Article
The Queer Political Forum is an organization that provides workshops, panel discussions and other events, with the mission of amplifying voices of LGBTQ+ activists and combating anti-trans politics. Recent events were happening either online or took place in Berlin and Wuppertal.
In the 2021 election in Germany, it became more evident that queer citizens hold significant political influence. A study from the University of Giessen revealed that LGBTIQ* voters have a clear preference for Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. Significant changes are also noticeable in comparison to the last federal election, showing a 23% increase in support for this party within the queer community compared to the previous elections. In spring 2023, the government initiated the “Federal Action Plan for the Acceptance and Protection of Gender and Sexual Diversity,” inviting 78 queer initiatives and associations to provide counsel on matters affecting queer life. While this participatory process signals progress, the procedure remained insufficiently funded and was criticized as being not inclusive and diverse enough.
Project Development
Being personally and politically affected by any initiatives towards the queer struggles, Samu/elle Striewski and Judith Gabler felt a need for more intersectional, participatory queer-political organizing, which led to creating the Queer Political Forum (registered in Germany as a Verein), addressing their discontent towards queer and trans rights. Establishing their own non-profit organization, Samu/elle Striewski and Judith Gabler were able to develop their own intra-queer politico-pedagogical platform, where they aim to discuss with and
empower other members of the LGBTQ+ community throughout this current political climate. They soon hope to further continue and improve their intersectional approach to queer activism and the lobbying for queer rights.
As of now, Queer Political Forum has relied on their members to conduct workshops and are actively aiming to apply for public funding for future speakers and renting venues. With around 10 members of their team, QPF is continuously growing, expecting to gain engagement from all over the world. While challenges do tend to arise, Samu/elle and Judith are looking forward to the future of their platform, and would be happy to hear from any interested parties wanting to get involved.
