These guidelines are intended to provide a framework for acting collectively when we meet at the Reeperbahn Festival.

1 Mindful behaviour towards each other: We treat each other with respect and a sense of responsibility.

Our festival should be a place where everybody treats each other with consideration and takes responsibility for others.
We want to promote the sharing of different perspectives as equals in an environment where everyone can feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

2 We respect individual boundaries and act according to the principle of consensus that “Only yes means yes!”.

For us, this also means: ‘Maybe’ doesn’t mean yes!  And: Saying nothing doesn’t mean yes!
Consensus means getting consent and it requires that we explicitly ask for it. We cannot truly know where other people’s boundaries lie - so we need to ask.

3 We don’t assume a person’s gender from their appearance and we strive to use gender-sensitive language.

We firmly believe that language creates reality, which is also reflected in action and thought.
For us, this means that we adopt gender-neutral, inclusive language and we endeavour to use it in our communication, both internally and externally. We want to address all people regardless of their gender identity.
You can use names instead of pronouns or ask for the pronoun to be used.

4 We do not tolerate fascist or discriminatory symbols on our festival premises.

This means that anyone displaying these symbols in the form of tattoos or clothing will be barred from the Reeperbahn Festival.

5 Forms of discrimination such as sexism, racism, ableism, queerphobia as well as physical and psychological violence will lead to perpetrators being barred from the event.

For us, this means working proactively and cross-sectionally on anti-discrimination. We engage with our privileges and want to open up space for a diversity of perspectives. We want to act as partners for those who experience structural discrimination and use our resources to make our premises safer.

6 Power of definition: Only the person affected can decide where they perceive a boundary has been crossed. We believe them and stand with them.

For us, this means that we actively campaign against a society where affected people’s perspectives are routinely made invisible. We do not cast doubt on whatever has happened and support the persons affected by responding to their needs and demands. Our objective is to make affected persons feel safe again and not have to leave an event site.