There are few stages in life as tumultuous as adolescence when existence tends to turn topsy-turvy, the body undergoes changes at astronomical speed, and interactions, boundaries, and attitudes are constantly being re-evaluated. It’s crucial for teens and young adults to have a safe haven; a place where they can be themselves, interact with peers, and belong. In recent years, there’s been a tremendous growth in queer community work for adolescents and young adults, with queer gatherings and community centers sprouting up.
We’ve compiled an overview of queer community work for young people all around the country.
Please note that opening hours may change when activities resume in the fall, so it’s best to seek information primarily from the community centers’ Instagram pages
Reykjavík
Queer Community Center Samtökin '78 and Tjörnin Recreational Center
The queer community center Samtökin ’78 and Tjörninrecreational center welcome all young people aged 13-17 who identify as queer or relate to queer issues in some way. Their goal is to actively improve the public health of queer children, teens, and young adults and combat prejudice, discrimination, and bullying targeting queer children in school and recreational activities.
Age: 10-17 years.
Location:
10-12 years Spennistöðin at Barónsstíg
13-16 years Spennistöðin at Barónsstíg
16-17 years Suðurgata 3
Instagram: @hinseginfelagsmidstods78
Hinung
HinUng is a community initiative designed for young people aged 18-25 who identify as queer, are questioning their identity, or simply want to meet people in an environment where everyone is welcomed.
Age: 18-25 years
Location: Samtökin ’78 // Suðurgata 3, Reykjavík
Instagram: @hinsegin.ung
Gaymstöðin
Gaymstöðin is a queer community center of the Kringlumýrar recreational center. The goal is to create a safe space for queer youth and bridge the gap between queer and traditional community center work. In Gaymstöðin, queer youth in Laugardalur get to meet staff from various Kringlumýrar workplaces, hopefully encouraging more active participation in the community.
Age: 13-16 years
Location: Hofið // Leirulækur 2 // The Outbuildings at Laugalækjaskóla
Instagram: @gaymstodin
Queer Breiðholt
Queer Breiðholt are queer openings provided by the Miðberg recreational center. All 13-16-year-olds who identify as queer or are interested in queer issues are welcome. The youth decide the diverse program themselves, and many are also active in the Queer Community Center’s work. Queer Breiðholt aims to increase visibility in the neighborhood, provide a safe and fun environment, and build strong connections.
Age: 13-16 years
Location: Community Center Hellirinn // Kleifarsel 18
Instagram: @hinseginbreidholt
Sikkris
Sikkris is a platform for all queer youth and a collaborative project of the Brúarinnar recreational center (Reykjavik) and Bólsins (Mosfellsbæ), with staff from Sigyn, Bólinu, and Brúnni. Sikkris is situated in Höllin in Grafarvogur, a special community center. Youth are free to come and go as they please and there is a strong emphasis on creating a safe space for everyone so they can feel comfortable and be themselves.
Age: 13-18 years
Location: Höllin // Egilshöll
Instagram: @sikkris.hinsegin
Hafnarfjörður
HHH - Queer Gathering in Hafnarfjörður
HHH – Queer gathering in Hafnarfjörður is intended for young people in grades 5-10 who identify as queer, are questioning their identity, and are interested in queer issues. You can also attend as support if you know someone who could benefit from coming. The goal is for youth to feel safe, welcome, and have the opportunity to thrive. The work is largely based on peer education and youth will be given the task of raising awareness about issues facing queer youth and celebrating diversity in Hafnarfjörður.
Age: Grades 5-10
Location: Community Center Vitinn in the sports house at Lækjarskóla
Instagram: @hinseginhittingurihfj
Kópavogur
Queer Félkó
The queer community center in Kópavogur (Queer Félkó) began operations in November 2022. The goal is for youth to feel safe, welcome, and have the opportunity to thrive. The work is largely based on peer education and youth will be given the task of raising awareness about issues facing queer youth and celebrating diversity in Kópavogur. They started with openings for adolescents in grades 8-10 who identify as queer, are questioning their identity, and/or simply interested in queer issues. Friends are also welcome.
Age: Grades 8-10 // The plan is to expand services to more age groups.
Location: Félkó // Fannborg 2
Instagram: @hinsegin_felko
Akureyri
Hinsegin Félak
Queer FÉLAK are queer openings provided by community centers in Akureyri. The work began in 2019 and has steadily grown since. All 13-16-year-olds who identify as queer or relate to queer issues in some way are welcome to participate. The goal is to provide queer youth with a platform and opportunities to meet in a safe environment, increase visibility of queer identity, educate, and reduce prejudice. The dream is to expand operations in the next semesters with work for middle school and 16-18 year-olds.
Age: 13-16 years // The plan is to expand services and offer work for other age groups
Location: The Rósenborg Youth House // Skólastígur 2
Instagram: @hinsegin_felak