Schwerin - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

Schwerin is the smallest state capital in Germany, and its queer infrastructure is correspondingly modest. There is no established scene with several bars, clubs or a sauna. The most important place for queer people in the city is the Klub Einblick at Lübecker Straße 43 in the Paulsstadt district, not far from the main station.

The Klub Einblick is the queer communication and counselling centre of the state capital and has existed for more than three decades; it was founded around the time of the fall of the Wall. Run by volunteers, it offers counselling by phone and in person on coming out, sexual and gender diversity and health. It is also a meeting place: every Friday evening the Friday café opens, a comfortably furnished room with a seating area and a fireplace corner where you can drop in without any particular reason. There are also film evenings, shared dinners and a self-help group for trans people that meets regularly on the premises.

Throughout the year the association is visible in the city as well, for example at events on the market square for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia or at festivals for democracy and diversity. Now and then it organises parties in changing clubs around town. The highlight of the year is Christopher Street Day in summer, with a march, a street festival and a cultural programme lasting several days, in which the Klub Einblick is a regular venue.

The Klub Einblick is part of LSVD Queer MV, the statewide network that links associations and groups across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Anyone visiting Schwerin and looking to connect does well to stop by the Friday café: it is the quickest way to find out what is being planned in the city and the region.