Axel Axgil

Axel Axgil, a Danish gay rights activist, achieved a historic milestone in 1989 when he and his partner became the world’s first gay couple to legally register their same-sex partnership after Denmark legalized the act. To symbolize their commitment to each other, the couple adopted the surname Axgil, a combination of both of their names. 

Axel was instrumental in founding Denmark’s initial gay rights organization, F-48, in 1948, which later evolved into the Danish National Association of Gays and Lesbians. Unfortunately, his advocacy led to him losing his job once his involvement with the organization became public knowledge. Axgil’s pioneering partnership marked a significant moment in the global LGBTQ+ rights movement and LGBTQ+ Denmark’s annual awards show, Danish Rainbow Awards—AXGIL, still bears their name.