Austria

COUNTRY is a comparatively LGBTQIA+ friendly/unfriendly country located in PLACE, with/without/with some legal protections for trans people.

Why Austria? (In Progress)

• Legal gender recognition:
• Anti-discrimination laws:
• Public healthcare:
• LGBTQ+ rights and community:
• Immigration pathways:
• Trans Life Satisfaction: In a 2021 report on Trans Discrimination in Europe Austria Ranked 6th out of 30 countries in average life satisfaction reported by trans respondents. See page 42 for the ranking.

Why not Austria? (In Progress)

• Recent Political Developments: Austria is sadly no exception to the larger trend of the rise of right-wing populist politicians seen in many places in Europe. See more about political developments below.
• City-living only: While Vienna is progressive a lot of the rest of Austria is largely transphobic with a sparse to non-existent support network and poor social acceptance of trans people. If you are trans and looking to live in a more rural location Austria is sadly not a good choice at all.
• Racism: This is such a big issue in Austria it sadly deserves its own section. See also the section on Law Enforcement.
• Language: While you will usually be able to somewhat navigate most of Vienna without being able to speak or write German it will be a pain. Generally most people over the age of 40 will have poor to no English at all.
• Legal issues
• Housing issues
• Visa issues

Political Situation for Trans People (In Progress)

Recent Political Developments

Rise of the Freedom Party (FPÖ)

In the September 2024 national elections, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, secured approximately 29% of the vote, emerging as the leading party. The FPÖ is known for its conservative stance on social issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights. Historically, the party has expressed opposition to policies supporting transgender individuals, raising concerns about potential rollbacks of existing rights. Shortly after the election coalition talks started between the far right FPÖ and the slightly more centrist right-wing ÖVP, with talks including plans like banning gender inclusive language and limiting immigration.

Safe haven Vienna

Vienna, known for its progressive and inclusive environment, has witnessed public demonstrations in response to the FPÖ's electoral success. In October 2024, anti-fascist protesters marched through the city, expressing dissent against the FPÖ's far-right positions. Protesters carried placards with slogans like "FPÖ ist so 1938" and chanted "Nazis raus!" to voice their opposition. This reflects a broader concern among Vienna's residents about the potential erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights under a far-right government. Despite national political shifts, Vienna's city administration remains steadfast in its support for the LGBTQIA+ community. You can read more about this under the LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities section on this page.

Breakdown of Negotiations

On February 12, 2025, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced the collapse of FPÖ and the ÖVP government formation talks due to disagreements over key issues, including control of the Interior and Finance Ministries. In response to this development, the ÖVP, Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and NEOS (A centrist liberal political party) have resumed discussions to establish a coalition government, aiming to exclude the far-right FPÖ from governing. These negotiations are reportedly in their final stages.

Access to Trans Healthcare (In Progress)

A great first stop for gender affirming care is Transgender Team Austria, who specialize in helping people get the medical care they need and overcoming discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles.

Healthcare without residency

• If in country with a tourist visa, not residing, how can healthcare be accessed and are there any caveats?

Immigration Policy (TODO)

US citizens need/don't need a visa to move to COUNTRY for. Which languages are the processes done in? What are the options/limitations/etc? Examples are below

• Student Visa: Available to …
• Family-Route: …
• Work Visa: …

Medical Inadmissibility

Does the COUNTRY in question have immigration laws that would find people with disabilities or health challenges inadmissible to emigrate there?

Permanent Residency

What's the pathway if there is one?

Citizenship Pathway

How do you get to be a citizen if at all?

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Cities

While Vienna may be a more obvious choice, there are resources in many other Austrian cities, some of which you can find here.

Vienna

Vienna combines strong legal protections, an active LGBTQIA+ community, visible city support, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it one of the best places in Europe for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Whether you're looking for support networks, healthcare services, political advocacy, or social spaces, Vienna has a well-established infrastructure to provide for its LGBTQIA+ residents and newcomers.

Historical Significance

Vienna's engagement with LGBTQIA+ issues dates back to the late 19th century, positioning it as a hub for progressive thought and activism. Pioneering figures and events have contributed to a longstanding culture of inclusivity.

