The most surprising sex positive city in Europe | BBC Global

Sex-positive, inclusive Cologne vibe (beyond the usual sights)

• Cologne is described as having a “vibrant, sex-positive” attitude that often isn’t covered in standard guidebooks.
• The narrator emphasizes how the city’s energy, queerness, and openness can make it easier to feel liberated, especially after moving from a smaller village.

Feminist lingerie / underwear shopping (Ler(i)e)

A recommended inclusive lingerie store is framed as feminist and political, with key highlights:

• Body/size inclusivity: offers 50+ sizes, from very petite to the KLM cup range.
• Support for trans people, including:
  • Binders
  • Underwear for trans feminine people to accentuate features or hide parts they’re uncomfortable with

Lifestyle takeaway: While luxury and comfort can be hard to find, the store experience is portrayed as helping people find what “suits you perfectly” and countering self-judgment shaped by societal messaging.

Nightlife highlights around the “Bermuda Triangle”

Shan / “Chaffnasa” area

• Packed with bars “for every taste” and featuring music for different moods.
• A playful myth is shared: people don’t really disappear—they “pop up out of nowhere,” meaning you keep discovering more nightlife spots.

Beer-and-drag bar culture

X Corner

• Known for crisp Kölsch beer, served in tiny glasses.

Exile Bar

• Hosts community-focused events such as:
  • Quiz night
  • Bingo night
• Hosted by prominent German drag queens:
  • Naomi
  • Crystal Math
  • Pampangro

Wellness / sauna guidance with trans awareness

The narrator describes a place that shifts you from everyday life into a “wellness and desire” world, including:

• Changing lighting/vibe
• An inviting environment for anyone curious enough to step in

Phoenix sauna

• Open for everyone on Mondays.

Hera sauna

• On other days, it becomes men-only.
• Important caution: even if a place says something like “everyone who identifies as a man is welcome,” trans people should still be mindful—others may not be expecting trans visitors.

Cologne’s queer church (crosses, welcome, and trans acceptance)

The church is presented as deeply queer and welcoming.

• Notable details:
  • A rainbow cross candle
  • Lighting that changes on the cross

What’s emphasized in practice:

• The priest/community welcomes people from across Germany, especially for Pride and queer celebration.
• Worship includes pop/queer versions of familiar religious music, with references to “Our Father” and tunes from ABBA / Mamma Mia.

Trans-inclusive practice:

• Trans people can be baptized by their new name.

Family/welcome note:

• Christmas is described as family-centered, with people bringing relatives (including grandma)—creating connection beyond strictly queer spaces.
• The narrator calls it one of the most radical places they’ve visited.

Flinta-focused bar emphasizing consent and safety (Voice / “Boyce” Bar)

Voice Bar / Boyce Bar

• Described as a bar especially for Flinta people (queer women, gender-fluid people, trans people).
• It centers experiences marginalized by patriarchy.

Why it matters:

• It creates a space where “concepts are lived by,” especially consent.
• The narrator notes that trans people may not always feel safe at traditional gay bars, so intersectional spaces are especially important.

Notable locations / products / names

• Ler(i)e — feminist lingerie concept store
• X Corner — bar; Kölsch served in small glasses
• Exile Bar — quiz/bingo nights; drag queen hosts: Naomi, Crystal Math, Pampangro
• Phoenix sauna — open for everyone on Mondays
• Hera sauna — men-only on other days
• Cologne’s queer church — trans-inclusive baptism with new name; rainbow cross
• Voice Bar / Boyce Bar — Flinta-focused, consent-centered space