Zielgruppe: offen für Alle / Sprach Englisch
Audience: open to all / English language

Zoom link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/85051625491
Meeting-ID: 850 5162 5491

In this discussion, representatives of the Lesbenring, the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C) and of Dyke* March Germany will talk about solidarity, activism, networks and the organization of the lesbian movement in Germany and Europe.

Lesbian activism has a long history dating back to the early feminist movements of the 20th century. In recent decades, numerous organizations have focused on promoting lesbian rights. Dyke Marches and international campaigns, such as the International Lesbian Visibility Day, are important milestones to increase visibility and raise awareness for lesbians. Despite progress, lesbian visibility remains a challenge. Discrimination, violence and social isolation are still widespread, especially at a time when there is a worrying shift to the right in many societies. In addition, lesbians/dykes are often underrepresented within the LGBTIQ+ movement, especially when it comes to the issues that directly affect them. Activism aims to close these gaps and bring the specific needs of lesbians into the social discourse.

The Lesbenring, the European Lesbian* Community (EL*C) and the Dyke March Germany are paramount in the fight for the rights and visibility of lesbians and queer women in Germany and Europe. These organizations and events play a central role in promoting solidarity, networks and active engagement. 

The Lesbenring has been campaigning for the interests of lesbians since the 1980s and creates spaces for exchange and networking. Through its work, it strengthens the resilience of the community and promotes sustainable alliances that transcend national borders. 

The European EL*C network was founded in 2016 on the initiative of lesbians from various countries who work together virtually on a voluntary basis. The first Europe-wide conference took place in Vienna in 2019.

The Dyke* March Germany is a living example of collective activism. It brings the dyke march teams from various German cities together. The organizers meet once a year to connect and organize further for lesbian and dyke rights.

Language: English

Zoom link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/85051625491
Meeting-ID: 850 5162 5491

Our Panelists:

• Dr. Débora Medeiros is a board member at Lesben*Ring, one of the oldest German associations focusing on the rights of LBTIQ women. She is also a staff member of Spinnboden, a lesbian archive based in Berlin, where she focuses mostly on finances and administration. In the past, she did extensive research as a journalism studies scholar in the fields of diversity in newsrooms, media discourse around migration and exile, progressive alternative media, affect and emotion. 
• Anna Roth, part of the organization team of OPEN DYKES and Dyke March Heidelberg (member of Dyke*March Germany). As a trans woman, she is an activist for trans rights. She supports trans people on a voluntary basis for the DGTI and helps them with their transition

• Silvia Casalino is the Co-Director of the European EL*C network and a lesbian activist, university teacher and filmmaker with a master degree in Space Engineering. In 2017 she co-created the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community. After 3 years of chairmanship, she’s currently the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community international NGO Executive Co-Director.
• Moderation: Johannah Illgner is a founding member of OPEN DYKES and longtime political activist from Heidelberg. She was the first openly lesbian member of the local city council and fights for lesbian and queer visibility and structures such as Queer Space Heidelberg, Queeres Netzwerk Heidelberg. She is also part of Wirtschaftsweiber Rhein-Neckar.

Zoom link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/85051625491
Meeting-ID: 850 5162 5491