Party singer Mia Julia (38), a fixture of Ballermann, can imagine summer Pride and Christopher Street Day celebrations taking place in Germany’s party hotspot as well. “I believe Mallorca is ready for it. Ballermann is open, tolerant, and even wonderfully colorful,” she told the German press agency.
The tourists who flock to Ballermann during the summer are frequently branded as antisocial. “That’s why we know these prejudices and what it’s like to be put into a box and to have people form superficial impressions about you,” she added.
In Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, a Christopher Street Day parade was recently held to raise awareness for queer rights. In the party venues Bierkönig and Megapark in El Arenal, waving rainbow flags would be something new.
Brains over hate
Mia Julia, who identifies as bisexual herself and regularly performs at Megapark, believes there is still progress to be made among portions of Ballermann’s audience. “When I talk about the topic, I immediately lose a few followers. But I think: ‘Then go ahead. You don’t belong on my platform if that’s how you feel.’ I stand for free love.”
Her sister, who is married to a woman, has also faced discrimination. “I can’t find the right words because it just makes me angry. To hell with what a person’s sexuality is, as long as they’re a good person,” the 38-year-old said. “That should come first: a good heart, a clear mind, and then everything else falls into place.”
