Name: Foam Party
Start: 2024-04-16
End: 2024-04-16
Location: Metropol Sauna - Essen

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-104834" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68044/essen-city-guide.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><h2>Essen</h2>One of the largest cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Essen is Germany's 9th largest city with a population of nearly 600,000 people. It is the main city in the north of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area which is home to over 13, million people and is Europe's most highly populated.Essen was founded in 845 and remained a small town, known for its Essen until the Industrial Revolution. The establishment of iron works by the Krupp family transformed the city into a major centre of production. It was occupied by French and Belgian troops briefly between the world wars and in World War 2, 90% of it was flattened.With the decline of heavy industry, Essen evolved into a strong service provider with many large German companies having their headquarters here. In 2010 it was the European Capital of Culture (as part of the Rhine-Ruhr region) and in 2017 it was the European Green Capital. Visitors are attracted to its culture, shopping and small gay scene.&nbsp;<h2>Gay Rights in Germany</h2>For information about gay rights in Germany,  please visit our <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/essential-guide-to-berlin/">Gay Berlin City Guide page</a>.<h2>Gay Scene</h2>Essen has a gay scene that can be described as modest when compared to nearby Cologne. There are a <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/essen-gay-bars/">couple of Gay Bars</a>, <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/essen-gay-saunas/">Saunas</a> and infrequent <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/essen-gay-dance-clubs/">Gay Club nights</a>. In August, the city hosts Ruhr Pride which is a popular LGBT celebration that attracts visitors from across the region.&nbsp;<h2>Getting to Essen</h2>By planeEssen has a small airport that only caters for private flights; however, Dusseldorf Airport (DUF) is 30 km away and around 30 minutes by both train and car from Essen. It offers a wide range of short-haul flights to Europe and North Africa as well as long-haul flights to destinations in North America, Africa and the Middle East.Dortmund Airport (DTM) is 45 km from Essen and offers flights to destinations in Europe via budget airlines. To get to Essen from the airport it is a 30 minute drive or you can take an express bus to Dortmund rail station and continue your journey from there.By trainThe Essen Hauptbahnhof is located just south of the old town centre. It is well connected to cities in the Rhein-Ruhr area by its S-Bahn system as well as with connections throughout Germany. There are overnight sleeper trains to and from Vienna, Zurich, Brussels and Moscow.&nbsp;<h2>Getting around Essen</h2>On footThe city centre is relatively compact, making it easy to navigate by foot. Many of the main sights of interest, are dispersed around the city so other modes of transport are recommended to get from A to B.By public transportEssen has an integrated public transport system of buses, subway trains and trams. The S-Bahn service is integrated into the greater Rhine-Ruhr travel network allowing easy travel throughout the region. Basic tickets start at €1.50 with day passes starting at €5.50. Services run regularly throughout the day and there are also night services.By taxi Taxis can be found at prominent locations throughout Essen. Expect the meter to start around the €5 mark and to pay €3 in advance. Cabs can be ordered in advance and can be cheaper. Uber does not operate in Essen.&nbsp;<h2>Where to Stay in Essen?</h2>Essen has an excellent choice of hotels to suit all budgets. Please visit our list of <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-essen-hotels/">recommended hotels in Essen page</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2>Zeche Zollverein - known as the most beautiful coal mine in the world and an icon of the city. This relic of Essen's industrial past is notable for its striking Bauhaus architecture. It's worth taking an organised tour of the complex.Essen Cathedral - built on the sight of the city's famous abbey. This 14th Century gothic cathedral has an museum dedicated to the religious treasures held here.Old Synagogue - one of the few surviving synagogue buildings built before World War 2 in Germany. Today it is a cultural centre that serves as a poignant tribute to the history of the Jewish community in Essen.Villa Hügel - this imposing mansion was built in 1873 for Alfred Krupp, of the industrialist Krupp family that made their mark on the city. Today you can take tours or even attend concerts here and marvel at its architectural quirks and 269 rooms.Museum Folkwang - established in 1902. This museum houses works by Van Gogh, Gaugin and Manet.Saalbau Essen - this impressive concert hall is the home of the Essen Philharmonic Orchestra which has received the accolade of German Orchestra of the Year on a few occasions.Grugapark - one of the largest urban parks in Germany and a great spot for a romantic picnic or stroll. Here you will find stunning sculptures, a glass house and a pavillion with frequent performances of live music.Theaterpassage - this listed brick building houses a good selection of high-end and specialist shops as well as great spots for wining and dining.&nbsp;<h2>When to Visit</h2>The summer months in Essen are generally pleasant and not too hot, but rain can be expected at any time of the year. Winter temperatures rarely drop below zero but you'll know about it when it does! Essen does not get swarmed by tourists so large crowds are rare.Essen hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year. The International Christmas Market held in late November and December attracts many visitors from throughout the region. The SMAG Sundance Open Air Festival, held in July, attracts the best in international DJs and electronic artists.&nbsp;<h2>Visa</h2>Germany is within the European Schengen visa area. If travelling from outside Europe, check to see if you require a Schengen visa.&nbsp;<h2>Money</h2>Germany is a member of the Eurozone. Cash dispensers are widely available. You may be asked for photo ID if paying with a credit or debit card in a shop.

