The Goethe-Institut USA is launching a digitally modified version of the exhibition Queer as German Folk – a global initiative meant to outline the current state of discourse on queer emancipation. The exhibition will be accessible on queerexhibition.org starting August 9th, 2020.

Queer as German Folk was originally launched in 2019 as an “exhibition on-demand” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The project puts a spotlight on the transatlantic dialogue between civil society LGBTIQ+ actors, discussing the adjusting historical perspectives, and questioning the dominance of the traditional cis-male narrative. It focuses on the close and vital interactions between the German and U.S. movements, while also taking criticisms into account about the perceived illegitimate appropriation of this pivotal moment of queer history by a white, gay, middle-class mainstream.

This extensive exhibition has now been converted into a compact, digital experience. This new format allows visitors to experience the queer movement past and present from anywhere in the world – furthering the project’s goals of maximum accessibility. Audiovisual, moving, and interactive forms of presentation provide visitors with an exciting, adjustable, and versatile experience that is simple to navigate and is accessible across a range of devices in both English and German.

The exhibition’s launch will be accompanied by a full program of virtual events organized by various Goethe-Institut locations in the U.S. and the Goethe Pop Ups which will feature additional work and perspectives from LGBTIQ+ artists. The program will kick off on August 7th, 2020 with a digital film series coordinated by various regional partners that will be available to stream online. These screenings will be accompanied by Q&As with the films’ directors and conversations with the audience.

Queer As German Folk was developed in coordination with the Schwules Museum Berlin (SMU), led by Birgit Bosold from the curatorial team of the Homosexualität_en exhibition and the management team of the Schwules Museum Berlin (SMU) as the curatorial director and Carina Klugbauer, also from the SMU, serving as the co-curator.