Shadow, light, and rainbow – Dortmund's queer history

Dortmund is steel, coal, and black-and-yellow passion. Dortmund is also drag and CSD. Between old pubs and beer halls, we go in search of queer life – from the past to the present. On this tour, we invite you to step off the beaten track and discover Dortmund's colourful soul with us – mindfully, respectfully, and authentically.

What to expect:
Our tour begins in typical Ruhrpott style at a well-known kiosk, where we will get to know each other and get in the mood for our journey together. At the Football Museum, we will talk about queerness in sports and important developments.

From there, the route takes us to the Steinwache memorial site. At this historic site, we pause to remember those who were persecuted because of their identity.

We then immerse ourselves in the courageous awakening of the 1970s and learn how the first important milestones for freedom and community were set right in the heart of the Ruhr area. We discover places that once served as “hiding places” and have, over the decades, been transformed into vibrant spaces for proud encounters.

We end at the Reinoldikirche with a look back at the Dortmund Pride Parade and the question of what queer life in Dortmund looks like today.

You will be accompanied by guides who are themselves part of the community or closely connected to it. Instead of memorized scripts, you can expect real anecdotes from life in the Ruhr – sometimes melancholic, sometimes with the typical Ruhr Valley wink, but always authentic and approachable.
Who is this tour for?
For everyone who wants to see Dortmund's city history from a new perspective. For the community, for allies, and for anyone who understands that “home” has many colours. We go slowly, we take time for questions, and we create a space where everyone can feel welcome.