This month, Nicosia will be the host of a vibrant cultural event as the Goethe-Institut Cyprus presents the Queer As German Folk exhibition. Originally created in 2019 by Goethe-Institut New York and the Schwules Museum Berlin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the queer movement’s rich history in both the USA and Germany. Rather than attempting to tell a single, definitive story, it showcases diverse moments and milestones from queer history.
Exhibition Details
The Queer As German Folk exhibition will be displayed at the Goethe-Institut Cyprus event hall from September 19 until October 26. It will be accompanied by a parallel programme, including film screenings and a guided tour at the Goethe-Institut, as well as a discussion at NiMAC featuring Dr. Birgit Bosold, co-curator of the exhibition and a representative of the Schwules Museum.
In addition, part of the exhibition is presented as a segment of ‘nono, bad timing!’, a project supported by the Franco-German Cultural Fund. This event is organized in collaboration with Queer Wave, the Goethe-Institut Cyprus, and Institut Français de Chypre, working alongside NiMAC.
Historical Insights and Cultural Connections
As a collaboration between the Goethe-Institut, Schwules Museum Berlin, and the Federal Agency for Civic Education, this exhibition reflects on 50 years since the Stonewall Riots by delving into the history of queer movements in West Germany, East Germany, and the reunified Germany since the 1960s. It also highlights the complex and significant connections between German and American queer movements over time.
Film Screenings
The exhibition will feature selected films that offer deeper insights into its themes. The screenings begin on October 8 with the film Kokon, which tells the story of Nora, a teenager going through a transformative summer. The screenings continue on October 9 with Coming Out, celebrated as the only feature film about gay life produced in communist East Germany. Notably, it premiered the same night the Berlin Wall fell. The final screening on October 10 will show Genderation, a film exploring the transgender movement in San Francisco and the changes that have occurred over the last two decades since the release of Gendernauts (1999).
Guided Tour and Discussion
A guided tour led by Dr. Birgit Bosold will take place on October 18 at the Goethe-Institut, offering attendees a more in-depth look at the exhibition’s highlights. The programme will conclude on October 19 with a presentation and discussion with Bosold about the history, challenges, and ongoing work of the Schwules Museum Berlin. This event, part of the ‘nono, bad timing!’ series, will be held at NiMAC at 11 a.m.
Event Summary
The Queer As German Folk exhibition, held in honor of the Stonewall Riots’ 50th anniversary, will run from September 19 to October 26 at the Goethe-Institut Cyprus. Visitors can experience it Tuesday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. For more information, you can contact the Goethe-Institut Cyprus at 22-674606.
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and achievements of the queer community, offering a platform to reflect on the past while inspiring conversations for the future.