In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine declared its independence and issued some reforms including repealing laws banning homosexual activity.  This was way ahead of countries such as the US, which only introduced these reforms in 2003.  However, in spite of this Ukraine is a conservative country and in fact many citizens dislike or ignore gays.   This has led to significant underground activity - where gays mainly frequent the bars and clubs in Kiev. 

Kiev, which is the capital city of Ukraine, tends to be more tolerant than some of the more rural places and second tier cities.  Kiev has approximately 2.5 million residents and can be quite busy with tourists during the summer months as it is considered to be one of the more fashionable former-Soviet cities.  

The best way to meet people and find the current gay places to go in Kiev involve either looking at gaypedia (!) or contacting some of the members who are resident in this city and arranging to meet up when you are in town.

One of the most ancient of Slavonic cities, Kiev for centuries has remained Russia's major historic and cultural center. Nowadays the cultural life of the Ukrainian capital is extremely rich and diverse and represents a wide range of experimental and traditional styles. For those interested in art, Kiev has a lot to offer. The art collections and architecture of Kiev are recognized world treasures. Theatre and museums buffs are offered an extensive list of celebrated establishments to choose from.

Kiev is often called the mother of Slavic cities. It is more than 15 centuries old and during this time Kiev has made a long way from an ancient settlement of nomadic tribes to one of the largest cities in the world. Kiev is integrally connected to Slavic culture development. Its monuments, architectural ensembles and cathedrals charm with their beauty, harmony and historical meaningfulness.

As mentioned earlier, Ukraine was one of the first countries to repeal laws banning gay activity.

However, do act cautiously especially outside the major cities and limit overtly gay behaviour to specialist bars/clubs or your hotel room! 

Getting there 

By air

Kiev's principal airport, Boryspil State International Airport is a somewhat inconvenient 35km outside the city. Buses run every 20 or 30 minutes to Kiev's central train station, where you can continue your journey by metro, or you can take a taxi for around 150Hr. Make sure you agree the fare first. A train shuttle service is in the making. You can fly to Boryspil from London, Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam, as well of course to Eastern destinations such as Moscow, Warsaw, Viena, Riga, Prague and Lviv. Kiev's other airport - Kyiv-Zhulyany - serves one or two international destinations and can be found just 8km southwest of the centre. Take the shuttle bus no. 9 to Peremohy Square, or else barter the taxi down to 50Hr.

By rail

Kiev's main train station (known simply as 'Vokzal') is actually two terminal buildings, central and south, connected by a vast hallway which leads down to the platforms. Part Soviet and part space age the train station is perhaps the perfect introduction to the duality of the city and there's a definite sense of excitement of arriving in this throbbing transport hub. Trains arrive and depart from such far flung locales as Berlin, Krakow, Zagreb, Budapest and Belgrade and naturally all of Ukraine is accessible from here too. If you're intending on buying an international ticket at the station bring your passport with you. The overnight trains are archaic but comfortable, although don't expect too much from the toilet facilities. The fact that you can buy beer from your carriage attendant makes up for such shortcomings...

By bus

You can find Kiev's central bus station at Moskovs'ka Square, near Lybids'ka metro station. The Autolux company are one of the best carriers and they run daily services to the likes of Lviv, Odessa, Yalta and Simferopol. If you fancy going international you're almost certainly better going by plane or train as Kiev is a fair old distance from the other European capitals.

By car

A sense of adventure is definitely needed by anyone attempting to reach Kiev from West or Central Europe by car. So is a reliable car as the distances involved are not small. Even from Poland, Ukraine's closest neighbour to the West, you're looking at a 450km distance to the border. If you're determined make sure you bring your vehicle registration certificate with you or your auto odyssey will have been in vain. Once in Ukraine have fun dodging potholes and cops. Oncoming traffic may tip you off about the latter with a flash of their lights.

Getting around 

By metro and public transport

Kiev's three metro lines carry an amazing 1.7 million satisfied customers a day with the kind of speed, regularity and efficiency that most London Underground users only have wet dreams about. With a single journey costing just 0.50Hr the Kiev Metro is also a fraction of the cost of most of its European counterparts. Where the red, blue and green lines don't reach, to the northeast and southwest, high speed trams join the dots. If do not like the idea of going underground then public buses and private minibuses are another cheap way of getting around the city - although you may need a local to tell you which number you need. You can normally pay your fare on board.

By taxi

Trying to flag down a taxi in Kiev rarely proves difficult with scores of firms competing for your custom. What's more, cabs are still relatively cheap for a capital city with a trip across town costing just 30 or 40Hr. If however you're determined to pay as little as possible try waving at private cars instead. As in Russia, it's common practice for drivers to pick up hitchhikers for a short jaunt, and they usually charge less than official taxis. You should negotiate a fee first to avoid an embarrassing or difficult scenario later!

By car

Kiev's not the best place to test your driving skills by any means, thanks to some substandard road surfaces and a plethora of traffic cops looking to fortify their salary with the odd bribe (usually 20Hr is enough for minor speeding if you do get caught!).