Switzerland’s largest city is recognised as the country's gay capital and was up against Tel Aviv and Mannheim to host the sixteenth Europride. The gathering lasts five weeks and is an opportunity for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders from around Europe to meet, and attend events and lectures.

“Zurich already organises a number of gay events throughout the year so it was logical that these would integrate well into the event,” Michael Rüegg , head of communications at EuroPride 09, told Swisster. 

On Saturday evening, gay Swiss-German singer and songwriter Michael von der Heide will start the proceedings with a concert, followed by a party where DJs will perform and 500 people are expected.

Sport is also on the agenda. On the weekend of May 31 until June 1 gays and lesbians can take part in a series of races and competitions in sports that include swimming, running, badminton, football, and volleyball.

A series of lectures and forums (some in English) will address gay issues in Europe – a congress for lawyers will discuss same-sex marriage laws (June 3). On June 4-5, an economic forum will tackle diversity management, a process intended to create and maintain a positive work environment where the similarities and differences of individuals are valued.

The Kunsthaus, Zurich’s contemporary art museum, opens an exhibition for the occasion, tracing the perception of sexuality in art.

Zurich zoo is also involved in the event, and will continue existing tours whereby visitors can  learn about the phenomenon of homosexuality in the animal kingdom. A guide escorts visitors to different animal compounds and relates anecdotes about how two animals of the same gender within that species can court, groom each other, have sex and raise offspring.

Although the zoo doesn't currently house any ‘gay’ animals, officials say two male King Penguins once stole an egg from a female with the aim of raising a chick. Moreover, recognising homosexual behaviour, which has been seen amongst emus, flamingos and other animals is not as easy as it sounds.

“It is not always possible to tell the sex of animals such as some birds, especially in the world, and it is easier to examine homosexuality in zoos,” Myriam Scherz, one of the guides for the ‘homosexual tour’ told Swisster. Scherz, who is also a vet, said the tour is already popular and she expects more attendance in the coming months thanks to the gay and lesbian gathering.

The gay celebration’s grand finale is scheduled for June 7, when 50,000 people are expected to join in the 2.5 kilometre parade through the streets of Zurich. The march is especially poignant, as this year marks the 40^th anniversary of a police raid at the Stonewell gay bar in New York when customers were assaulted. This event prompted the creation of gay movements and the genesis of pride marches.

Last month's election of lesbian mayor Corine Mauch has also rubber-stamped Zurich as the country’s gay epicentre. Mauch will give a speech on the day of the march.

On Wednesday, she opened the Pink Apple film festival, which features works by homosexual directors or films relating to homosexuality.

Michael Rüegg estimates there are between 300,000 and 500,000 gay men and women in Switzerland. “But it is very difficult to say exactly how many as some have not come out yet, and others are married,” he told Swisster.