Berlin Stories

Sex worker-authored bill to reform Germany’s sex work law

On 2 June, marking 15th anniversary of International Whores’ Day, a coalition of sex worker organisations introduced a bill to reform Germany’s sex work laws. Since 2017, sex work has been regulated under the so-called “Prostituiertenschutzgesetz” (“Prostitute Protection Act”), which has been heavily criticised by many sex workers for its focus on control and increased policing under the guise of protection. The law mandates compulsory registration, which has led to heightened stigmatisation of, especially of trans, BiPoC and migrant sex workers, according to a statement given by Cassidy Lowery of Sex Worker Action Group. Authored by sex workers themselves, the proposed reform bill would mark a historic step towards the decriminalisation of sex work in Germany. It aims to end injustices and harmful stigmas embedded in the current legal framework. Beyond full decriminalisation, the bill calls for labour protections and access to health and social services. You can find out more here.

“No Peace on Stolen Land” Protest

On Saturday, 7 June, Palestine Speaks, PA Allies, and other activist groups in solidarity with Palestine are calling for a protest in Berlin. The “No Peace on Stolen Land” march begins at 15:00 at Mehringplatz. 7 June marks the 58th anniversary of the Naksa (“setback”) – the 1967 mass displacement of Palestinians and occupation of Palestinian land by Israel. As the war in Gaza and the colonial expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue, join this protest for a free Palestine.

Queer bar Silver Future needs support

This year, the iconic queer bar Silver Future is celebrating 18 years of existence. Located in Neukölln, Silver Future has long been a vital gathering space for queer FLINTA* communities. For nearly two decades, the bar has hosted events celebrating queer culture and created safer spaces fostering connection and resistance. Like many cultural spaces and bars, Silver Future is also feeling the pressure of the financial crisis, and they need support. So come by, bring your friends, and show some love to your local queer bar. More info here.

Save Cosmo Radio

The radio station ‘Cosmo’ is facing discontinuation as part of cultural budget cuts. Cosmo is an independent, intercultural and multilingual radio project hosted by the ARD, a major association of German public roadcasters. Its programming is especially geared toward a younger audience and amplifies queer and migrant voices. This makes Cosmo a unique fixture within the German media landscape. Now, the station is at risk as ARD plans to cancel up to 17 radio programs. A final decision will be made on 24 and 25 June. You support Cosmo by signing a petition urging ARD decision-makers to continue funding this essential radio project.

Move 78 album launch party

On the evening of 5 June, join Berlin-based band Move 78 in their showcase of the new album, “Game Four”, which has been named album of the month in the May edition of The Berliner. Move 78, headed by producer and Refuge resident Aver (aka Joe), represents a new wave of what the band refers to as“dystopian jazz”. At the intersection of jazz and hip-pop, samples of the band’s live recordings, comprising of keys, bass, drums, and french horn, are reconfigured by Aver in production. Their soundscape is the product of automation and free-flow jazz, of electronic and live music. The launch party will take place at Privatclub from 19:30 and will be accompanied with DJ sets by Allynx. Grab your tickets here.

EJU5702 open call

EJU5702, an ongoing photographic project by Irene Lauro, is looking for participants. Conceived as a living archive, it preserves the memories of Berlin’s migrants through personal belongings that hold emotional value. The call is open to anyone who has migrated to Berlin from around the world. Participants are invited to choose one meaningful object and write about the feelings associated with it, aiming to document individual journeys of transition from one culture to another, exploring how migration affects feelings of belonging or detachment.

The collected material will form a printed book and grow into a community-run archive. The application deadline is 23 June. Apply here.

The Swamp Princess Kiki

On 8 June, a Doechii Swamp Princess-themed Kiki Ballroom event will take place at ufaFabrik Studios Berlin. Hosted by Everston and German Mother Dream of the House of Louboutin, the event celebrates the rapper and artist Doechii, who has come forward as a voice of queer and BiPoC empowerment. Join us on 8 June from 17:00 for an evening of performance, fierce looks and queer culture. Ballroom was created by Black and Latinx queer and trans communities – especially led by trans femmes – in New York City. Be mindful of the legacy and how you take up space. You can get your tickets here.

Motherland photo exhibition launch

On the weekend of 6-8 June, Colombian-Danish author, photographer, and multidisciplinary artist Michael José presents his first publication, “Motherland”. As a Colombian raised in Denmark by adoptive parents, José documents his first journey back to ‘Motherland’ in search of himself, his culture, and his mother. Through this photographic narrative, José shares an intimate lens, documenting the journey back by sharing the process of exploring his roots as seen through his eyes. To accompany the launch, silver gelatin prints, made by José over the past months, will be showcased. The exhibition will take place at Backhaus Berlin from 19:00 on 6 June, until 20:00 on 8 June; more info here.

Nomansland Last Lap

To kick off Karneval der Kulturen (KDK) Nomansland presents Last Lap, bringing the warm and bouncy grooves at Slap’d Berlin. Nomansland’s is a Berlin-based collective with events aimed to showcase the culturally diverse communities that make up Berlin,. The lineup includes DJ sets by Coco Callypso, Jams, Kallaloo, Nuh Delay, and Thanisha, presenting a rainbow of genres including techno, house, breaks, baile, afrobeats, and more. The event will take place on Sunday 8 June from 18:00 as a continuation of KDK’s daytime celebrations. More info here.

Oona Bar: Limbo Love takeover

Come down to Oona bar on Thursday evening to listen to poet and sound artist Merma Suelo’s recollections of love in the “Limbo Love”. In the past winter, Merma Suelo sent letters and soundscapes by post to friends as that represent her own thoughts of love, relationships, and romance. In this takeover, Merma Suelo will share these poems, letters, and sound episodes in conversation with sound artist Amuleto Manuela, before inviting composer, guitarist, and DJ Berenice Llorens to share her own love letters project. In the last hour, DJ m13ld3m0r4 will bring their own explorations of love’s conventions in sonic form—a thought-provooking end for a calm Thursday evening. More info here.

Majur Concert

The Brasilian singer Majur has just released her new record ”GIRA MUNDO” and will perform live in Berlin on 11 June. A key voice in Brasil’s queer BiPoC music and arts scene, Majur is an important advocate for trans rights in her home country. Her sound blends traditional Afro-Brasilian Candomblé rhythms with smooth R&B and contemporary Afro-pop production. The concert will take place at Gretchen, starting at 20:30.