Active LGBTQIA+ Community

The city boasts a dynamic LGBTQIA+ scene, with numerous spaces and organizations catering to the community:

• Cafés and Bars: Vienna has a longstanding café history with a rich coffee culture and detailed layered cakes. A great place to start and to feel truly welcome is the historical Café Savoy, which is very out and proud in their inclusivity. Many particularly LGBTQIA+ friendly places are found in and around Naschmarkt.
• Naschmarkt: Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and most famous open-air market, stretching over 1.5 kilometers in the sixth district, close to the city center. Known for its diverse food stalls, fresh produce, and international cuisine, it is also a cultural hotspot with a lively, alternative atmosphere. Over the years, it has become a hub for Vienna’s LGBTQIA+ community, with several queer-friendly cafés, bars, and nightlife venues located nearby. The area is especially vibrant in the evenings, making it a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
• An inclusive Hackerspace / Creatorspace: Metalab.at are incredibly inclusive not just to the LGBTQIA+ community but also for people with disabilities.

Annual Events

Vienna hosts several major LGBTQIA+ events every year, making it a lively and welcoming city for queer residents and visitors:

• Vienna Pride & Pride Village – A multi-week celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture that includes performances, discussions, and community gatherings. The Pride Village is set up at Rathausplatz, providing a central location for activism and entertainment.
• Rainbow Parade (Regenbogenparade) – Austria’s largest LGBTQIA+ demonstration, taking place on Ringstraße, attracting thousands of participants who march for equality and human rights.
• Queer Film Festivals – Vienna is home to notable queer film events, including the “identities” Queer Film Festival (held biennially) and the “Transition” International Queer Minorities Film Festival, which runs annually.
• LGBTQIA+ Balls – Vienna’s long tradition of elegant ball culture extends to the LGBTQIA+ community with events such as the Rainbow Ball, where people of all genders and orientations gather to celebrate.

Municipal Support

The city's commitment to inclusivity is evident through various initiatives:

• Anti-Discrimination Measures: Established in 1998, the Vienna Anti-Discrimination Office for LGBTIQ Affairs offers support and works towards the equal treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Here is their page specifically on trans people. And here is a particularly lovely Vienna government page explaining the various complexities of sex and different categories of gender.
• Public Symbols of Support: During Pride Month, Vienna adorns public spaces with rainbow flags and symbols, showcasing solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. In June of 2024 a zebra crossing was painted in the colors of the trans flag. You can see the government article celebrating it here.

Cultural and Social Infrastructure

Vienna provides a range of resources and venues that enhance the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors:

• Dedicated Guides: The city's official app, ivie, includes an LGBTIQ+ guide highlighting significant locations and events.
• Diverse Nightlife: From traditional cafés to modern clubs, Vienna's nightlife offers inclusive spaces for all.

Community & Support Resources (In Progress)

• What local communities and support structures are there?

National Organizations

• COURAGE* Founded in 1999, COURAGE* is a counselling center specializing in partner, family, and sexual counselling with a focus on LGBTQIA+ lifestyles, including transgender issues. They offer free and anonymous counselling services for individuals and their families, addressing topics such as coming out, relationship issues, and experiences of discrimination. COURAGE* has locations all over Austria.
• TransX An organization focused on the rights of transgender individuals, promoting the understanding of gender as a fluid concept. They organize excursions, workshops, festivals, and engage in political actions and legal lobbying to advocate for transgender rights. While they are based in Vienna they also offer many phone or online services, making them useful for any trans person seeking help in Austria.
• QueerBase Established in 2016, Queer Base supports LGBTQIA+ refugees in Austria, including transgender individuals. They provide assistance with legal matters related to asylum, social counselling, community networking, and support for medical and psychological concerns. Their services are designed to help refugees navigate the complexities of their new environment while addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. While they are technically based in Vienna they primarily offer phone or online services.

Vienna Based Organizations

• Rosa Lila Villa serves as a multifaceted hub, providing housing, events, and counselling services for LGBTQIA+ people. While the website is only available in German, counselling services are available in many languages including English.

Cost of Living (TODO)

• The cost of living in COUNTRY is how comparable to the US/where in the US?
• Rent is…
• Public transport …
• Healthcare is free/expensive…
• Grocery prices …
• Education is

Housing Access & Cost

• add details on discrimination in rentals if applicable
• also how easy is it to rent/buy etc

Law Enforcement ("How bad are the cops?") (TODO)

• please add details, especially around safety for trans people

Censorship & Digital Privacy (TODO)

• please add details

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

• Austria is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel to 26 European countries.
• Trains, budget airlines, and buses make travel cheap and easy.
• EU residency may allow work rights in other European countries. Austrian citizenship comes with freedom of movement, residence and work permit in all EU countries.

Animal Policies (In Progress)

• Austria is generally pet-friendly.
• Bringing pets into the country requires compliance with EU regulations. The EU section of Traveling with pets applies.