What’s a group meeting like? What's there to know about the diversity Café and Bar?
In the following, you'll find answers to the most common questions we get from our visitors. If you still do not find the answer to a question, either go the specific event or offer on our website, maybe you will find your answer there, or get in touch.
What’s a group meeting like?
Most meetings follow three general phases:
- People slowly arrive,
- A welcome round, introduction of the programme, and sometimes a getting-to-know-each-other activity (this varies a lot depending on the group),
- The main activity planned for the session (e.g. board game afternoon, film night, etc.).
For details on how a specific group meeting runs, it’s best to check the page of the group you’re interested in.
How does the diversity Bar or diversity Café work?
Both the diversity Bar (every Wednesday from 7 pm) and the Café (check opening hours) are open spaces. That means we provide the space, and you can use it however you like: meet friends, relax, study, work remotely, go on a date, celebrate or get to know new people. But it also means: there are no staff members offering a set programme or guiding you through your visit. If you want to meet new people, you’ll have to make the first move – and be prepared that others might not be up for that. Of course, if you need any support, feel free to talk to the person in charge (usually behind the counter).
From time to time, the diversity Café also hosts cultural events (such as queer readings, concerts, or poetry slams). These are also open formats without supervision, but with a set programme (like a reading, for example).
How do I find you?
We have two locations:
- our youth centre at Blumenstraße 11 and
- the diversity Café at Blumenstraße 29.
You’ll find directions on our website. Please note that some events may take place at different venues – check the event page or reach out to the contact person listed for that event to be sure.
When does which group or offer take place?
You’ll find the best overview on our calendar page. You can also filter by group or type of event.
I’m not out (yet) – can I still attend group meetings?
Absolutely. We offer a closed and safe space where mutual respect is key. Many of our attendees are not out, and to this day, no one has been unintentionally outed through their visit. Since both participants and volunteers are part of the community, you don’t need to worry about being outed by anyone here.
The youth centre is located in a backyard, so people on the street can’t see exactly where you’re going. There’s also a music school in the same building, so the foot traffic is mixed.
The same goes for the diversity Café and Bar – although they are open to anyone under 27 and the entrance is visible from the street (the inside, however, is shielded from view). Even so, some visitors aren’t out, and we’ve never heard of anyone being unintentionally outed by visiting us.
I’d love to get involved or help out at the diverisity Café or Bar.
That’s great! Our work depends on the voluntary commitment of young queer people who want to help create spaces for other queer youth. Check out the Join Us! section on our website to find out how you can support diversity. Or just speak to one of our team members at an event – they’ll be happy to tell you how you can get involved. We’re excited to meet you!
Can I bring a friend (who isn’t queer)?
Yes! For your first visit to a group meeting – or if you have another good reason – you’re welcome to bring a friend. We love seeing new faces. Please just let the group or organiser know in advance (ideally via the contact form linked in the event description) so we can make sure it remains a safe space for the intended target group.
For the diversity Bar and Café, everyone under 27 is welcome – no matter if you’re queer, cis-straight!
Our coming-in service for leisure groups
You’ve never been to one of our group meetings and/or feel unsure about coming? Then make use of our coming-in service! Just drop us a message a few days before the meeting (ideally via the contact form linked in the event you’d like to attend). You can then either arrive a few minutes before the official start time, or someone from our team can meet you at the nearest U-Bahn/S-Bahn station or a nearby bus stop. That way, you’ll already know someone when you arrive and won’t have to join the group on your own.
Accessibility at diversity – an honest overview
As a fully volunteer-run project with limited financial, spatial, and time resources, we unfortunately cannot always meet the standard of accessibility we strive for. We truly regret this. That’s why it’s all the more important for us to communicate transparently about our current situation – and to work together to find individual solutions wherever possible and reasonable.
Is diversity’s offer accessible?
Generally speaking, unfortunately not. If you rely on accessibility, please contact us in advance. We might be able to work out a short-term solution together – where there's a will, there’s often a way!
Are the diversity youth centre or the diversity Café accessible for people with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, no. The youth centre is located on the first floor and is only accessible via a staircase. The Café has a ground-level entrance through the back door but does not have accessible toilets. In most cases, a barrier-free toilet is available at one of our neighbouring community spaces (e.g. LeZ or Sub), which are about 100 to 300 metres away and need to be open at the time to access the toilets there. For certain events – such as those around Pride – we rent accessible mobile toilet units. If this is the case, you’ll find a note in the event description.
Are there quiet or low-stimulation spaces?
Due to the limited size of our venues and the number of visitors, we currently cannot offer low-stimulation environments or dedicated quiet/retreat spaces at either location. However, we’re happy to try and find individual solutions in specific cases – feel free to reach out.
Are there services or support for people who are deaf or have impaired hearing?
Unfortunately not at this time. We do not currently have any technical aids or professional assistance available.
Are there services or support for blind or visually impaired individuals?
Sadly, no – not at this time.
Your accessibility need isn’t listed here?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’ll do our best to find a solution with you – and we aim to continuously expand and update the information we provide.