Just as work, education, and healthcare are important, so are leisure activities and building relationships with friends and loved ones. It is natural to feel lonely at first or struggle to adapt to a new environment. However, over time, you will find friends who share your interests and with whom you can spend quality time.
Making New Connections
To meet new people, including Czech citizens and other foreigners, consider attending events specifically for LGBTIQ+ individuals. You can likely find a group or organization hosting such events in your area—check the directory in this guide for resources.
Alternatively, you can join activities related to your hobbies, such as:
- Sports
- Theater and art workshops
- Sewing classes
- Chess clubs
- Cooking workshops
Many of these activities are available at community centers, cultural organizations, libraries, and local NGOs. You can also check municipal websites or social media groups for information on available classes and clubs in your area.
Attending Events and Overcoming Language Barriers
Do not hesitate to attend events, as they are usually designed to welcome new participants. If an invitation is in a language you do not understand, you can contact the event organizer to ask whether language barriers might be an issue.
Shared interests and common experiences help build friendships, which can lead to casual meetups for walks, picnics, movie nights, coffee outings, or—as is common in the Czech Republic—a beer at the pub.
Understanding Czech Social Culture
Czechs may initially seem reserved to foreigners. However, once you get to know them, you will find that they can be just as warm and welcoming as people from other cultures. Long-term friendships are highly valued in Czech society. While there may be differences at first, you will soon discover common ground.
You can also connect with expatriate communities, which are not limited to people from your country of origin. Many larger cities host events specifically for foreigners from different backgrounds, offering another way to build friendships.
LGBTIQ+ Social Life and Safe Spaces
In most cases, you will not attract unwanted attention at events or establishments that are not specifically for LGBTIQ+ individuals. Czech society has become increasingly accepting of LGBTIQ+ people, leading to a decline in specialized LGBTIQ+ venues. Instead, many younger LGBTIQ+ individuals gather in bars and restaurants known for being inclusive and welcoming.
While all public venues should be LGBTIQ+ friendly, some specifically cater to the community, providing a safe and welcoming space. You can find these venues through:
- Online guides
- Social media groups
- Local LGBTIQ+ organizations
LGBTIQ+ Events and Festivals
Each year, Pride parades and related activities take place in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, and other cities. Information about these events, including schedules and participation details, can be found on:
- Official Pride websites
- Social media pages
- Local LGBTIQ+ organization websites
In the fall, the Mezipatra Queer Film Festival takes place, offering another excellent opportunity to connect with the community. In addition to Pride and Mezipatra, you can also explore other local events throughout the year.