Proud to be Different & Prepared: Your Guide to Pride

Queer and kinky love is always a statement to the outside world! Why? Because you hold up a mirror to all those who deny themselves and prefer to conform, precisely for that reason… well, let's face it: Sometimes, unfortunately, we rub people the wrong way. But don't worry, we won't let it spoil our fun; instead, we'll arm ourselves with a good dose of self-assertion!

The High Art of Elegant Ignoring - When Insulted

Should someone accost you rudely on the street or at Pride: You don't have to justify yourself! Just stay cool and don't insult them back – you don't need to, because you are in the right. Instead, get your people. Witnesses make a huge difference here: Homophobic insult is not a "minor offense" but a criminal offense under § 185 StGB. So: file a report. Every single one counts and clears the way for the next party!

Keep Your Distance - When Threatened

If the situation becomes uncomfortable, the golden rule is: keep your distance – at least two meters. Be loud and draw attention to yourself. A strong "Get lost!" works wonders. Important: Using "Sie" (the formal "you") immediately signals to those around you: "Oh, they don't know each other, that's a stranger!" Move towards people, security, or where there's light. And remember this: Fleeing is not failure; it's simply the smartest and strategically most valuable decision of the day. And by the way, this is Queerness in Bavarian...

The Matter of Defense - In Case of Attack

When push comes to shove, remember: Your body, your rules! Loud screaming usually scares off most perpetrators. And if not, it's legally clear: Self-defense is your right, you are allowed to defend yourself (§ 32 StGB). The rule of thumb for afterwards: Immediately call 110 – even if you think you're "okay." Talk about it, because it helps, and above all: You did absolutely nothing wrong!

The Digital Shield - Being a Helpful Witness

You observe someone else being harassed or threatened? Yes, you are allowed to film or photograph the incident. But – and this is a big But for the community: Only for the police, never for the internet! The prosecution of an alleged crime is legally more important than the perpetrator's "right to their own image." However, please never put yourself in danger while doing so.

And finally - Kink at Pride?

Yes, of course, it fits! Queerness and Kink have been closely intertwined from the beginning. Already at the very first Pride in New York in 1970, a gay leather biker club was present. Anyone who takes the principles of Pride seriously welcomes Kinksters wholeheartedly. Because at the end of the day, we are all fighting for the same thing, aren't we? Exactly: Tolerance!

Kinky regards!

Thymos Emm

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(* "We don't try to shock anyone – that only creates distance. We want intimacy." Journalist, author 'The Dominus Effect', kinkster, scene-goer. Committed to the kinky world of Munich and beyond. Loving sadist: 'Come on, give me a smile!')