Gay Essen · City Guide

First time travelling to Essen? Then our gay Essen city guide is for you.

Section 1741 of the German Civil Code grants all married couples the right to adopt children.

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

Same-sex couples in Germany can legally adopt a step-child, biological or not of the other partner.

The age of consent of 14 years is equal for everyone.

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

On April 1 2023, the Transfusion Act (Transfusionsgesetz, TFG) was amended to fully remove restrictions on blood donations by MSMs. 
Accordingly, the amendment to the law obliged the German Medical Association to subsequently adapt the blood donation guidelines within four months in agreement with the Paul Ehrlich Institute, Germany’s medical regulatory body.

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.

On September 24, 2021, new guidelines were introduced. Men in monogamous relationships with men can donate blood with no deferral. 
 
However, men who have sex with men outside of a monogamous relationship still face a 4 month deferral.

Article 5 of the German Basic Law guarantees freedom of press, speech and opinion.

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

Following the amendment of the Act on the Amendment of Names and Sex Determination in Special Cases, known as the Law on Transsexuality (1981) by Judgment No. 1 BvR 3295/07 (2011) of the Federal Constitutional Court, the criteria for changing the name or both the name and the gender marker were unified. Currently, the law requires applicants to (i) prove that "due to their transsexual status, they do not feel comfortable with their sex registered at birth", (ii) they have lived for at least three years "in accordance with the gender they identify with" and (iii) that their "situation of transexuality is foreseeably stable". This procedure is carried out before a municipal judge, which has to verify that these requirements are met by subjecting the applicant to an examination carried out by two expert witnesses "specialised in transsexualism". (ILGA) 
 
In 2017, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSJ) commissioned the Humboldt University in Berlin to prepare an expert opinion on the "need for regulation and reform for transgender people". 
It found that the current assessment procedure is in many cases characterized by disproportionate time and expense as well as degrading and discriminatory experiences and violates the fundamental rights of the applicants. 
 
The non-governmental organization Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V. (dgti) issues a supplemental ID card which contains one's self-chosen first names, pronouns and gender before a legal name change has taken place. It is known and accepted by German ministries, the police, and many authorities. The supplemental ID card is often a condition to correct one's name at, among others, schools, universities, banks and insurance companies. In five German states, references to the ID have been included in coronavirus ordinances and associated explanations to recognize it as an identification document, e.g., together with vaccination certificates. 
It has a special status of recognition in Germany. The legal basis of the supplemental ID card is the implementation of the request of the European Parliament, communicated in the 11th legislative period of the German parliament. 
 
When the Self-Identification law was introduced, people who went through this old process could apply for a monetary compensation.

