Here are a few recommendations:

1. 1. Love Dance Point: Love Dance Point is a popular gay club located in Beyoglu, where you can dance the night away to the beats of both local and international DJs. The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and it's known for hosting themed parties and drag shows, which are particularly popular among locals.
   2. SuperFabric: SuperFabric is a trendy gay bar in Taksim that has a cozy atmosphere and serves an extensive selection of cocktails. It is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists who want to mingle, enjoy good music, and have a great time. They also host weekly karaoke nights, which are always a hit.
      
      
   3. Bearstanbul: Bearstanbul is an annual event held in Istanbul, celebrating the bear community. Usually taking place in September, this week-long event features parties, gatherings, and cultural events specifically designed for bears and their admirers. The event is popular among locals and attracts visitors from around the world.
      
      
   4. Lambdaistanbul lgbtq+I+ Film Festival: This film festival showcases lgbtq+Q+ themed movies and documentaries from around the world. Held annually in June, the festival aims to raise awareness and promote understanding about lgbtq+Q+ issues. Many locals attend the festival, and it's a great way to engage with the community and discover new films.
      
      
   5. Çukurcuma Hamamı: Çukurcuma Hamamı is a historic bathhouse located in the Çukurcuma neighborhood. This traditional Turkish bath is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere for lgbtq+Q+ individuals. Locals recommend going on a weekday evening when it's less crowded, but it's open every day for your enjoyment.
      
      
   6. Club 17: Located in Taksim, Club 17 is another popular gay club in Istanbul. With its vibrant atmosphere and energetic music, it's a great place to dance and socialize. The club often hosts themed nights and special events, so be sure to check their social media for updates.
      
      
   7. Violet Bar: Violet Bar, also in Taksim, is a cozy gay bar that attracts a diverse crowd. They offer a variety of events such as karaoke, live music, and quiz nights. Locals love the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, which make for an enjoyable evening out.
      
      

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbtq+) people in Turkey face legal challenges not experienced by non-lgbtq+ persons. Same-sex sexual activity was legalised in the Ottoman Empire (the predecessor of the modern-day Republic of Turkey) in 1858 and in modern Turkey, homosexual activity has always been a legal act since the day it was founded on 29 October 1923. lgbtq+ people have had the right to seek asylum in Turkey under the Geneva Convention since 1951,[2] but same-sex couples are not given the same legal protections available to heterosexual couples. Transsexuals have been allowed to change their legal gender since 1988. Although discrimination protections regarding sexual orientation and gender identity or expression have been debated legally, they have not yet been legislated. Public opinion on homosexuality has generally been conservative, and lgbtq+ people have been widely reported to experience discrimination, harassment and even violence in recent years.

If you have not been to Istanbul before, it is recommended to start with understanding the special gay culture of this city. Being the most crowded city of Turkey, Istanbul is the heart of Turkish gay life. Although Turkey is undergoing a rapid change, certain things are still very traditional and peculiar in this country. The gay culture is a good sample of this. Taking immigration from all over the country, Istanbul is a summary of the whole Turkey. Istanbulgay.Com is published by local people living in Istanbul and updated frequently with the latest information about the gay venues in Istanbul which you can not find anywhere else. We are not only listing the existing venues, but also the places which have already been closed down for various reasons, still being listed on other websites and printed gay-guides as well.
The mixed Asian and European cultures combined with the unique history is sure to entertain any traveler. Although the gay scene in Istanbul takes place in two areas, the greater area is wonderfully metropolitan, making this city fairly gay friendly! One is the main tourist area called Beyoglu, and the second is Pera, which is a historical area. As for the city’s gay clubs and bars, they are located in close proximity to Taksim which is Beyoglu’s main neighborhood. For the hammams, they are not openly gay places but they can be considered places for gay men to meet, therefore exploring may be necessary for this part of Istanbul’s gay culture. A cool new addition to the gay scene in Istanbul is Bigudi , which is the first exclusively lesbian hotspot here. They are accepting of everyone but have nights dedicated to the lesbian women of Istanbul. Although gay culture is accepted, Istanbul is still a fairly religious place so it is an important to act appropriately in certain circumstances!

Beyond the Gay Scene of Istanbul
The architecture in this city is definitely eye catching. Because this is the city connecting Asia and Europe, many cultures have left their mark on this land. They didn’t leave their mark on just fancy historical sites, they left their mark on the amazing cuisine. There are a few gay owned restaurants, but all of the food in this city is unique to their mixed heritage. As for sites, their religious monuments are world renowned. They have beautiful mosques and churches surrounding the city that attract a lot of tourists. It is important to remember that not everyone in the outer city of Istanbul is totally accepting of gay people, so PDA may only be acceptable in the vibrant clubs.

When thinking of a place to stay, the best and easiest option for gay couples would be to stay near Beygolu or Taksim Square (most if not all hotels in this neighborhood are gay friendly). In this neighborhood you have all of the best bars, clubs, and of course gay hotspots in Istanbul. The Ottopera Hotel is a wonderful boutique hotel for all of your gay needs! It is a good way to get a real feel of the Istanbul culture, and is a 10 minute walk from Love Dance Point , a popular gay club that comes alive at night.

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