While Luxembourg ranks as one of the most queer-friendly countries in the world, queer young adults are leaving the country. Lëtzebuerger Journal talked to the people who are settling down abroad and dived into Luxemburg’s queer culture to understand where the issue is rooted.
Luxembourg is often declared as one of the queer-friendliest countries in the world – priding itself with an openly gay prime minister, ranking third in the Rainbow Europe ranking, with only Malta (1st) and Belgium (2nd) surpassing Luxembourg’s queer-friendly legislations, and hosting a yearly Pride week talking of love and rainbows. The experiences of queer people are often not at the centre of this political and juridical analysis, even though it is precisely them who are affected by the disillusion of the Luxembourgish queer haven, and who are moving away.
Finding a new home abroad
"Absolutely, no way" is Chris Frantz’ answer to the question if they want to move back to Luxembourg after their studies. They are 22 years old and are currently studying Film and Literature in the United Kingdom, and have been dreaming of leaving Luxembourg since the high school level 4ième. "As soon as you notice that you are different, you start noticing that Luxembourg cannot offer you what other places can." This does not explicitly mean metropolises, because the student now lives in the town Colchester – which has with a population of about 120,000, as many citizens as Luxembourg City. "Obviously, if you live in a bigger city, it results in more queer people, which results in more visibility", as they are aware, "this makes social change much easier to achieve". That said, Chris reassures, even small towns can make queer people feel safe and accepted – especially through safe spaces.
You want more? Get access now.
-
One-year subscription€185.00/year
-
Monthly subscription€18.50/month
-
Zukunftsabo for subscribers under the age of 26€120.00/year
Already have an account?
Log in
