Europe's Map of Gay Equality - The UK still ahead

This map was compiled in May 2013, before Russia decided to mount it's gay hate campaign, so while it stands here at 7%, we can probably drop that to below 1%!

It does surprise me that the UK stands in the lead, as this certainly hasn't always been the case. There were times when Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Netherlands were far ahead of the Britain.

It's interesting to see how the traffic light colours go from left to Right. And it's with hope that in the next few years many of these countries can reach at least 50%. But in my travel experience, some of these destinations are not as bad as the colour represents. You can still travel safely and enjoy the gay scene.

Stockholm Pride, Sweden celebrates Together

“Together!” – Agnes, Margaret Cho, Transsexual MP Anna Grodzka and 30 Years Of HIV   The theme for this year’s Stockholm Pride is “Together”, which can be seen in the diversity of the festival program for this year offering something for everyone. The festival, which takes place on July 31st to 4th August, offers a vast program ranging from world famous pop star Agnes’ only concert this summer, the politically incorrect standup comedy of the world renowned bisexual comedian Margret Cho, one for the world’s first transsexual members of parliament Anna Grodzka (Poland), seminars commemorating 30 years of HIV in Sweden and the traditional Pride Parade. Stockholm Pride is offering its visitors performances from such stars as Agnes, renowned bisexual comedian and actress Margaret Cho, Eurovision stars Jedward, Eric Saade and Ivi Adamou and the list goes on, with even more to come… "This is my first appearance in Stockholm and I am very much looking forward to appearing in front of the LGBTQ community and taking part of the different Pride activities. I have participated in many Pride festivals before, but never in Stockholm. I'm delighted," says Margaret Cho. Stockholm Pride is proud to welcome one of the world's first transsexual Members of Parliament, Anna Grodzka. On the initiative and invitation of the Polish Institute, Anna Grodzka will attend Stockholm Pride on Friday August 3rd. Anna Grodzka is the first openly transgender Member of Parliament in Poland. "As a child I saw Sweden as a land of happiness and prosperity, and during the so-called sexual revolution, reports were heard that no one was discriminated against in Sweden just because they were different. Sweden became for me a role model, almost a dream: a fair and equal country with social protection and economic efficiency," says Anna Grodzka. "So when I received the invitation from the Polish Institute to come to Stockholm Pride, I thanked them with great joy and yes immediately."   This year marks 30 years since the first HIV case was discovered in Sweden. This will be highlighted with several activities during the entire festival, including a conversation between well known Swedish writers Jonas Gardell, Rikard Wolff and Anna-Maria Sörberg, seminars on being HIV positive – then and now, youth and HIV, and the “Over the Rainbow” HIV-commemoration ceremony. Stockholm Pride 2012 takes place on July 31st to August 4th with the traditional Pride Parade on Saturday August 4th. More information on the event and how to buy tickets can be found at www.stockholmpride.org/en. www.facebook.com/stockholmpride   www.twitter.com/stockholmpride