Berlin, Germany

Posted by: Marisa Meyer
Location: Berlin Day 1

Today, during our tour and academic discussion with Halina, the thing that stood out the most to me was the different barriers that exist in this culture. These barriers include social, cultural and governmental, I.e. In the city.

In the city there are twelve districts of Berlin, each once had their own mayor and borders. This surprised me because I find it hard for a place as small as a city to be split into so many groups and be able to remain united. However, I later realized all these districts that didn't have legal borders, but cultural barriers. There are 'districts' for several backgrounds including a Turkish and Russian districts. This went even deeper with social districts that accommodated peoples interests and lifestyles. The main one focused on today was the 'Gay District' where there are known hang outs for gay and lesbian Germans. In our talk today with Halina she explained that there is more than meets the eye to this district. Many of the people who inhabit the bars and restaurants are not gay, but gays have made it a desirable place because of their modern and hip ideas and entrepreneurships.

The biggest thing I walked away with today was that though Berlin has been looked at more accepting of homosexuality in comparison to the United States, they are still experiencing many other barriers. This trip has already brought my perspective into a new world of understanding for other cultures.

Photo: Discussion with Halina Bendkowski, former board member of The Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany