I am considering moving to Germany and was told that regions in the south are more conservative, so much so that an acquaintance ex-pat said they would never want to live there. Looking online there are some sources to support this notion but nothing concrete. I am wanting to move mostly because I loved the country and the people I met while traveling (specifically in Munich and Freiburg) but was hoping to land somewhere that queer folks are more accepted. I didn’t get any bad vibes while traveling but that was nearly a decade ago now.
Another German friend recommended moving to Berlin for these reasons and I’m wondering if German conservative is anything remotely close to US conservative. The conservatives near where I live now fly Trump and confederate flags, love to put those “I did that” Biden stickers on the gas pumps when prices go up, and the local schoolboard managed to pass anti-trans bathroom policies that affected something like 5 students in the entire district. Is it anything like this in parts of Germany?
Queer German woc here. And in tech too ! :D Yes, I do find it conservative. I live in Berlin. For all the hate that non Berliners like to lay on Berlin, it’s an accepting vibrant place. And if you are vegan, you’ll be spoilt for dining options. Vietnamese is crazy good here. And, concerts, there are multiple shows for different genres practically everyday. And several of them at sort of low-key underground places with their own charm. Berlin has its pitfalls but I don’t underestimate the peace of not being stared at constantly for just living my life. Oh, and racism in rural areas: If you ain’t white, enjoy some extra stares even when grocery shopping. Living outside the ring zone will give you the relatively quiet life you want. Rent is not cheap though. Cheaper than Munich though. But the rental crisis here is no joke either. There are some fun hacker and maker spaces here in Berlin: xhain and cbase for example that could be interesting for you. One thing I do live about Munich: if you are a hiker / mountain climber, that place is excellent. So many mountains and trails are nearby !!
Would you be able to afford remote workcation kinda thing ? You can test out the cities and see how you vibe with it.
You hit on every topic I am considering, Berlin is sounding more in line with what I want. While I am not a poc I still have no interest in living around racists. It would be such a welcome change to be around more queer people, vegan options and a general sense of peace. I wouldn’t really consider leaving the US if it were not for the increasing sense of hostility around and the insane amount of anti-lgbtqia laws popping up. Workation is the next step I think, probably sometime around summer of 2024.
If I might ask, what is the acceptance of trans folks like within the queer scene in Berlin?
Disclaimer: I’m not trans myself. My experience/opinion is formed by listening to my trans friends and observing their experience.
Berlin is largely leftist with some anarcho spaces. Trans acceptance is mandated entry requirement. I’m sure some ahole wiggles in occasionally but I’ve seen others get very vocal and kick them out immediately. I would say it’s an accepting place with several social events geared towards the LGBTQ community. A friend of mine is from the US too and she came to Berlin because of the issues she faced in her home country as a (trans) woman. It’s been about a decade since she got here. I can find out about some forums, spaces you can talk / ask questions in. I don’t want to presume the details and speak for the trans community. Shall I look into it and pm you ?
One City that doesn’t get mentioned much here is Tübingen(~70k) in the south. Its pretty much as liberal as Berlin, probably the most accepting city under 500k population in Germany. It is ridiculously beautiful with a huge old town, and as someone who is queer and spends time there often, it feels very safe. The queer community is huge because there is tons of students. It has amazing City Planning / Cycling Infrastructure / Public Transport, and the surrounding nature is beautiful as well.
That is 300% the stereotype of Berlin. But it’s true. If you like to be surrounded by leftist, queer, vegan people and waiters that speak english better than german: Berlin is your place.
Maybe look up where to live. You said you like a more rural place… Many many other people also like to live in the outskirts and surrounding areas of Berlin. But it’s a bit different from other rural areas. I think it’s called the “Speckgürtel”.
Also i’d like to mention the city of Cologne, which is known for being queer.