Issue No 11 – 2008 FREE

They’re Here! They’re Queer! Thank God! Get ready: ’s annual Gay Pride is coming

EVE Online’s Virtual World Explored Lesbian Weddings Crashed Day Remembered Kimi’s Summer Fun Tour Uncovered Gigs Deconstructed Restaurants Reviewed

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE, TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT IN ICELAND COMPLETE CITY LISTINGS – INSIDE! 2 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 11—2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL MASTHEAD

Grapevine loves August. There are so many crazy The Reykjavík Grapevine events to keep us happy. The month kicks off with Vesturgata 5, 101 Reykjavík Opinion numerous music festivals where locals and trav- www.grapevine.is ellers unite in a true holiday spirit. The following [email protected] To Warn or Not to Warn, That is the Question week features the annual Drag Competition and www.myspace.com/reykjavikgrapevine 06 An opinion by Alexandra Hertell Grapevine’s fabulous cover queen Steini gives us Published by Fröken ehf. a preview of what to expect. Then there’s the an- nual Gay Pride, with all its glittery costumes and Editorial: cheerful songs. For one whole day, gays, lesbians, +354 540 3600 / [email protected] Articles bisexuals and transgendered, together with tens Advertising: of thousands of pedestrians, will gather to support +354 540 3605 / [email protected] Contributing to International Welfare gay-rights and celebrate the wins in the battle for Publisher: 06 An interview with Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir equality. There will be lots of love in the air when +354 540 3601 / [email protected] the most colourful street-party of the year takes The Biggest Little Pride in the World over the city centre. The month will then reach its Publisher: 08 How much has changed for Iceland’s LGBT community in the past 30 years? peak with one of the biggest events of the year, the Hilmar Steinn Grétarsson enormous Culture Night. With so many happenings [email protected] Another icelandic monster: nykur scheduled, I doubt the Grapevine reporters will Editor: 10 Fearsome waterhorse of yore: These guys are way evil spend much time in the office. I will enjoy reading Sveinn Birkir Björnsson / [email protected] all about it in upcoming Grapevine issues. Assistant Editor: Only Amusing When Desperate As I write this, I got a little less than an hour Steinunn Jakobsdóttir / [email protected] 12 FM Belfast on the band’s history, crazy fans and upcoming debut release left of my roughly two years working for the maga- Contributing Writers: zine. Filling in for the boss for the past month has Haukur Magnússon / [email protected] Páll óskar is on been hard work so I plan to spend the next year Páll Hilmarsson / [email protected] 14 Iceland's favourite flaming singing sensation shows us the ropes having my nails painted and my body covered in Ben H. Murray / [email protected] all sorts of weird and aromatic oils at a spa resort in Editorial Interns: LOST in iceland? some very exotic country. Or I might even try to do Marcus Walsh / [email protected] 16 Google and others struggle to map Iceland something constructive. Who knows. Oddur Sturluson / [email protected] But seriously, not wanting to sound too corny, Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson / [email protected] Reviews sending this last issue to print leaves me with Stevie Ward / [email protected] 24 Andrúm, Merzedes Club and Trentemöller mixed feelings. Excited about my next challenges, James Crugnale / [email protected] I’ll miss this place and my awesome coworkers that Art Director: Reviews have made the office more of a home than a place Gunnar Þorvaldsson / [email protected] 25 Peter And Wolf, Boys in A Band and Steed Lord of work. I doubt any place in the world has such a Photographer: great bunch of people crammed together in a tiny Gunnlaugur Arnar Sigurðsson (GAS) Marriage of Mystery house. [email protected] 26 A new Icelandic film about weddings has more substance than most This issue you are now reading is also Grape- Marketing Director: vine’s 80th and I look forward to reading 80 more. Jón Trausti Sigurðarson / [email protected] fAIRGROUND in the Family I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do. With so Sales Director: 29 Taylor made for your fun many things to celebrate I wont keep this any lon- Aðalsteinn Jörundsson / [email protected] ger. The past two years have been great fun to say Distribution: Rock ‘n’ Responsibilities the least. Thanks guys! Þórir Gunnar Jónsson / [email protected] 30 Some of Kimi Records’ Roster Travelled the Country in Style Proofreader: Steinunn Jakobsdóttir Jim Rice

