Queere history meets right-wing extremist neighborhood in Vienna-Margareten!

Queere history meets right-wing extremist neighborhood in Vienna-Margareten!

On Wednesday, June 9, 2025, the Center for Queere History (Qwien) opens a new location in the Vienna Margaret district. This center becomes an important point of contact for everyone who is interested in the queer history and the rights of LGBTQ+person. But the neighborhood contains challenges: in the immediate vicinity is the Rautenklause, a cellar restaurant of the identity movement classified as a right -wing extremist. Hannes Sulzenbacher, co-manager of Qwien, emphasizes that the neighborhood has to be at heart and assumes that the two initiatives "in mutual ignorance" will exist, such as SN.AT reported.

In order to be prepared for possible disorders, security measures were taken. In this way, the queer center can be protected not only by an alarm system, but also by video surveillance in the entrance area. A spokesman for City Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler (SPÖ) emphasizes that the city wants to set a political sign with the opening and to make "queer life visible". Activist Martin Sellner from the Identitarians, on the other hand, explained that the cultural center was “irrelevant” the identities. Nevertheless, the concern remains that the tensions between the two groups could open again and again.

a complex context

The past shows that conflicts between the left and right groups have often been fought in the vicinity of the identity restaurant. Anti -fascist groups demonstrated against the identity movement as early as 2022 and 2023, which repeatedly led to riots. According to reports, there were also burning chips and property damage to a multi -party house in which the restaurant is accommodated. The accuracy of protests can also be seen in the fact that in 2023 representatives of the identities took part in a demonstration against a dragqueen reading in the turquoise pink-purple villa. According to the protection of the constitution, further riots in the area of ​​Qwien and the Identity Local could occur.

The queer story is characterized by challenges, triumphs and moving moments, such as [stephano.eu] (https://stephano.eu/2025/01/13/queere-geschichte-die-wechten-meilesteine-der-lgbtq- movement/). From persecution in the 19th century to the cruelty of National Socialism to strengthening the rights and social acceptance by brave activists: inside and allies - the path was long and stony. A drastic moment was the Stonewall uprising in 1969, which marked the beginning of a global LGBTQ+movement. Such historical events are important for understanding today's Queer Community.

The importance of visibility

It cannot be denied that the visibility of queer has grown significantly in recent decades. Nevertheless, current challenges show that the fight for equality has not yet ended. Discrimination and violence continue to be topics that cannot be ignored. Special attention applies to topics such as the reform of the Transsexuals Act and the recognition of queer parenthood. However, the visibility of queer, both in culture and in society, remains crucial for the continuation of this struggle.