both play host to festheart, the first LGBTQ+ film festival to be held regularly in the Baltics. Acceptance is normal for most younger Tartu residents, so don't let the relatively small number of LGBTQ+-friendly venues give you the wrong impression – everywhere is welcoming.

With Tartu's status as European Capital of Culture 2024, some highlight events on the LGBTQ+ calendar include:

• 18 May 2024 - Tartu Mass Kissing Event and Concert (celebrating the 30th anniversary of Estonia's 1st participation in Eurovision) ee/en/programme/a-spectacular-concert-and-mass-kissing-event
• 12 – 18 August 2024 - Tartu Pride with the Pride march taking place 17 August ee/en/programme/tartu-2024-pride

For an LGBTQ+ travel guide to Estonia, visit www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/lgbtq-travel-guide-to-estonia-tallinn-tartu

How to get there:

Regent Holidays (www.regent-holidays.co.uk / 01174 535 461) offers a six-day Tallinn and Tartu twin-centre city break from £865 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights from the UK to Tallinn, transfers, three-nights in Tallinn at the Nordic Hotel Forum and two-nights in Tartu at the Hotel Lydia on a B&B basis and return train or bus tickets from Tallinn to Tartu.

ENDS

For press trip opportunities and media enquiries, contact Barry Johnston: barry@goshpr.co.uk / visitestonia@goshpr.com