How was the TEDDY AWARD Opening Party at SchwuZ Club you ask? Why, it was grand, as expected. A celebration full of Sex, LOVE, and Rock’n’Roll. The arriving guests received a warm welcome in form of a free drink that could be won by spinning the wheel of fortune. Cheers to the colorful Teddy!

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Panorama-Curator Wieland Speck joined the party and introduced to international TEDDY AWARD Jury. From Serbia and Argentina to Botswana, the jury work to get queer films the recogntition they deserve all over the world.

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A special highlight was the Sissy Show presented by the one and only Pansy.   The dragqueen animated the audience and invited to sing along  (…my heart will go oooon aaaand oooon…). It was hot and steamy!

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Besides all the partying, there were also real issues to adress. The infostands of Queer Amnesty Berlin, TransInterQueer e.V. and the Schwules Museum concerned trans*issues. A special focus was on the whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who has been denied the right to the hormon therapy she has been asking for in prison. The organisation Free Chelsea Manning Berlin is fighting for her and was there at the party.

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The TEDDY AWARD social media campaign #shutuphaters is fighting against hate speech of any kind. At the Opening Party, there was a corner where everyone had the chance to be photographed with their personal messages to all the haters. The results can be seen on shutuphaters.org. We invite everyone to join the campaign, more people = stronger the statement!

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It was a grand night with amazing people, great music and a magnificent atmosphere. Thank you and see you next friday at the  Closing Party! Until then, get some rest!

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