</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-64753" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67933/Sofia-at-night.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p><h2>Sofia | София</h2><p>The capital and largest city of Bulgaria, with over 1 million people living and working here. Sofia is located in the centre of the Balkan peninsula.</p><p>With a history stretching back to antiquity, Sofia has played an important part of regional history. Occupied by the Ottomans, allied with the Nazis and set-up as a Soviet satellite state; Sofia is inviting you to discover its chequered past.</p><p>Today, you will find a bustling city that is Bulgarian's cultural, commercial, educational and political centre. Here you will find breathtaking churches, fascinating museums, beautiful boulevards, fantastic shopping opportunities and a modest gay scene.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Gay Rights in Bulgaria</h2><p>Same-sex activity was legalised in 1968, however this does not by any means indicate that Bulgaria is a liberal country when it comes to sexuality. It is only since 2003 that protection against discrimination is enshrined in law and social attitudes remain conservative.</p><p>Marriage equality also may be a while away as there was a constitutional amendment in 1991 to define marriage as solely between a man and woman and in 2012 former prime minister Boyko Borisov claimed that Bulgarians weren't ready for it.</p><p>Adoption is unavailable for same-sex couples in any circumstance and surrogacy is forbidden for gay couples.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Gay Scene</h2><p>Sofia, as with a lot of Eastern European cities, is lagging significantly behind your cosmopolitan gay meccas of Madrid and Berlin. It doesn't offer too much in the way of gay venues but there are a handful of <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/sofia-gay-bars-clubs/">Gay Bars &amp; Clubs</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/sofia-gay-sauna-and-massage/">Gay Saunas</a> available.</p><p>In comparison to provincial Bulgaria, Sofia is a lot more open minded to gay couples displaying affection. It is advisable, however, to keep public displays of affection to a minimum outside of specifically gay venues.</p><p>Sofia has hosted a Pride Parade in 2008 which was met with strong opposition from religious and far-right organisations. Over time, the parade has become a lot more peaceful however the week before, religious leaders organise an anti-pride parade.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Getting to Sofia</h2><p>Sofia Airport (SOF) is located 10km east of the city centre. It is Bulgaria's busiest airport and is well connected by flag carriers and budget airlines to destinations across Europe and the Middle East.</p><p>You can take Line 1 of the Sofia metro into the city centre. The journey time takes around 18 minutes and trains operate from 5.30am until midnight. The platform is located at Terminal 2 and there is free transport between terminals.</p><p>Alternatively, buses 84 and 384 run from around 5am until midnight and can be caught from Terminal 2. Journeys take between 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic. You will have to pay extra for large items of luggage. Single tickets cost 1.60 lev on both metro and the bus.</p><p>Taxis can be taken from the airport into the city centre. The airport recommends using the official company OK Supertrans (recognised by the OK sticker). A journey into the city will cost 20 lev.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-64233" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67934/SOFIA-guide.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p><h2>Getting around Sofia</h2><p><strong>On foot</strong></p><p>Sofia city centre is relatively compact, so you will have no difficulty getting around on foot.  Walking is also one of the best ways to take in the city's diverse architecture. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that potholes are not uncommon and there are no dedicated cyclist lanes.</p><p><strong>By public transport</strong></p><p>Sofia has a well-connected and -integrated public transport system of buses, trolley buses, trams and a metro service. Compared to other cities, Sofia's public transport network doesn't get too crowded at rush hour and is relatively easy to navigate at any time of day.</p><p>A single ticket costs 1 lev and day tickets cost 4 lev. You will also need a separate ticket for large items of luggage. Be sure to validate your tickets as ticket inspectors do operate and can be quite unfriendly. Services run from 5am until midnight with no night services after this time.</p><p><strong>By taxi</strong></p><p>Taxis are readily available in Sofia and are easily identifiable (they are yellow). Journeys inside the city centre rarely exceed 10 lev. Be wary of rogue drivers trying to imitate the official taxi companies and as a rule do not accept a taxi if approached by a driver.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Where to Stay in Sofia</h2><p>Sofia has a great choice of hotels, from mid-range to luxury. For our list of recommended Sofia hotels for gay travelers, please visit our <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-sofia-hotels/">Gay Sofia Hotels</a> page.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2><p><strong>Alexander Nevsky Cathedral</strong> - large Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral and a fantastic example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. This is widely recognised as the symbol of Sofia.</p><p><strong>Bulgaria National Assembly building</strong> - a monument of culture with great historic significance. Constructed between 1884 and 1886 this is a fantastic example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.</p><p><strong>Vitoshka</strong> - Sofia's main boulevard which hosts wonderful Art Nouveau buildings and equally as grand designer brands. On a warm summers day it can feel almost Parisian.</p><p><strong>Eagles' Bridge</strong> - named for the four eagle statues on each side of the bridge that are said to be its protectors and patrons.</p><p><strong>Slaveykov Square</strong> - named for father and son writers Petko and Pencho Slaveykov, this is a peaceful little place to people watch. The main library is located here and you will find charming old ladies selling second hand books from stalls on the stage.</p><p><strong>Borisova Gradina</strong> - beautiful park named after the Bulgarian Tsar Boris III. This is Sofia's oldest park with construction starting in 1882.</p><p><strong>National Palace of Culture</strong> - striking example of communist architecture but also an important performance and exhibition venue. Hall 1 can host 3,380 people with smaller venues inside. The grounds outside are attractive and often host markets.</p><p><strong>National Historical Museum</strong> - Bulgaria's largest museum where you can find out more about Bulgaria's fascinating history.  This used to be the residence of Bulgaria's last communist leader Todor Zhivkov and is located outside of the city centre in Boyana.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-64268" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67935/Sofia-Parliament-Square.jpg" alt="Sofia City Center" width="100%" /></p><h2></h2><h2>When to Visit</h2><p>Unlike other capital cities, Sofia doesn't get swarmed with tourists. Summer (June-August) in Sofia is very warm but generally a lot milder than other locations in the rest of Bulgaria. Winter is icy cold and there are popular ski resorts outside of the city.</p><p>Easter time is a good time to visit Sofia as celebrations and the blooming plants bring an extra level of colour to the city. Sofia film festival is also held annually in March and Sofia Pride is held every June.</p><h2></h2><h2>Visa</h2><p>Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen Zone yet although the right steps have been taken to obtain membership. Bulgaria is part of the European Union, however, and its visa requirements fall in line with what you would expect from most EU states.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Money</h2><p>The currency of Bulgaria is the lev. Other currencies are not officially accepted in most venues,  so it is advised to ensure you only carry Bulgarian currency.</p><p>Cash dispensers are widely available. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted

