Gender and Sexuality

We live in a society with norms regarding gender and sexuality. That means some genders and sexualities are considered "normal" and can be lived without prejudice while others are constantly questioned. Genders and sexualities that do not conform to the norms in our society are often pathologized (regarded as a disease). Trans, inter, gay, bisexual, graysexual people, for example, share experiences of pathologization, stigmatization, and attempts to 'fit in'. These are just some of the experiences that can be further exacerbated by racism or sexism.

There are more than two genders and sexual and romantic attraction can also take many forms. In our society, however, people are categorized structurally and on a daily basis: For example, they are supposed to identify with one of two genders assigned to them at birth (cisgender norm), while also only being attracted to "the other gender" (heterosexual norm). If their bodies, their sexuality, their love, their identity or the way they present themselves to the outside world do not fit into these narrow categories, they are marked as "different" and often experience all kinds of discrimination.

With our workshops, we want to educate about rigid norm about gender and sexuality. We want to advocate for more allyship, safety and diversity, so that one day all people can live together freely and self-determined. We offer various workshops on gender and sexuality. We can explore topics such as trans, inter, non-binary allyship or queer empowerment but also more specific topics like anti-queer hostility in far right ideologies.

Workshop Queer Allyship

What are the differences between trans* and inter? What does cis actually mean and what does this syllable have to do with privilege? What (gender-neutral) pronouns are there? How can I practise using them?

For the question of what allyship means and how we can be(come) allies, it is important to first recognize homo, trans* and inter* hostility as well as identify our own privileges. In which contexts and situations can they manifest? How can we be allies in public restrooms, in universities, in friendships, families and partnerships? Allyship can mean different things in different situations - the first step is to listen and educate ourselves. That's what this workshop is for: We want to show where and how we can seek knowledge to support queer people.

Because despite legal achievements, people in Germany continue to experience homo, trans* and inter hostility - in public, in institutions, in friendships and families. The workshop will focus on recognizing our own (structural) privileges and how we can address and utilize them. We will try to keep in mind that queer communities are not homogeneous groups and that other axes of power, such as classism, ableism and racism, also have an impact here.

Workshop "trans*, inter & non-binary!" - an introductory empowerment workshop

For people who experience trans*, inter and queer hostility, empowerment and connection can be important survival strategies. We will take an introductory look at the origins of the concept of empowerment and the contexts in which it can be found today.

Together we will consider what empowerment can mean for both individual queer people and groups. Last but not least, empowerment is a personal process in which people discover, develop and use their own strengths and resources, but at the same time it is also about recognizing their own limitations. How can we remain capable of taking action in the face of discriminatory situations and how can we practise self-care? What experiences can we share, how can we find support in one another and experience empowerment collectively?

In this workshop, it is important for us to make visible that trans*, inter and non-binary people are not homogeneous groups. How can those of us who experience classism, for example, empower ourselves? How can trans* and non-binary people who experience a lack of understanding and stigmatization for their mental health/illness remain capable of acting? And how can we practically implement and use jointly developed strengths to deal with hostilities?

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