Press releases: Features THE COVER [email protected] Submissions inquiries: Never Underestimate the Power of Play [email protected] 20 Grapevine spends a day at CCP’s Reykjavík headquarters Subscription inquiries: +354 540 3605 / [email protected] General inquiries: I s s u e N o 1 1 – 2 0 0 8 F R E E [email protected] Destinations The Reykjavík Grapevine is published 18 times a The Art of Having Fun year by Fröken ltd. Monthly from November through 28 A photographer’s quest to depict Seyðisfjörður in 12 hours April, and fortnightly from May til October. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in They’re Here! White-water Fun! They’re Queer! part without the written permission of the publishers. T h a n k G o d ! 32 Grapevine goes rafting Get ready: Iceland’s annual Gay Pride is coming Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure that all information inside the magazine is correct, prices EVE Online’s Virtual World Explored Lesbian Weddings Crashed Remembered Horse Riding at Snorrastaðir Kimi’s Summer Fun Tour Uncovered and details may be subject to change. The Reykjavík Gigs Deconstructed Restaurants Reviewed

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE, TRAVEL Riding a horse called Fantasy AND ENTERTAINMENT IN ICELAND Grapevine can be found in Reykjavík, Akureyri, 33 COMPLETE CITY LISTINGS – INSIDE! Egilsstaðir, Selfoss, Keflavík, Ísafjörður and at key loca- MOUNTAINS, fjords and gods tions around road #1 and at all major tourist attractions 50 Hiking in Hornstrandir PHOTOGRAPHY and tourist information centres. GAS Sky's the limit MODEL & STYLIST You may not like it, but at least it's not sponsored. 52 Whitewater kayaking in Iceland Steini (No articles in the Reykjavík Grapevine are MAKE-UP pay-for articles. The opinions expressed are the Ísak Freyr Helgason at Emm with writers’ own, not the advertisers’). products from Makeup A THANKS TO Printed by Landsprent ehf. in 30.000 copies. Aftur

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LETTERS Sour Grapes

Say your piece, voice your opinion, send your letters to [email protected] or text +354 893 9589

