Berlin Stories

Police brutality in Berlin 

Last week, the German police once again brutally cracked down on people protesting in solidarity with Palestine. On Thursday, they attacked a peaceful civil disobedience gathering in protest of the starvation of Gaza at Checkpoint Charlie. Videos showed police officers punching a person on the ground, dragging a mother away from her children, and handling an unconscious person. PA Allies issued a statement with more information, which you can read here. The following Saturday, in another incident of police violence, the authorities pushed into the crowds at the Internationalist Queer Pride demonstration and made several arrests. IQP is an annual counter-event to the commercial CDS Pride and advocates for an intersectional and anti-imperialist understanding of queer liberation. Before the march was able to start, police had already interfered, leading to a delay. At the midway point, they burst into the crowd and dissolved the protest ahead of its official end.

Refuge Worldwide community conversation 

On 4 August, Refuge Worldwide invites cultural workers and activists in Berlin for a community gathering and exchange about the current challenges of working in Germany’s repressive climate while staying true to one’s values and advocating for a free Palestine. The event includes a panel conversation and open discussion, creating space to share ideas on navigating financial pressure, commercial collaborations, and political repression. This gathering especially welcomes those who publicly express solidarity with Palestine and are facing repressions or funding cuts as a result of their stance. The event takes place at Niemetzstraße 1 and starts at 18:00. You can read more and RSVP here. We hope to see you there and exchange ideas and strategies.

Petition against special registry for trans people

German minister Alexander Dobrint is planning to reintroduce a special register of trans people, who make use of the Selbstbestimmungsgesetz – a bill aimed at making changes to name and gender marker more accessible. The proposed register would list everyone who has changed their name and gender marker, alongside their previous information. This not only violates the right to privacy but also puts them in danger by permanently marking trans people on paper. Special registries for minorities have historically made it easier to target them and are a long-standing feature of fascist strategies. Trans activist Penelope Alva Frank has launched a petition against this planned measure. You can sign it here.

Magic Dyke* Splashgasm

On 2 August, Magic Dyke* returns after almost a year-long hiatus. Magic Dyke* is an event series made by and for queers featuring sensual performances by queer butches, studs, bois, mascs, and gender benders. Their big comeback, “Splashgasm”, takes place over 13 hours on Saturday, 2 August, at Festsaal Kreuzberg. From 17:00, there will be a queer market with local vendors, food, and DJs, as well as an outdoor Magic Dyke* show. The main show starts from 21:00 and is followed by an afterparty with two dance floors and a dark room. This event gives priority to SLINTA* visitors, and an awareness team will be present at the venue.  You can get tickets and find more information regarding accessibility here. 

RSLA session for collective deep listening 

Radical Sounds Latin America is teaming up with America & Terminal Tribe for an event at KWIA. “Listening Shelter” is a session for collective deep listening in an atmospheric setting, exploring altered states, voices, rhythms, memories, and textures through subdued sounds. This attentive listening practice is designed to cultivate an intentional space where sound serves as both refuge and resistance. Come by KWIA on 2 August from 20:00 to experience sets by four DJs. Tickets are available on a sliding scale of 8-12€.

Enana and mx.pinky release party 

The Berlin-based rapper Enana has teamed up with producer and DJ mx.pinky. Together, they created the EP Becoming, which was released last week on the all-trans label and fundraiser event series exude. The artists will celebrate the release on 1 August at ACUD. The release party starts at 22:00 and the performance by Enana and mx.pinky will be followed by DJs Alada and Bad Puppy on the decks. Tickets start from 15€.

90mil festival 

From 1-3 August, the cultural hub 90mil is hosting its first-ever festival. Over the course of three days, the 90mil crew has curated a packed lineup featuring artists from Berlin’s diverse countercultural scene. The festival kicks off on Friday at 15:00 with performances by artists like Ghostpoet, Alex Rapp, and Devon Rexi. On Saturday, from 14:00 until late, artists like Dengue Dengue Dengue, Nan Sounds and Azemad will take the stage. Sunday wraps up the festival with sets by RÛVEYDA, Eve Martin, and more. The festival is part of the farewell to 90mil – the beloved will have to close its current location in 2026. Check out the full lineup here, and make sure to come around to celebrate the last summer with 90mil.

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Photos courtesy of Sonic Interventions, Sinema Transtopia, and K-Fetisch.