Gay Guide USA

June 26, 2015 is a historic day for the American LGBT movement. The Supreme Court, the highest court in the country, preceded Obergefell v. Hodges with a verdict that, in one fell swoop, allowed homosexuals to marry - in all 50 states and territories of the United States. It comprises all the rights of a heterosexual marriage, including adoption. The verdict was not uncontroversial, especially church and conservative circles attacked the court. Religion plays an important role in the USA - while some churches do not even allow homosexual members (including many Mormon and Baptist congregations), others even marry same-sex couples. In recent years, some of them have even ordained the first openly homosexual bishops. There has also been progress in political office: Tammy Baldwin became the first openly homosexual member of the United States Senate in 2013; the Democrats sent openly homosexual MPs to the House of Representatives. With the election of Donald Trump as US president, many feared a deterioration of LGBT rights in the country – but in 2016 he declared that the issue of marriage was closed for him. Under his presidency, however, there have been setbacks in employment protection law and especially regarding the transsexual movement. Same-sex acts have been legal in all US states since 2003. Keep in mind: In many American states you have to show proof of identity when entering clubs or bars, even if you are obviously over 18 or 21 years old. So take your identity card or passport with you, as a driver's license does often not suffice. On June 12, 2016, there was a shooting rampage in the "Pulse" nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which was mainly frequented by LGBT. 49 people lost their lives, 53 were injured. It was the most serious assassination attempt in the United States since September 11, 2001. The assassin was shot by the police. His motive could not be revealed entirely, in the course of the investigations rumors arose that he himself had been a clandestine homosexual. In our event calendar you can find entries for gay pride events all over North America. Since 12 January 2009, new entry rules have been in force for tourists travelling to the USA. A visa must be obtained online before travel - and not on board of any means of transport (plane, ship, car, coach, etc.) This form must be sent at least 72 hours before departure. Named ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the form is available on the Internet at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov