We are committed to intersectional justice and therefore challenge systems of oppressive power. While facing ongoing challenges in securing sustainable funding, we remain committed to our values and to the responsibilities these involve. Our mission is to empower BIPoC women/Trans*/inter/non-binary/agender people in the face of racial, gender-based, economic, professional, social discrimination and racism in Germany. Hence, as vital support is taken from marginalised individuals and communities here, we cannot remain silent.
Current Developments
The recent abrupt closure of Alia and Phantalisa girls* centres in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg by the youth welfare office is deeply troubling. The reasons cited are the managers of Alia and Phantalisa partici-pating in anti-war demonstrations and expressing solidarity with those affected by war on their private social media accounts. This highlights an alarming trend of state repression and intimidation.
Repression of feminist work
“The abrupt closures of our girls* facilities in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg affect the only queer-feminist projects in the district that offer intersectional services, support and protection, especially for migrant girls* and young women*,” Frieda state in their information letter. Such seemingly arbitrary actions by the authorities are likely to unsettle and intimidate feminist civil society, which is urgently needed in the face of massive anti-democratic and patriarchal movements.
Shrinking of liberties
We are acutely aware of the entrenched institutional dynamics in Germany that actively restrict discourse and curb freedom of speech. The closure of these girls* centres, along with the precarious situation faced by numerous marginalised projects, illustrates the convergence of heightened policing and cuts to social services. The recent police raids on community hub Café Karanfil or the withdrawal of funding for Oyoun are just two examples of how the Senate targets leftist migrant spaces, and culture. We are firm in our solidarity with those affected by this racist repression.
Societal context
The largest Palestinian diaspora in Europe is in Berlin. Just like everybody else, Palestinians and their supporters should also be free to take to the streets to express their political concerns – including about the horrors happening in Gaza – without fear of being beaten, arrested, or deported. In line with our intersectional and anti-discrimination principles, we stand in solidarity with those resisting far-right nationalist movements and all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
