Following the first CSD in Ratingen last year, the city is establishing its own programs for queer youth. The city council, with a broad majority, has provided funds to develop these offerings, SVLS e.V. announced. The success was announced at CSD 2026.
The project is organized by SVLS e.V., which already runs queer youth work at three sites in the Ruhr area and four sites along the Lower Rhine through its “together” youth projects. According to the association, Ratingen will not only see general services for queer youth, but at least once a month also targeted meetups for young lesbians and bisexuals, young gay men and bisexuals, and young trans, intersex, and nonbinary people.
“Instead of only serving ‘young people’, we basically work with young people,” said chair Zero Liß in a press release. “Interested individuals and organizations in Ratingen are also invited to participate in shaping the program.”
The SVLS managing director, Torsten Schrodt, emphasized the collaboration with the city administration: “Cooperation with the city administration has been exceptionally good so far. However, close involvement of Ratingen’s residents and local organizations is also necessary.” Interested parties will be included via a project advisory board.
Before work on-site can begin, the association says a project lead must be found. A part-time position of 20 hours per week for pedagogical professionals is advertised, to be integrated into the current 20-member team of the together youth projects. Two colleagues will later oversee the on-site, targeted offerings in Ratingen.
“We look forward to this excellent opportunity and hope that it will start very soon,” Zero Liß said.
