LGBTQ: Pristina, Kosovo

Pristina, Kosovo, is a bit of an enigma when it comes to LGBTQ rights and acceptance. It’s the only country in Eastern Europe to allow same-sex marriage in its constitution, but locals will tell you it’s not something looked favorably upon in the streets. The country has yet to see an application for a gay couple to get married.

There are no gay clubs or restaurants within city limits and it’s an extremely rare sight to see a same-sex couple holding hands. While local government fights to move the country forward and protect its LGBTQ citizens, the culture here is still stuck in the past.

Pristina is not currently a city where LGBTQ travelers should risk being open about their sexuality. Attacks on gay men and woman, while not common on paper, regularly occur and are not reported. There are no gay pride events to be found and it’s difficult to meet other members of the LGBTQ community.

There are a few places you can relax, though. The popular club Megaherz is one place where gay couples can routinely be found. Younger members of the community can be found at Half and Half, a hip café near the university.

Overall, Pristina is not a place where you can go and cut loose as a member of the LGBTQ community. It’s still a fascinating city to visit, but it has a long way to go when it comes to embracing civil rights.