Copenhagen Gears Up for the Outgames and a Whole Lot More

Copenhagen has long been a tolerant and relaxed capital for both gay Danes and tourists. The first gay bar, Centralhjornet, opened in the Danish capital more than 80 years ago. The National Association for Gays and Lesbians was founded in 1948 as the first organization of its kind in the world. And in 2009, Denmark is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its status as the first country to recognize civil unions between same sex partners.

Offering a warm welcome to residents and tourists alike, the Copenhagen Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is an independent organization of businesses and non-profit organizations owned and/or run by gay men and women, and recognizing the gay and lesbian community as its primary interest group. The city even boasts its own gay radio station, called Radio Rosa.

Among the gay celebrations to be held this year in Copenhagen is the 2009 World Outgames scheduled from July 25th through August 2nd. Along with its impressive roster of sporting events will be a wide variety of cultural activities, and the 2nd International Conference of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) human rights celebrating "Love of Freedom-Freedom to Love."

The all-gay cruise ship

Eurodam will come to anchor at the Port of Copenhagen towards the end of the 2009 World Outgames and will take part in the competition's closing ceremonies. The Copenhagen Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the largest international festival of its kind, will feature more than 130 screenings of the world's best contemporary feature films, short films and documentaries with gay relevance, and will be held from October 16th through 25th.

Let the World Outgames Begin!

More than 8,000 registered participants, 25% from the United States, and 650,000 visitors are expected to converge on the Danish capital this summer to view and/or participate in 38 different sporting events during the annual 2009 World Outgames, scheduled July 25 through August 2. Copenhagen was chosen as the site for this year's World Outgames following a competition among several international cities.

Among the 38 sports featured at the World OutGames will be basketball, canoeing, figure skating, rugby, soccer, football, volleyball, water polo, martial arts and synchronized swimming. Individuals who are not members of an organized team can participate on a mixed time arranged by the organizers. Information on team members will be provided in advance so that participants have an opportunity to communicate directly with each other before arriving in Copenhagen

A Cultural Celebration of Diversity

During the World Outgames, Copenhagen will offer a wide range of events in the creative fields of fashion and the performing arts, including: "The Out Choir Festival" (including hundreds of participating singers from around the world); "The Queer Tango Festival"; "Out in Film"; and "Out in Leather."

Six global cities designated as "OutCities" will decorate the streets and squares of Copenhagen to demonstrate the very best their cities offer in world culture - with a queer twist. There will also be parties held in many of the city's famed ballrooms.

A Conference on Human Rights

The 2nd International Conference of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) human rights -- themed as "Love of Freedom-Freedom to Love" - will be held concurrently in Copenhagen from July 27 to July 29. The goal of this assembly is to reaffirm and defend the human rights of every LGBT person to participate fully, equally, and openly in every part of life. Among the 1,000 delegates expected to attend from around the world are Thomas Hammarberg, Commission for Human Rights, Council of Europe; ParvezSharma, a gay Muslim filmmaker; and Sunil Babu Pant, Director of the Blue Diamond Society and the first openly gay member of Nepal's Parliament.

Registration and Pricing

Online registration is available for the 2009 Copenhagen World Outgames and events, including special packages, pricing and currency conversion.

Transportation and Accommodations

Copenhagen can be reached from Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. on SAS, one of the strategic partners of the World Outgames. SAS is offering a special discount to athletes and spectators traveling to Copenhagen for the games. Reservations must be made through an SAS call center using booking code DK0904.

The city provides visitors with a broad selection of accommodations ranging from youth hostels to luxury hotels.
For getting around within Copenhagen, complimentary bicycles are offered to residents and visitors alike who wish to experience all that the city have to offer. Recently voted the "World's Best Metro" by a panel of global transport specialists based on its stability, security and passenger satisfaction, Copenhagen Metro now connects Copenhagen Airport with the city center in less than 15 minutes.

Information on the Out Games and other gay activities can be found at www.copenhagen2009.org as well as at www.copenhagenpride.dk. Comprehensive visitor information is available atwww.visitdenmark.com and www.visitcopenhagen.com. Denmark video vignettes also are available onwww.considerdenmark.com.