P01 → Queer Spaces in Cologne – Developing a Lab for Connection, Reflection & Change
This master thesis investigated the structures and processes behind these issues. Through workshops and observations, participants envisioned a queer future for Cologne. These future visions include a better network and more exchange between spaces and ideas, and an openness for change, feedback, and reflection. With those results in mind, I developed a platform called queer:lab which can serve as a space for that exchange.
Read my thesis
Queer:lab is a platform designed to share various experiments, approaches, and thoughts on queer spaces. It offers a chance to build a network that promotes visibility, understanding, and community development. Centrally, queer:lab is a space for reflection, encouraging us to think differently than mainstream gay and lesbian media. It is a platform where individuals can explore and share their insights on queer spaces, connecting diverse ideas and people.
It also encourages speculative and critical projects that explore the future of queer spaces. This approach allows participants to imagine and investigate potential developments and innovations, providing a broader context for understanding and evolving queer spaces.
Overall, this platform stands for questioning existing structures and going beyond the commercialized lesbian and gay scene. We aim to show respect for each other, acknowledge our different identities and experiences, and create a brave learning atmosphere, where everyone feels empowered to express themselves, challenge norms, and contribute to a richer, more inclusive queer community.