About us
GLADT e.V. – independent, multilingual, queer
GLADT is an organization of black, indigenous and persons of color lesbians, gays, bisexuals, Trans*, Inter* and queers in Berlin. We are involved on different levels against racism, sexism, trans- and homophobia, ableism, and other forms of discrimination. A special focus of our work is on the topics of multiple discrimination and intersectionality, meaning the overlap and interactions of different forms of discrimination and their specific resulting experiences. The following terms describe GLADT and our work best:
Empowerment
Self and mutual strengthening; Appreciation and acceptance; the building of networks and collective enforcement of political interests; gaining and increasing the ability to act, dealing actively with problems; promotion of solidary forms of self-determination, self-organization, and self-help.
Politics
we are interested in positions and experiences of people who do not belong to the dominant culture; we intervene in queer politics, patriarchy- and discourses critical against racism; we focus on the perspectives of Black LGBTIQ and LGBTIQ of Color – also on intersecting experiences with other forms of discrimination; we stand in solidary on an international level with self-organized groups, which campaign for more awareness against discrimination.
Positionality
We position ourselves clearly with the people who are discriminated against; we position ourselves with people who want to act against discrimination; we position ourselves for reflection processes; we position ourselves as critical of social issues and of authority.
Support
we assist in supporting self-help and self-empowerment; we help to develop strategies to deal with various life situations; we offer psychosocial support against stress and overburdening, pressure or exclusion; we help with the practical steps in Berlin when it comes to orienting yourself in the city and finding your way around a wide variety of sources and support systems.
Independent
GLADT is not connected to political, ideological or religious parties. The association works independently of the state or other bodies, the contents of its work are determined by its members. In order to achieve our goals, we work together in networks with initiatives, organizations, counseling centers, projects, and individuals – for example, we are members of the Migration Council Berlin and the Turkish Confederation in Berlin-Brandenburg.
Multilingual
Our members and our team of employees have different origins and qualifications themselves so that we can provide offers such as consultation in several languages. These include Turkish, Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Hebrew, Urdu and Punjabi. If necessary, we can also offer translation into other languages.
Queer
We are lesbian, we are gay, we are trans*, we are bisexual, we are pansexual, we are intersex. We live queerly. But there is no pressure from GLADT to live under a specific identity model or to use a specific label for one’s own lifestyle. Our understanding of “queer” allows the merging of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations and their overlap with origins, languages, skin colors, religious and philosophical beliefs, disabilities, chronic illnesses, ages, class relations, eating habits, to be recognized.
