FAQ
*Who are we?
we are village is a respectful and caring queer community project. We create and provide spaces for individual and collective exchange, self-exploration, healing, expression, play, art, and activism. We explore ideas and practices surrounding embodiment, identity, creativity, and social change, organizing a wide variety of events, projects, workshops, trainings, and festivals. we are village serves as both a physical hub and a digital platform where queer individuals can find belonging and grow. we are village is also a resource and a network for participants, members, teachers, artists, volunteers, and queer communities.
*What language will workshops and events be in?
Most workshops will be held in English and/or German, depending on the needs of the individual group of participants and language skills of the facilitators and/or volunteers. You will find language information for each event under “General Information”. If there are any language barriers, please make the facilitator or a volunteer aware of them so that solutions can be found.
*Why do some events have participation fees?
Our events often feature specially tailored programs and expert facilitation to provide the best possible experience for everyone. The fees help support us financially and ensure we can continue our work in the long term. Every contribution allows us to offer a diverse range of activities for the community.
However, most of our events remain free, and membership provides discounted access to additional events.
*I would love to participate but can't afford it. What do I do?
At we are village, we are committed to creating a more equitable community. 30% of our workshops and trainings are dedicated for individuals affected by racism, ableism, transphobia or other related variations of intersectional discrimination. Please talk to us about flexible payment plans. We may also have a few spots at a reduced cost for work exchange/volunteering. No one will be turned away for lack of funds! Please let us know.
Depending on the specific situation, needs and interests, we can offer scholarships at a 100% discount and on a sliding scale of 40-70% of the cost. For interested participants who experience racism, ableism, transphobia or other variations of discrimination and would like to be a part of our transformative experience, we have several free or sliding scale places available. Everyone’s unique perspectives are valuable and we want to provide a space where every single individual can thrive.
*How do different layers of discrimination overlap and what can we learn from this to strengthen our community?
People may experience different layers of discrimination, for example, experiencing homophobia and one or more other types of discrimination (e.g. racism, ableism, classism etc.). These individuals need special protection and support in our community. More information on intersectionality can be found here:
*Why are there specific events for queer people with experiences of migration and/or displacement?
Specific events for queer people who have experienced challenges with migration and/or displacement create a safer space where people with similar experiences can connect and support each other without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. These events provide marginalized groups with the space they often lack in other contexts and enrich the entire community through exchange and diversity of perspectives.
*Why are some events or workshops specifically for people who identify as male*?
While there’s certainly a need for events that embrace all gender identities and sexual orientations, we specialize in creating events for Queer Masculinities. These events aim to create a safer and affirming space for those who experience and express queer masculinities, including cis men, trans men and non-binary people who identify with masculinity (GBTQ*). It’s not about exclusion, but about addressing the unique needs and experiences of this group. By offering this space we ensure that people with shared experiences can connect, discuss, and support each other in an environment free from judgment. Additionally, we aim to offer workshops specifically designed for queer femininities. These spaces ensure that each group can explore their identities and experiences in a supportive and secure surrounding. Together, these initiatives help build a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.
*Why is it important to create separate spaces for marginalized groups?
With these specific events, we prioritize participantswhose experiences align closely with the program’s focus — specifically LGBTQIA+ individuals who have faced migration and/or displacement, and who are often marginalized or excluded from other spaces. This ensures that these participants have a safer space where they can share openly without the pressure to explain or defend themselves.
Rather than seeing this as exclusion, we encourage you to reflect on the dynamics at play. When one group marginalizes another, the presence of someone from the marginalizing group can sometimes, regardless of intent, affect the safety and comfort of those within the marginalized group.
By providing these specific spaces, we maintain the intent and impact of the workshop for those who need it most. If there are marginalized groups we have not yet created programming for, we are always open to feedback and eager to adapt, ensuring that all voices within our community are heard and supported.
*How can I, as part of we are village, support others even if I’m not personally affected by racism?
You can practice allyship by listening to marginalized voices, supporting them, and respecting their spaces. Everyone can contribute to making our community a safer place for all.
*What if I’m in a workshop and asked to do something I don’t want to do?
Everything you experience here is an invitation, never a requirement. The intensity of your journey is entirely up to you, though we encourage you to dive in – it’s in the unknown that magic happens. Consent, self-care, curiosity and confidentiality are at the heart of all our events.
*What can I do if I experienced something uncomfortable?
We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. Reports of any concerning behavior can be made anonymously or directly to our staff, and we have clear procedures in place to address such issues promptly.
*What measures are in place for people with disabilities?
We’re always working to make our community as accessible as possible for everyone. However, due to the building’s layout, some areas are still less accessible. Both of our studios are wheelchair accessible via portable ramp or elevator, and a portable ramp is needed for our restrooms. We recognize these challenges and are actively seeking improvements. If you need any additional assistance, please let us know in advance so that we can best accommodate you. Feel free to call us or contact us at .
*What measures are in place for neurologically sensitive people?
We have a separate quiet room available if you get overwhelmed and need a moment to rest. Service animals are of course allowed in our spaces. If you’d like to bring an assistant or translator, please let us know in advance, and they will not be charged an entry fee.If we can assist you in any other way, feel free to speak to us or write us at .
*How can allies support we are village?
Allyship means listening to marginalized voices, supporting their needs, and respecting the spaces created for them. Allies can contribute by advocating for inclusivity and by supporting communities like we are village financially (Link to donate). If you have any questions about how to best support our community, feel free to contact us.
*How does we are village protect the privacy of its members?
We are committed to protecting the anonymity and privacy of all participants. Personal information is never shared without consent, and events are conducted in a way that respects individuals’ privacy and boundaries.
*What is your pictures policy?
We may use photos from our events on social media or for promotion. If you spot yourself in a photo and prefer not to be featured, just email us, and we’ll remove it right away. Please note, these images can’t be used by participants for professional purposes or promotion, as they’re shared with the consent of everyone involved and should stay within that context. If you took a picture at one of our events and want to share it on your socials, please be sure to have the explicit consent of everyone in it. No photos or videos taken during our events may be used to promote your work.