I recently completed my second trip to medical knowledge contrary to the laws makes about as much sense as... I’m at Iceland, during which I was amused of humanity.. Similarly, I will not give to a lack for words here. It just makes no by Nethaniel Flagg’s self hating article a woman an abortive remedy. I will...do sense at all. about Americans. Things have changed no harm.” in Iceland from 4 years ago, and not for Yeah, I don’t think the “good” 7. Cancer and steroids. Interesting! the better. used to be hap- americans in the democratic party will py to see any tourist - even us terrible be talking too much about that part. Nor Thanks for reading, Americans (sic), as was a great will Mr. Flagg. boost to an economy that had stagnated Lastly, I’d like to urge all Iceland- Sveinn Birkir Björnsson for generations. I still will recommend ers, a people I still have much affection Iceland to anyone who has never been for, to accept that you have a big and there, but warn them of the backlash growing hard drug problem in Reyk- against tourists also. Roving gangs of javik. Perhaps that Iceland airwaves Dear TRG... very drunk ENGLISH tourists should festival wasn’t such a great idea after not ruin the party for everyone, and all. And perhaps you could even con- Happened to pick up your issue #10 that goes for just about every european front the scourge of Iceland - the high- right at the door of the plane as I was country these days.. est breast cancer rate in the world - by leaving Amsterdam for Reykjavik... I As for Mr. Flagg’s article, well, I realizing that steroids are just as harmful work on cruise ships and am spending know he is young and impressionable and cancer causing to women as they two nights here in town between jobs. and all that - but really now. His refer- are to men, even if it’s called “birth con- Totally loved your entire paper as it gave ence to an “unarmed” nation is really trol.” me a much better sense of what your funny, considering that US air force base great country is all about, including lots at Keflavik that has defended the island Sean Cannan of real-world, hands-on tips for tourists for decades. Icelanders won’t be kick- Charlottesville, VA like me who don't have time to figure ing us out any time soon; they are not USA out the local scene on our own! I felt like that stupid, and it is a great bargain for a local and had a great time checking them. Dear Sean (I believe that’s a derivative of out the night life thanks to you. As for all his naive pronounce- the name Sveinn) Especially loved the "Fear & Loath- ments about what an international crim- ing in Reykjavik" story (sorry, couldn't inal the US has been recently, yawn, per- Although I am on vacation, and was on find a by-line for the author)... well done haps he should have a listen to what all vacation during the issue Flagg’s piece with lots of tips for all tastes. I checked his heros in the democratic party were ran, I feel I must answer some of the out the Q-Bar and had a fantastic time. saying in the lead up to the Iraq inva- points you raise in your letter. Doubt I would've found it without your sion, as well as exactly how they voted suggestion. I made sure I told them for it also. Al Gore would have invaded 1. The “American” Nato base in Keflavík where I heard about them too! Iraq the same month that Mr. Bush did - has been closed for over two years. It I was here for a quick one-nighter sad to say. now houses a university. We probably last week and had read elsewhere about Many european nations were and/ are just that stupid. the great Reykjavik night life. Was really or are still in Iraq with US forces. A friend disappointed as I got in at 12 AM and of mine in the dutch military was there 2. As for Gore would have invaded Iraq couldn't even find a quiet pub for a beer! himself. Are they all global bandits also on the same date as Bush did, well, I Great to talk up the fun that's getting bet- ? And what of the troops from Iceland guess we’ll never know, will we? Seeing ter all the time, but might be helpful to (carrying flowers instead of guns, right as his election was stolen and all. let folks know that weekdays are pretty ?) who are in Afghanistan ? Oh wait, quiet. that’s the “good” invasion, right ? 3. Pointing out that other nations did the Next time I have the opportunity If europeans were indeed so an- same mistakes in invading Iraq does not to visit, first thing I'm looking for is the gry at the US and did not want to feed justify you own invasion. Take care of Grapevine... Please keep up the fantas- its militarist adventures, perhaps they your own backyard buddy. As for “the tic work; kudos to you and IcelandAir for could stop smoking and end their fi- Icelandic Troops” in Afghanistan, a few the best free publication in the land!! nancial support of some of the states’ PR agents on a peace keeping mission most conservative politicians in North can hardly be called ‘troops,’ but what- Wishing you continued success... Carolina and Virginia. Or stop visiting ever... Cheers! the US and spending their tourist dollars John here. But that’s not going to happen any 4. As for the tobacco industry... I couldn’t Reykjavík sooner than Icelanders kicking the US agree with you more. It is a bad habit Thanks, John! We love you too! air force out of Keflavik, now is it ? anyway. Let’s quit. Mr. Flagg should take note that Welcome Card people are people wherever you go, and 5. I didn’t read Flagg’s article as say- defining someone by the decisions of ing that he would judge a whole nation Enjoy the Thermal Pools, Museums, their country’s leaders - be they good or based on the decisions of its leaders. He bad - is rather stupid, no matter where did say that the decision of its leaders to Public Transport and discounts. you are. If he is so interested in uphold- invade Iraq was one of the causes for the ing the Geneva Convention and the blow to international perception of US UDHR, perhaps now would be a good citizens as a whole. This may not be fair. time to remind him of this part of it: But I do think it is the truth. “I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of concep- 6. Blaming the Iceland Airwaves festival tion; even under threat, I will not use my for growth in hard drug use in Reykjavík

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6 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 11—2008 opinion interview BY Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson — PHOTO by gas

To Warn or Not to Warn, That is the Question Ingibjörg SÓlrún Gísladóttir: International welfare is serious business by Alexandra Hertell

