Berlin Stories

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8 March: Der Feministische Kampftag

As every year, on 8 March – the international day of feminist resistance – several demonstrations and events are taking place across Berlin. Under the title “Until Total Liberation” Palestine Speaks and the Alliance of Internationalist Feminists are organising a demonstration starting at 15:00 from Oranienplatz. The protest highlights the ongoing international fight against patriarchy and oppression. Opposing liberal white feminism, the demonstration calls for an intersectional and resistant feminism that fights against all forms of oppression, injustice, imperial power structures. This demo proceeds the previous 1 March demo, where Berlin authorities restricted the demonstration to a stationary rally – actively denying freedom of expression regardless of background and political standing. These restriction patterns have been long standing for pro-Palestine demos, and criminalization and repression of solidarity threatens self organization, which necessitates self-determination. Bring your banners and comrades, and join the revolutionary 8 March demonstration. A preceding union protest will also take place at 12:30 pm at the same location.

On Refuge Worldwide this week we have a series of IWD specials, including ADIRA (pictured above) and Assila Beer, while on 8 March itself you can tune into a full FLINTA* day programme. The schedule features shows from TENNIN, Éclat Crew, afrodisiac ELLLL, Luce Clandestina and Jay Duncan. It continues in the evening with Concentio exploring the female gaze in house and electronic music, from the past to today, and Monibi inviting Aysun, Tempestfeather, Jet Mila and Miri Malek. Tune in!

The Spiral Times: Girls Against the State | BB

07 Mar 2024

Hildashaus e.V. Fundraiser

In response to drastic social budget cuts across Germany, Hildashaus e.V., an NGO supporting FLINTA+ individuals over 40, is bringing together community support and creativity for a powerful night at Panke Culture. Expect performances, workshops, an art exhibition, DJ sets, delicious food, and a vibrant market featuring local initiatives—all created with care and love. Plus, special surprises from Einhorn! This event will take place on March 8th from 6:00 - 18:00 at Panke Culture.

But this night is about more than just fundraising—it’s about creating a safer, empowering space for FLINTA* individuals and allies to unwind after demonstrations, connect, and celebrate our collective strength.

CDU, SPD agree on 500 billion for military infrastructure

On Tuesday, the CDU and SPD, who are hoping to form the new German government, agreed on a financial plan. While the cultural, educational, and health sectors are struggling to survive after heavy governmental budget cuts, a total of €1 trillion has been reserved for military and infrastructure spending. The fund is to be divided in two parts, with one half allocated directly to revamping the German military (Bundeswehr). The other half is planned for investment in infrastructure developments, such as new highways.

The likely next German chancellor, Friedrich Merz announced the financial agreement shortly after US President Donald Trump froze military aid for Ukraine. Merz also stated that he will discuss an additional €3 billion in aid for Ukraine.

The final decision on the governmental spending still requires approval by a majority vote in the Bundestag. Nevertheless, the agreement marks a notable turn in German economic policy, breaching the “debt brake”, which traditionally limits government borrowing, to increase defence spending.

90mil Art School Kickoff The *90mil Art School* has started its second year with courses and workshops open to everyone. You can take courses on ceramic instrument-building or Ableton, drop into a vocal activation or belly dance workshop or find something else to suit you from the multidisciplinary programme. Courses are accessible with a sliding scale and solidarity places and the DIY space near Jannowitzbrücke is wheelchair-accessible. Learn more here.

Bread & Roses - Reading & Discussion Circle

Bread and Roses is a reading and discussion group by Klasse Gegen Klasse. Starting this week, based on community interest in Trotsky and fascism, considering the recent election, the leftist Book Club Meeting every Tuesday at Sonnenallee 152 delves into texts about the historic struggle against fascism. Texts include Trotsky’s socialist essays as well as modern writings starting this week for March. This is a community-based reading group and conversation space meeting at 18:00, with discussion topics and material based on community voting. For more info DM @andrea.datri or @wladekflakin via Instagram.

“Resistance Means Sisterhoods” Live Acts

On 6 March, the Berlin bar Roter Löwe is hosting a Soli Event & Küfa to raise funds for a Palestinian family facing deportation. A line-up of artists, musicians and poets will perform their political pieces. Among them are the Berlin-based rapper Sorah, singer Mahita, Palestinian rapper Leila Ey, and DJ Josiane. Additionally, you can shop for unique clothes designed by the Berlin upcycling brand, Halal Boys. The event starts at 19:00, and the entry is donation-based, with a recommended contribution of 8-15€. The space is wheelchair accessible (with wheelchair accessible toilets as well).

Open Letter: Queer/Trans Youth Work Needs to Stay

The Berliner Senate has announced the complete cancellation of funding for the youth program of Inter*Trans* Beratung Queer Leben as of 1 April. For years, the program has provided essential support to queer youth, as well as counselling for parents and teachers. Such initiatives are crucial in alleviating the psychological pressure queer youth experience while growing up in a heteronormative world. Several queer youth-focused organisations that are facing budget cuts, have started an open letter collecting signatures to send to the Berliner Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie. The open letter urges the Senate to continue funding the program. You can sign it here. Learn more here.

Purple Ride Bike Demo

In the name of reclaiming the streets, the queer-feminist demonstration Purple Ride is calling on people to join their bike protest. The Purple Ride takes a stance against right-wing politics and the budget cuts, while advocating for feminist resistance and international solidarity, and a free Palestine. The ride will start on 8 March at noon from Mariannenplatz in Kreuzberg. Participants are encouraged to wear purple – hence the name. This event could be a good alternative if a walking demo is not an option for you.

Crowdfunding for İÇ İÇE

Recent financial cuts of an estimated €300 million in the cultural sector are taking their toll on everyone and hitting hard, especially for İÇ İÇE–a festival and community space for contemporary Anatolian music, exchange, solidarity, and hope. While cultural institutions all across Berlin are affected, it is especially difficult for queer and BiPoC events to receive funding. İÇ İÇE needs at least 20,000 euros to continue to run and hold space for the Anatolian community in Berlin, and at least 30,000 euros to continue to run their full program whilst upholding fair fees. Spread the word and donate here. Read more İÇ İÇE about here.

Die Kunsthure @The Code

Artist Die Kunsthure takes over The Code Berlin for a week-long exhibition of multimedia installations on themes of womanhood, sex work, and identity. This exhibition will kick off with the Women’s Day Gala on 8 March from 18:00-22:00, featuring Die Kunsthure, naked Violinist solo performance Shasta Ellenbogen–leader of Naked String Quartet and Founder of Classical Sundays, Contemporary Dance by Jenna Berlyn–co-founder of SLEX.ART, and DJ set by Sarah Wreath. This event is open to all and free, and the space is wheelchair accessible. More info here.