Qwir: New hope for the Queere Community in East Tyrol!

Qwir: New hope for the Queere Community in East Tyrol!

In the heart of East Tyrol, the Queere Community has actively came together to create a network that strengthens the sense of community and offers mutual support. Sabrina Girstmair and Kathrin Warrasch, who moved from Vienna to Lienz two years ago, founded the “Qwir” project. With this approach, you would like to offer the queer population in the region a space that extends far beyond the big city. Since August 2024, they have regularly organized networking meetings for Queere East Tyroleans: inside to promote exchange among themselves.

"QWIR" combines the terms "queer" and "we", which focuses on community and cohesion. The meetings that take place once a quarter offer activities such as drinking coffee and bowling. The focus is not on sexuality, rather it is about reducing prejudices and promoting a dialogue between different sexual orientations. Also supporters: inside are welcome to take part in the meetings.

activities and goals of QWIR

Sabrina and Kathrin are particularly pleased about the positive response they have experienced in society, despite occasional negative reactions on social media. Due to its engagement, the dialogue about queer issues in Lienz has been initiated, which was strengthened by the combination of their activities and visibility through events such as the rainbow flag by the district administration in June. The next community meeting is planned for August and will contain a summer special for the one-year anniversary of "Qwir".

The possibility of receiving information about local gay organizations is also important to give queer life more visibility and support in East Tyrol. There are organizations in the region that work for the rights and well -being of queer people. Contact with the Gay Pride in East Tyrol is recommended to receive social support and to participate in demonstrations for gay rights. Participation in the events also helps to promote understanding of the rights and obligations in society, as on menspaces.de

support offers for queer people

The support and acceptance of LGBTQ+ People has increased in recent years, which is evident in an increase in available resources and organizations that are committed to the rights of queer people. This variety of help offers, from psychological support to educational and advocacy groups, promotes both individual well-being and social acceptance. Among the organizations are advice centers that offer specialized help, as well as numerous initiatives that provide information and legal support.

The important resources include, for example, VLSP e.V., which provides advice and therapy offers for LSBTIQ*, as well as the gay counseling Berlin, which offers support for gays and bisexual men and trans* people. These organizations make a decisive contribution to creating a climate of acceptance and understanding, as on prideplanet.de

It remains to be hoped that the “QWir” project can serve as an example of more acceptance and sense of community not only in East Tyrol, but also in other rural regions of Austria. Sabrina and Kathrin look forward to further expanding their commitment and giving people a voice in the valleys.