I hail from a surfers’ paradise in the Caribbean, where the ocean gets rowdy and unpredictable Contributing to International Welfare with undertows and strong currents. The most dangerous beaches all have warning signs, which Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir talks about the Iceland Crisis Response Unit do not prevent tourists from splashing in the seem- ingly calm waters only to require rescue or, even worse, resulting in drowning. From this personal experience, when I A few years ago, the Icelandic part of the substantial aftermath to conflict that a much more established organisation in the com- learned of the couple who nearly drowned in government decided to contribute needs to be dealt with. We try to achieve our goals ing years. with pragmatic assistance and useful instructions. Was revoking the ICRU’s member based in Dyrhólaey and of the subsequent controversy to international peacemaking about whether a warning sign should be erected, Many of the areas patrolled by the ICRU are Iraq some sort of statement? If so, have you I sided with the Environmental Agency of Iceland. and established an organisa- rife with animosity against interfering West- received any feedback? It announced that warnings can be risky because tion known as The Iceland Crisis ern forces. Have diplomatic methods always Of course it was a statement. I was against the Iraq tourists then assume that any place without a sign Response Unit, ICRU . Its activity is sufficed to meet ICRU goals? Have they resort- invasion from the beginning, and I think the whole is safe. It also creates a slippery slope. Once you still somewhat of a riddle to many ed to more hostile approaches? situation was a genuine fiasco. When I came into put one sign up, more will follow and then when No, the ICRU has never been involved with anything office we reached the conclusion that we wouldn’t and some of its operations have will it stop? of the sort. Our people do not possess the knowl- take part in any operations based in Iraq. Regard- As a tourist, you have to be aware that the been heavily criticised. The stated edge or training mandatory for extreme measures ing feedback; everybody seems to have concurred sublime and pristine nature of Iceland is also vola- purpose of the squad is to promote such as military operations; they have not been with my decision, at least I haven’t heard any com- tile and unforgiving. It deserves respect, whether stability in war-zones and other trained in warfare so it is really impossible. plaints. that be not standing so close to the shore or not areas in need of help, but various It is still a well-known and heavily criticised It is on your agenda to obtain a seat in the UN entering an ice cave in the summer months when fact that some of the unit’s personnel, for in- Security Council. Is operating the ICRU per- critics consider the unit nothing the ice is melting. The weather here is extremely stance the ones in Afghanistan, carry weap- haps a strategy to further that goal? erratic, especially in the highlands. It can change more than a fledgling “Icelandic ons on a standard basis. Are you insinuating I mean, of course it’s connected to our bid for a within a few minutes and drastically at that. Army”. Some of the unit’s person- that these people have not had the appropri- seat in the Security Council. Any nation that sits in I experienced this first hand while I was hik- nel are armed at all times and the ate training for carrying arms, and are incom- the council has to be familiar with the realm of the ing along the stark desert landscape adjacent to ICRU's employee based in Iraq was petent? present conflicts, as they constitute the bulk of the the Dyngjufjöll Mountains. A windstorm of mam- No not at all. The ones working at the airport in council’s work. moth proportions sprung out of nowhere. I was even withdrawn when Ingibjörg Kabul carry weapons, and those people have re- Your annual report cites Dr. Martin Luther being pelted by tiny rocks with gusts of winds Sólrún Gísladóttir, Iceland’s cur- ceived substantial training. We like to think that al- King’s famous quote: “We have to contribute so strong that it felt like I was being shot at with rent Minister of Foreign Affairs, though they carry weapons, it is only for protection to peace in a non-violent way”. Isn’t that a bit bb guns. The wind swayed me like a paper doll took over. Just after the release but not for any professed military responsibilities. sarcastic, since you operate armed divisions? and I had to crawl to get to the car. Once I got to of their 2007 Annual Report, The security in Kabul is military operated, though, There is a crisis going on in Afghanistan and the the mountain hut, the ranger in charge told me in and we have to abide to their control. UN Security Council has ordered squads there to what direction I needed to park my car in order for Grapevine caught up with her Do you think it is proper to mix development be armed for security’s sake. So I wouldn’t say it un- it not to flip over like a Tonka toy. and picked her brains about this aid, which you say is the main role of the ICRU, suitable to call our measures non-violent. I am not If you are embarking on a trip that stares unique state-operated movement. with military actions such as in Kabul? particularly fond of their bearing arms, and even Mother Nature in the eyes, it will be remarkable It is of course rather obvious that development aid think it might only entertain a false sense of secu- but you may be at jeopardy. This is true in any isn’t exactly our main goal in Kabul. Although our rity. But if experts have ordered them to carry arms country. If Iceland were to put a warning sign What exactly is The Iceland Crisis Response professed agenda comprises of various objectives, for their own personal safety, I won’t dispute their in places that are deemed perilous, most of the Unit, and what are its functions? such as development assistance, there are certain verdict. It is after all they who face the dangers of country could be dotted with the word ‘danger’. The Iceland Crisis Response Unit is our contribu- “advanced activities” that are not included in it. that environment. Tourists have perished on the hike from Land- tion to peace cultivation in the world and is consid- So we are apparently taking part in various mannalaugar to Þórsmörk due to sudden changes erably new. Its actions are merely civilian, not war militaristic activities. But who decides the in weather, does that deserve a sign? Blue solid related at all. Some peace crisis response units are unit’s projects? Is it the Icelandic Govern- chunks of ice have collapsed from an ice cave kill- inclusive in a military setup, but of course we don’t ment? I am not particularly fond of ing an adventurous tourist. Should there be a sign possess an army of our own so that’s not the case Yes. It’s merely us that decide where, how and why their bearing arms, and even by the many ice caves tourists visit each year? The here. Let’s keep that straight; all of our employees we operate. foul-mouthed British celebrity chef Gordon Ram- are merely civilian and not soldier-like at all. The Is the ICRU established to fulfil Iceland’s inter- think it might only entertain a sey recently recounted his near-death experience unit’s main role is elaborate but it basically consists national commitments? false sense of security. But if after falling off a cliff trying to catch puffins in the of developing communities damaged in warfare, Not at all. Its establishment was a contribution to in- Westman Islands. Should all cliffs where tourists the basic precondition for the ICRU’s arrival is that ternational welfare. However, it was always a goal experts have ordered them to perch on its ledges to capture a close-up of a puf- actual military conflicts have ceased. that it would measure up to international criterion. carry arms for their own per- fin have a warning sign? What are the main goals of this Icelandic But again, no, we weren’t under any international I say no. peace movement and how do you plan to at- pressure at all. This is our idea, our policy formula- sonal safety, I won’t dispute tain them? tion and our decision. their verdict. Well, the main goal is to do our best to encourage The present cost of sustaining the ICRU is development following military confrontations. We about 600 million ISK a year. What are your emphasise the protection of women and children future plans for it? Will you augment the bud- and the extensive difficulties faced by women and get? children in demanding times. A lot of them have Yes. It is on our agenda to increase funding for de- suffered repulsive abuse; the strategy of using rape velopment assistance and co-operation, and that as an instrument of war is well known. This is but includes amplifying the ICRU, which will become RAFTING FROM 6.590 ISK

