“Gesprächsstoff(e)” – Shedding light on queer realities in Saxony

How do lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer people experience their everyday lives in Saxony? Where do they find acceptance and support – and where do they face disadvantage, exclusion or discrimination?

The travelling exhibition ‘Topics for Discussion – The Lives of LGBTIQ* People in Saxony’ explores these questions. It is based on the findings of a comprehensive Saxon study on living conditions conducted in 2022. Behind the facts and figures presented in the study lie personal experiences and stories. The exhibition brings these perspectives to light, combining academic findings with individual voices and artistic expression.

The focus is on various areas of life – including education and training, the world of work, family and social circles, healthcare, as well as state institutions and authorities. Personal quotes provide insights into experiences of coming out, finding one’s identity, social acceptance and discrimination.

The ‘fabrics’ that give the exhibition its name play a special role: different materials, colours and patterns reflect the diversity of queer lived experiences. Artistically designed exhibits translate experiences and challenges into a form that can be experienced through the senses, creating space for reflection and exchange.

Exhibition opening to mark Dies Academicus

The travelling exhibition will open on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as part of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences’ Dies Academicus. The opening will be accompanied by a talk by Tabea Renger, who will provide insights into the exhibition and its background. Tabea Renger works as an education officer on the ‘Promoting Diversity’ project run by the LAG Queeres Netzwerk Sachsen and focuses her work on queer education and awareness-raising.

The opening thus offers an opportunity not only to discover the exhibition, but also to engage in a conversation about queer realities of life, social diversity and the challenges we face.

Making diversity visible – promoting dialogue

With ‘Gesprächsstoff(e)’, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences aims to increase the visibility of different sexual orientations and gender identities, raise awareness of existing forms of discrimination, and contribute to respectful and non-discriminatory coexistence.

The exhibition can be visited throughout the entire period.

Further information on the travelling exhibition is available at gespraechsstoffe.de.