The Femø Women’s Camp (Kvindelejr), held annually on the small island of Femø in Denmark, stands as a symbol of empowerment and community for women and, for some weeks, the broader FLINTA community (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender people).
The camp has been held every summer since 1971, when it was initiated by a small, pioneering group of Danish feminists known as the redstockings. Motivated by a desire to create a space exclusively for women to explore feminist ideals free from patriarchal structures, these trailblazing women laid the foundation for what would become an enduring annual event. Until the mid-1980s, it was arranged by the Women’s Liberation Movement and based on the movement’s ideals of sisterly solidarity and feminist culture. Early themes centered on women’s liberation, gender roles, and the female experience in a male-dominated world.
When the Women’s Liberation Movement ceased to exist as a unified force in the mid-1980s, the camp continued as an independent association. This marked a phase of departure, when many of the camp’s fundamental principles were challenged. The number of participants fell, and gradually it became primarily lesbians who came.
Since the 1990s, many participants have viewed the camp as a lesbian oasis — a place to enjoy a fun holiday in an environment where homosexuality is the norm. At the same time, some women still attend in order to discuss feminism and engage in political dialogue. The camp’s focus has evolved to reflect the diversity of its participants, with discussions expanding to include lesbian rights, gender identity, and queerness — challenging societal norms and adapting to the changing tides of feminist and queer discourse.
The camp’s activities and workshops are as varied as its community. From discussions on gender politics and queer rights to creative arts, music, and yoga, Femø Kvindelejr offers space for personal growth, activism, and relaxation. It serves as a nurturing ground for women’s and queer voices — a platform for sharing stories and strategies about navigating a world that often marginalizes women and gender minorities.
One of the most striking aspects of the camp is its commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental space. This is reflected in its organization and day-to-day life, which emphasizes consensus and communal living. Participants contribute to the running of the camp — from cooking to cleaning — fostering a sense of collective responsibility and belonging. Importantly, it serves as a nurturing ground for women’s and queer voices, providing a platform for sharing stories and strategies about navigating through a world that often marginalizes women and gender minorities. This ethos of solidarity is repeatedly cited by participants as one of the most important reasons for coming, echoing the atmosphere of the early feminist years.
In 2023, the camp officially decided to open participation to all women and non-binary people with an F or X in their passport. Today, the camp is described as having a multifarious and inclusive character. There is room for all kinds of women and gender minorities, each of whom comes for their own individual reasons — whether political, personal, or simply to enjoy a break in an affirming and accepting environment.
The camp also functions as a place of collective memory. Its deep roots in the 1970s feminist movement are kept alive through stories, songs, and shared anecdotes that connect past and present. Femø Kvindelejr is not just a series of annual gatherings, but a living archive of feminist and queer history — a vibrant, nurturing community that continues to evolve while honoring its foundations.
To secure these stories for current and coming generations and everyone interested in its her-story, Femø Kvindelejr is currently working on establishing a Digital Archive. If you have any pictures, films, documents, or stories you would like to share, please contact kontoret[a]kvindelejren.dk.
Posters
Se all the Posters made to invite to the Womenscamp or Femøcamp
In later years we only designed flyers and in some years we made beautiful leaflets.
Now we mostly inform people about the camp by internet and social media.
Womens movements history in Emma
Danish reference to the Flying Lesbians