Arctic Rafting offers rafting trips on the Hvítá River, only 10 minutes from the Geysir area. The trips start at 6.590 ISK NATURE IS THE ADVENTURE! and a variety of combination tours are availble every day. We can also pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavík. Call us on +354-562-7000, meet us at Laugavegur 11 in the Cintamani Center or ask for us at your hotel or nearest tourist information center. www.adventures.is | [email protected] | +354-562-7000 8 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 11—2008 interview interview BY James Crugnale

Happily Ever After The first same-sex church marriage in Iceland

These lego men are happily married under our cool new law By James Crugnale

On July 2, 2008, Katrín Þóra Víðisdóttir and Erla Björk Pálmadóttir became the first same-sex cou- ple to be officially blessed by an Icelandic church, The Biggest Little Pride in the World at Melstaðarkirkja in Miðfjörður. Víðisdóttir said it felt “very good to lead the path” and shared the How much has changed for Iceland’s LGBT community in the past 30 years? details of their nuptial celebration with the Grape- vine:

How does it feel for you to finally make your As the controversy over gay legislative work led by Samtökin 78, the Icelandic must bear in mind that new generations appear vows official in a church? rights continues to seethe over national organisation of queer people. A close co- every year and therefore our fight for human rights It feels very good to be finally accepted in the operation with several MPs led to several impor- – as well as for the social security and well-being heatedly and caustically in the church just as everyone else. Now the fact of be- tant recommendations in Alþingi.” of gays and other queer people – is a never-ending ing gay doesn’t make you any less of a person than United States, like freshly expulsed This year, Samtökin 78 celebrates its 30th story especially in terms of educational and infor- if you are straight. We don’t have the same law [as volcanic lava from Mt. Hekla, anniversary. As Iceland’s only gay rights organi- mative work. Let us bear in mind that historically straight couples], but the law we have is just as here in Iceland cooler heads have sation, the organisation provides a safe space for speaking we belong to a culture which has always good. There are, of course, things to fix and make prevailed and much progress has LGBT people as well as allies to gather and organ- been hostile towards queers. Although being better, make new words for a couple of things and ise. The group also boasts an umbrella network grateful for the enlightenment which character- since been achieved. then it will be perfect. In Icelandic, the words we comprised of similar other subgroups including ises the modern Iceland, I am always prepared for use for wedding, husband and wife [et al] does LGBT students & youth as well as parents and vari- some unexpected swing in weather.” not feel right. And even though we are married, Way back in 1996, Iceland became one of the first ous other caucuses. my wife won’t get any of our stuff like furniture, nations in the world to give gays and lesbians civil Executive director of the organisation, Lárus Gay Pride Fest the house, car and so on if it is on my name as union rights, as well as thorough protection from Ari Knútsson, says that Iceland should be consid- The annual Gay Pride festival is just around the I have no papers that say that she is the rightful discrimination. Most recently, in fact only a few ered a role model to the world on LGBT matters. corner and when asked how big he expects the owner after I die. They will have to fix this. But of weeks ago, same-sex couples were finally allowed “The Nordic countries have been the front run- turnout to be this year, Kristinsson said it would course, we will live happily ever after! to have their relationships legally confirmed by ners on this issue, we’ve learned from the others; depend on the weather. “Last year we saw some How long did you have to wait for this to hap- church ministers. While it isn’t quite full-marriage there’s definitely been a strong collaboration.” 