Gay Sofia · City Guide

First time in Sofia? Then our gay Sofia city guide page is for you.

Sofia is geen Praag of Warschau. Het trekt niet zoveel toeristen als andere grote Oost-Europese steden. Dat gezegd hebbende, het heeft wel zijn charmes. Veel rijken hebben de stad veroverd en hebben een divers architectonisch landschap achtergelaten. Sofia is wat vervallen en krakkemikkig, maar dat is juist de charme. Het eten en drinken is erg goedkoop.

Sofia is geen Praag van Warschau. Het trekt niet zoveel toeristen als andere grote Oost-Europese steden. Dat gezegd hebbende, het heeft wel zijn charmes. Veel rijken hebben de stad gedeeld en hebben een divers architectonisch landschap. Sofia is wat gedateerd en krakkemikkig, maar dat is juist de charme. Het eten en drinken is erg goedkoop.

Gay Sofia

Since 1968, Gaysexual activity in Bulgaria had been legal

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Same-sex couples are banned from adopting in Bulgaria. However, single individuals regardless of sexual orientation are allowed to adopt, though requests from single men are rarely accepted. Lesbian couples do not have access to IVF and artificial insemination, as it is only available to married opposite-sex couples. Nevertheless, since 2004, single lesbian women have had access to IVF.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The difference between legal age of consent for Gaysexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Gay and bisexual men are not explicitly banned from donating blood in Bulgaria. However, the blood donor application form, required prior to any blood donation, does not ask the applicant to disclose that information, rather requires them to confirm that they did not partake in practices (sexual included) that increase the risk of HIV or other STIs. The consent form is detailed in an ordinance issued by Bulgaria's Ministry of Healthcare on 19 July 2004.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

No official censorship since the fall of communism in 1991. Will likely be condemned if brought back 

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

During the communist era in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1946 to 1989, the government promoted a highly controlled and regulated society, which extended to matters related to LGBT rights. Gaysexuality was criminalized under Article 157 of the Bulgarian Penal Code, which remained in place until 1968.<br />
<br />
During this time, discussions or expressions of LGBT-related topics were generally suppressed, and any attempt to advocate for LGBT rights could face censorship and persecution by the government. This was part of the broader censorship and control exerted by the communist regime over various aspects of society, including the media, literature, and public discourse.<br />


The current law does not provide for the possibility for the court to allow the change of the data regarding the gender, name and uniform civil number in the acts of civil status of an applicant who claims to be transgender,” the decision states. Since February 21st 2023 by the supreme court of Bulgaria. However, there are still protections but limited protections. 

