In the northern islands, where the weather is often moody and the light is magical, Akureyri surprises not only with its landscape but also with its queer diversity. For the 55th edition of his magazine "Elska," editor <strong>Liam Campbell</strong> traveled to the city that nearly borders the Arctic Circle. His mission: to make queer life visible in a place where few would expect it.

Island: A safe harbor for queer people

Iceland is generally regarded as a model of acceptance and openness. As early as 2010, the country was one of the first to open marriage to all, with Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir being the first openly lesbian head of government. According to international surveys, societal acceptance of queer men and women is exceptionally high: nearly 90 percent of Icelanders have a fundamentally positive attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Especially in small towns like Akureyri, which has about 20,000 residents, courage and solidarity make the community visible—not despite its size, but also because of it.

Queer life outside the capital

While Reykjavik is known for queer events and colorful pride parades, Akureyri serves as a counterpoint: more reserved, closer to everyday life, but by no means less open. Campbell reported that he initially feared he would find too few queer men for his portrait series. However, reality overwhelmed him: some encounters led to extraordinarily intimate photographic moments, such as an agricultural model or a trans* man who displayed himself confidently.

"The local communities welcomed me with such rare openness that each day was moving anew," Campbell enthusiastically describes in an interview.

That a British photographer discovers such a vibrant queer scene in a Nordic small town, surrounded by mountains and fjords, comes as a surprise at first glance. However, insiders report that it is precisely this combination of natural beauty and a supportive atmosphere that makes Akureyri a new hotspot for queer travelers. Many people from the scene confirm: the local community is small but incredibly connected, and queer-friendly cafés and cultural events have long been part of everyday life.

More than bare skin: Visibility as a message

"Elska" takes a bridge between art and travel diaries in every issue. The photos from Akureyri show: Behind each portrait lies not only the hope for love but also for normalcy and respect. The open handling of queer lifestyles inspires many – according to recent studies, more and more queer tourists are drawn to Iceland, appreciating the relaxed, non-judgmental togetherness.

The latest issue of "Elska Akureyri" features not only impressive portraits but also personal stories. For Campbell, returning to "his Iceland" has the power to broaden discourses and foster empathy. The question remains: Will Akureyri in the future be seen as a prime example of a small yet vibrant queer scene in Europe? The Northern Polar Circle has certainly found its rainbow side long ago.