CLEO Initiative

In the organizer's words:

cleo is an initiative for young Munich residents with a migration background. We offer a space where people can network informally, share common experiences and become active. Our community is aimed at anyone who has experienced racism and discrimination and is looking for a place where they feel understood and supported. What unites us is our common background and the wealth of experience we all share. On this basis, experiences and perspectives emerge that connect us and shape our exchange.

Why?
cleo was created as a reaction to the growing racism in Germany. We don't see migration as a "state of emergency", but as a natural part of modern societies. We all identify as Munich residents, we grew up here, went to school here and have collected memories in this city. And yet we often remain "the others".

What we do:
We meet once a month at a fixed location where we offer moderated discussion groups and events that promote both reflection and collective empowerment. Another important component is our monthly "Claiming Spaces" events, where we go on hikes, museum visits or sports outings, for example. In this way, we not only create space for community and exchange, but also specifically visit places where we are structurally underrepresented.

Our approach:
We question and transform existing power structures by confidently entering spaces where we do not feel welcome and redefining them. Together, we want to recognize and critically reflect on colonial and racist structures that often persist invisibly in many places in Munich. We see our meetings not just as a consumption of culture, but as an active examination of history and the present - always in exchange with all participants.

Our values:
Respectful interaction is our top priority. We therefore take a clear stance against all forms of racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia. Our particular focus is on supporting FLINTA and queer people with a migration background who are looking for a community in which they can simply be themselves - free from external ascriptions and without social expectations that restrict them.

The whole event will be moderated by Avin Khodakarim.