Experiencing the aftermath of feminism: "Camaraderie was flourishing, and the fun couldn't be denied!"
Discovering the Feminist City Walk in Dortmund
Step back in time and explore the rich history of the women's and lesbian movement in Dortmund with Helga Steinmaier's "Feminist City Walk". This guided tour takes participants on a journey through key sites that were significant for these movements, shedding light on their social and political impact during the 1970s and 1980s.
The walk begins in the small park behind the Baukunstarchiv (Ostwall 7) and leads through the Union quarter, including the former district center Adlerstraße. Steinmaier, who moved to Dortmund in 1976 and became active in the fight for women's rights, will guide you through the city, sharing her experiences and memories of the women's and lesbian movement from her subjective perspective.
The tour focuses on demonstrations, creative formats, and new cultural offers that were part of the movement. Steinmaier fondly remembers the 70s and 80s, stating "We were solidarity and it was fun." The walk also includes a general introduction to the topic and was once near the first women's center.
Stamina for about 2.5 hours of walking is required, but a part of the route can also be covered by U-Bahn or bike. Spontaneous participation is possible, and registration can be done by phone or email. The cost is 15 euros per person.
After the walk, you can unwind at the BierCafé West, a possible location for a cozy conclusion. This year, two more dates are offered: August 24th and September 28th, each starting at 11 am.
The Feminist City Walk is not just an educational experience, but also a commemorative project that aims to encourage further engagement with the history of the women's and lesbian movement. Steinmaier's aim is to reach young women, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past in the face of a rollback in feminism and women's rights.
Support for the project is appreciated, as it aligns with a broader trend in Germany to celebrate and critically engage with feminist and LGBTQ+ histories through urban exploration and public events. Events like the Feminist City Walk build on this history through collective memory and art, sometimes integrating sound walks or combined arts-science dialogues to convey the lived experiences of activists and communities.
So, join Helga Steinmaier on this unique journey and discover the hidden stories of the women's and lesbian movement in Dortmund.