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

The Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz) allows transgender, non-binary and intersex people to change their legal first names and gender identity once a year through self-identification. 
 
From the age of 14, minors may make the declaration themselves with the consent of their guardians; in order to protect the personal rights of young people, the family court can replace the parents' decision at the request of the minor in cases where the custodians do not consent, based on the best interests of the child. 
Children under 14 will need their parents or guardians to make a registry office application on their behalf. 
 
Outing or deadnaming one against their will in a way which caused them harm can be punished with a fine up to €10,000.

Section 8 § 1 of the German Transsexuellengesetz (Transsexuals Act of September 10, 1980) states that transgender people can change their first names and gender entry under the condition of gender-affirming surgery, sterilization, and divorce.

The Law for the Protection Against Conversion Treatments (KonvBehSchG) bans providing, arranging and advertising conversion therapy. Conducting conversion therapy on minors, or persons of legal age is those whose consent was obtained without their volition, is also explicitly banned. 
 
Providing, arranging or advertising conversion therapy is punishable by a fine up to €30,000. 
Carrying out conversion therapy on a minor, or an adult whose consent was obtained without their volition, is punishable by up to a year of imprisonment or a fine.

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

National law was amended in 2006 when the Treaty of Amsterdam was signed - giving all people the same rights under law. 
 
The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany clarified in 1 BvR 2019/16 that the general right of personality (Article 2 (1) in conjunction with Article 1 (1) of the Basic Law) protects gender identity. It also protects the gender identity of non-binary people. 
Article 3 (3) of the Basic Law includes non-binary people on the protection against discrimination on ground of their gender.

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

Due to Germany being a Federal Republic many states have had anti-discrimination laws as early as 1992. But by signing the Treaty of Amsterdam (EU) Germany amended its national anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation.  

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

Germany fully repealed section 175 of the German Criminal Code and legalized homosexual activity in 1994.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Section 175 of the Criminal Code was relaxed for persons over 21 years in East Germany in 1968, with West Germany following suit in 1969. However, although this meant that homosexual activity between men was decriminalized, it was not made legal.

Section 175 of the Criminal Code was amended during Nazi rule to create harsher penalties for homosexual behavior between men. Imprisonment was to range from three months to ten years in prison. Many homosexual men died in the Nazi concentration camps they were sent to.

Section 175 of the Criminal Code of the German Empire criminalized homosexual activity between men over the age of 18. 
The penalty was imprisonment or a loss of civil rights.

Section 1 of the General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) prohibits discrimination on housing.

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

A bill for marriage equality passed the Bundestag on 30 June 2017 and the Bundesrat on 7 July, becoming law on 1 October. 
Paragraph 1353 of the German Civil Code.

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

Germany recognizes civil unions and provides tax benefits to couples in a civil union.

Article 3 (1) of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and Article 14 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms protect against unequal treatment on grounds of sexual orientation. 

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

The Civil Status Act (PStG) was amended to include Parapraph 45b to allow intersex people to identify themselves as "diverse" ("divers") or remove the gender entry.

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

The Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz) applies (see: right to change legal gender).

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Essen

North Rhine-Westphalia

Essen - one of the greenest and most urbanised cities in Germany and home to many of the largest German corporations.

Foam Party

Metropol Sauna - Essen

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Pluto Gay Sauna Essen Lockers

Pluto Sauna

Well-known gay sauna with huge, modern facilities (1,600 m²) in Essen. Previously part of the Phoenix Sauna franchise. 
 
Pluto features two swimming pools, large locker room, Finnish sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, private cabins, lounge area, massage service, solarium, etc. The onsite bar &amp; café serves a range of drinks and snacks. 
 
Open 7 days a week (nonstop on the weekends).

Large gay sauna in Essen with modern facilities.

Long-running gay bar in Essen (since 2008) that welcomes everyone. Open every night of the week. Karaoke night on Thursdays.

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gentleM

Essen's long-running gay bar with karaoke and party nights.

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