Socialising with the Austrians 75and homosexuality, Austrians are somewhat liberal. Yet,
politicians seem to lag a bit behind the general public. There
is an anti-discrimination law, but legal same-sex partnerships
have yet to be legalised. However, now that it is a member
of the EU, many believe that gay marriage will eventually
become the norm. There are thriving gay communities in
Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck and Linz. The Homosexual Initiative
Vienna (HOSI), founded in 1979, has come to represent the
community in the political arena.
The Rosa Lila Villa at 102 Linke Wienzeile in the 6th
district provides a number of services, such as coming-
out groups and support groups for the gay, lesbian and
transgender communities. The Café Willendorf on the
first floor is a good place to get your bearings and meet
people. Many other gay establishments are in the same
neighbourhood. Within Austria, you can find gay-friendly
hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, discos, saunas, cinemas,
travel agencies and stores. The Vienna Gay Guide also lists
gay groups, hotlines and health centres. There is an AIDS
organisation (AIDS Hilfe Wien) on Gumpendorferstrasse at the
Mariahilfer Gürtel in the 6th district. Every May since 1993,
Vienna has hosted the Life Ball in front of the Rathaus.
Organised by Aids Life, this is Europe’s largest annual AIDS
charity event. The money raised goes to help various groups
working with HIV positive people and those living with
AIDS. The Life Ball is a lively event that showcases wild
and wonderful costumes and a sense of open-mindedness
and acceptance.
TIPPING
Tipping is normal in restaurants and bars, and for taxi drivers
and porters. There are many others who also look forward
to a tip.
Blue-collar workers who do something special often get
a tip. For example, the repairman who fixes your heating
would get € 5; the postman who delivers a package up three
flights of stairs € 2; and a mover € 10 per day. The tips aren’t
mandatory, and are appreciated all the more for it.
During the Christmas season, it’s also nice to remember