Feeling at Home in Berghain
When Felize goes through Berghain’s doors, she doesn’t feel like an outsider. Although she uses a wheelchair, she feels just like part of the crowd – another regular guest in the most famous techno club in Germany. It is used to the bad bass, the late nights and the strict door policy – and the feeling of being seen and accepted by strangers.
Safe Spaces for All
Berlin clubs like Berghain increasingly cultivate pictures as "safe spaces" for queer people and people with disabilities – including rooms in which people can celebrate safely and feel comfortable. Many clubs work with Awareness teams and try to keep their lineups and guest lists in a variety of ways and at the same time stand against discrimination. But how accessible and integrative are these rooms in reality – both physically and socially?
Being Visible and Accepted
Felize is 20 years old and recently moved to Berlin. As a small child, a genetic disorder was diagnosed with her and uses a wheelchair to move away. But that doesn’t prevent her from celebrating. And her favorite club is Berghain. "I’m not just a person in a wheelchair – I am part of this scene. I don’t want to get stuck at home just because it takes a little more effort to go clubbing," said Felize.
Overcoming Barriers
Before going out, Felize plans a few things: "I always need someone who accompanies me – so that they can help me and also because trust is important." Then there are practical questions: is there a working elevator? Can the wheelchair come through the entrance? Are there stairs? Is there an accessible toilet? Felize says it is surprisingly difficult to get answers to these questions at all, since clubbing in a wheelchair is not an issue that attracts a lot of attention.
The Strict Door Policy
And yet she still goes clubbing – often in Berghain and sometimes in other clubs. "At first I was totally nervous if I would make it," she said, referring to the first time when she visited Berlin’s famous techno paradise. "The place is known for its strict door policy, and I didn’t know if they would say: ‘Sorry, no wheelchairs here.’ But there was no trouble.
Social Barriers
But there are more barriers next to stairs and narrow toilet stands. People also play a role. "Many of them don’t know how to deal with me. Some put their empty glass bottles in my wheelchair. Or they put their jacket on it as if I was a coat," she said. "But I’m not an obstacle. My wheelchair is part of me." She wants people to be more sensitive – and she wants to enjoy more normality. "I don’t want to be seen constantly like something special. I am just one person who likes to dance and celebrate."
Self-Acceptance and Visibility
Her personal style reflects this attitude: "Sure, black is part of the club look. But I like to illustrate things with striking accessories. I want to feel comfortable and want to show people who I am." For a long time she was worried about what others thought about her. "But I am working on accepting my body and not constantly fitting. It’s a process." Her dream of a perfect evening is "celebrating with friends in a club that is accessible to wheelchair users, with a functioning elevator, a decent toilet and a relaxed amount that simply wants to dance together – without prejudices."
A Typical Night Out
Dancing until the sun appears, then grabs a bit to eat somewhere and roll home -that’s just a typical Summer Night -out clubbing for you. But sometimes she still feels alone. Why is that? "There are not a lot of wheelchair users who go. I think that is partly due to limited access. But also a lack of self-confidence. They are being stared at that is inevitable. But I think we have to be more visible to change that. I don’t want to be invisible. I want to be part of it."