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Requires sterilization. Ruled not legal by EU. Changes pending. Missing non binary options on documents.

Conversion therapy in Bulgaria is not banned. It is widely condemned however 

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Discrimination in bulgaria is illegal. Recently Bulgaria has stepped up against anti lgbtq discrimination with new legislation 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

In 2015, the National Assembly amended the definition of "sex" in the law to include cases of gender change.[20] Transgender people who have not undergone a legal gender change could use "gender" from the list of protected grounds. Gender expression and gender identity are not explicitly mentioned in the revised Act.<br />
<br />
For other mods please check sources if it is wrong please change it but check sources first as this seems it is correct. Cheers! 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Bulgaria has recently been stepping up against lgbtq+ discrimination. Widely supported legislation 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Article 46 of The Constitution of Bulgaria (1991) defines marriage as a “free union between a man and a woman.” Currently, Bulgaria has only recognized 1 gay marriage after a court ruling, but only 1 being recognized and none other does not mean they recognize foreign gay marriages.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Only 22 Countries allow transgender service Bulgaria is not one of them. 

The ability for Gaysexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Bulgaria

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Lesbische bars zijn belangrijke locaties voor LGBT + -vrouwen om zich veilig te voelen en plezier te hebben rond gelijkgestemde individuen.

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Gay Pride-festival in Sofia.

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Gay Sofia Guide - De beste Gaybars en dansclubs, gay beoordeelde hotels, Gaysauna's, cruiseclubs en meer in Sofia, Bulgarije. Exclusieve recensies, kaarten en kortingen.

Gay Sofia Guide 2024 - Gaybars, clubs, sauna's en meer

Sofia, de historische hoofdstad van Bulgarije, herbergt tal van musea en galerijen en een vriendelijke, levendige Gayscene.

Eigenaarsbeschrijving: Als u ontspannen wilt en tot rust wilt komen na een drukke dag op het werk. Of als je gewoon verveelt en iets nieuws en heel spannends wilt proberen. Ons massage-aanbod is speciaal voor jou! Als u Sofia voor zaken of als toerist bezoekt, zal het ons een waar genoegen zijn als u ons vertrouwt en uw lichaam laat aanraken, masseren en strelen door onze geweldige masseuse. Onze speciale VIP Massage is ontstaan ​​als een combinatie van krachtsportmassage, speciale nudistenmassage en het mysterie van tantramassage. De massagetherapeut is erg discreet. Hij heeft een hetero-mannelijk uiterlijk, spraak en houding. Hij komt bij u langs in uw hotelkamer of ontvangt u in onze discrete studio. Ervaar een hoeveelheid plezier van de erotische VIP-massage, die je nog lang zult onthouden. Naast de speciale VIP Massage kunt u ook aanvullende diensten ontvangen die u vooraf kunt toevoegen bij het maken van een afspraak. Het is heel gemakkelijk en gaat net als toppings op je pizza. U kunt bijvoorbeeld prostaatmassage, nuru (lichaam tegen lichaam), fetisj (de masseuse kan in erotisch ondergoed, jockstrap, string of witte sokken of alleen in een t-shirt) of andere toevoegen. Wij raden u aan om minimaal één tot twee dagen van tevoren een afspraak te maken voor de greep. De beste tijd voor een massage van goede kwaliteit is 's ochtends, wanneer de energie van de masseuse nog zuiver is. U kunt een massageafspraak boeken door een e-mail te sturen naar: vipood@abv.bg (we reageren binnen een uur). Je kunt ons volgen op Facebook (link naar de Facebook-pagina), waar we vaak acties en kortingen hebben op onze speciale massages. Bezoek direct de VIP Massage pagina om uw afspraak te boeken.

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LGBT Deystvie, opgericht in 2010, is een steungroep voor jonge lesbische, Gayseksuele en biseksuele transgenders in Bulgarije. De non-profitorganisatie, gevestigd in Sofia, biedt toegang tot het aanbod van middelen, vacatures, activiteiten om de lokale LGBT-gemeenschap om Gayfobie en analfabetisme te versterken.

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LGBT Deystvie

LGBT Deystvie, opgericht in 2010, is een steungr...

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Sofia, de historische hoofdstad van Bulgarije, herbergt tal van musea en galerijen en een vriendelijke, levendige Gayscene.

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