Events Timeline in Berlin
In the heart of Berlin, the city buzzes with anticipation as several significant events are set to take place this week, addressing topics that have long been shrouded in taboo: male loneliness, sexual health, and reproductive rights.
On Friday, September 19, Anton Weil, author of the debut novel 'Super Lonely', will speak at the 25th International Literature Festival, alongside sociologist Janosch Schobin, about the growing issue of male loneliness. The discussion, scheduled for 6 pm at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, aims to shed light on this often overlooked problem and its potential impact on democracy.
The following day, on Saturday, September 20th, a counter-protest will be held at the Europaplaz at the main station. The alliance 'What the Fuck!?' calls for this event, aiming to voice opposition to the 'pro-life movement', which annually marches in Berlin advocating for a full ban on abortion. The slogan of the counter-protest is a powerful statement: 'Whether children or not, we decide alone!'.
Meanwhile, the 'pro-life movement' has been criticized for promoting reactionary, anti-feminist, and queer-hostile ideologies. The march, which takes place every year, sees abortion opponents marching with signs advocating for a full ban on abortion.
In a surprising turn of events, the focus on male issues extends beyond loneliness. The 28th Venus, Europe's largest erotic trade fair, starts on Thursday and continues until September 28th at the exhibition halls at the Funkturm. This year, the fair will address two common but heavily tabooed sexual dysfunctions in men: erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. An awareness campaign at the Venus aims to encourage men to break the silence about these issues.
The ties between the Christian fundamentalist movement and conservative politicians, as well as the AfD in Germany, have become increasingly clear in recent years. This connection is further highlighted by Markus Söder's comparison of Germany's industry to a 'lady without a lower body', showing that the equation of a person's worth with their fertility extends beyond fundamentalist circles.
However, the term 'epidemic of male loneliness' is criticized for being too passive and suggesting men are mere victims. Some propose speaking of a 'skill gap' instead, suggesting that men in patriarchy often don't learn to recognize the importance of friendships and communities.
While the sociologist who will speak together with Anton Weil about male loneliness at the literature festival is not explicitly named in the available search results, the week ahead promises to be a fascinating exploration of these complex and often overlooked issues.