75.000 guests in the Reykjavík city centre. That pen? equality, most of the liberties granted by hetero- makes about one fourth of the nation. I would be Actually, we didn’t have to wait very long, just marriage are included. Despite Advancements, quite happy to see some 100.000 this time!” about four days. Of course, we have been waiting “[Iceland’s civil union law] includes all the Barriers Remain Kristinsson also stresses that locals are for this for a very long time but we had no idea same legal rights as does the traditional hetero- Knútsson acknowledges though that while Ice- very welcoming of LGBT visitors who are coming that this would come anytime soon, so we had sexual marriage, and there is only a question of land has made great strides, there is still a way to to the festivities. “A great part of the people who just made plans to get married in the [District time until we see one unified go to ensure greater equality for attend Reykjavík Gay Pride is heterosexual, our Commissioner]’s office. Just the two of us were go- marriage law for Icelanders LGBT people. “Unfortunately, families and friends, and without this supportive ing, and of course, our sisters, because they were regardless of sex and sexual Samtökin 78 we have not reached the same atmosphere, there would hardly be such a big cel- our witnesses to get married. Our plan was to go orientation,” says Gay Pride or- (The National Queer peak as . What Ice- ebration in Reykjavík. The general heterosexual there the morning of our wedding day, and then ganiser, Þorvaldur Kristinsson. Organization) land has done is allowing for support makes our festivities quite unique in the we were going to drive north when the legal stuff “To make it clear what a prog- Laugavegur 3, (4th floor) churches to marry if the priest world and our queer visitors grasp this particular was out of the way and there we were going to ress we have seen, I like to point Tel.: 552 7878 will agree; Norway has said, spirit immediately as they arrive,” says Kristinsson. have good wishes in the church with our family out that the revised versions of www.samtokin78.is ‘Everyone can get married, deal “The number of foreign visitors have increased by and friends afterwards, dinner, drinks and fun for same-sex registered partner- The organisation hosts an with it.’” every year and many of them come again and everyone. ship law in 2000 and 2006 gave open house at its community Knútsson also notes again!” The priest, Sigurður Grétar Sigurðsson, then full adoptive rights to same-sex centre on Monday and Thurs- that the rights of transgen- phoned us a few days before the special day and couples as well as full right to day nights from 20:00 to 22:30. dered people are limited and told us that the new law was at last here. We could seek assistance in official fertil- medical services required for do the whole thing in the church! We were, of ity clinics.” their needs are far and few be- Although the situation is al- course, very happy with this. So the plan changed Moreover, Iceland is one of the biggest Eu- tween. “Icelandic law is quite unclear about the most the best imaginable right a little but it was no problem. We didn’t have to ropean LGBT celebration hotspots of the summer rights and status of transgendered people,” says change anything but just cancel the [appointment with Reykjavík’s cheerfully raucous Gay Pride fes- Kristinsson. “I see it as our most important task now, we must bear in mind with the District Commissioner]. But we had no tival taking place August 7 to 10. Organizers affec- here to establish a parliamentarian committee to that new generations appear idea that we were going to be the first gay couple tionately declare the event “the biggest little pride investigate the legal and social situation of trans- to get married in a church. That was just a happy in the world!” sexual people in Iceland, and suggest progressive every year and therefore our surprise! Despite the present ubiquity of the great improvements, so important for their happiness fight for human rights – as What do you feel is the historical significance strides LGBT people have accomplished in Ice- and well-being.” of this? land, the movement has been through hard times well as for the social secu- The historical significance of this is that, finally, and much greater adversity. “Until the 1970s les- Public Sentiment Remains Supportive rity and well-being of gays and gay people are accepted by the church. It means bians and gay men were practically invisible in Contemporary public attitudes in Iceland have that now people are accepting us just the way we Icelandic society which surrounded them with been growing more accepting of the LGBT com- other queer people – is a never- are. They are accepting the fact that we have feel- contempt and massive silence,” says Kristinsson. munity. “Since the early 1990s, opinion polls have ending story … ings too, and we can love just as much as every- “Their reaction was either to hide their sexual shown a surprising change of values in society one e