Berlin is known as a city where individuals are encouraged to discover their identities, broaden their perspectives, and challenge their limits. Since the era of the 1920s Weimar Republic, it has been a hub for sexual exploration, as showcased in the 2005 Canadian documentary Legendary Sin Cities. Today, Berlin continues to be famous for its array of top-tier sex clubs, including KitKat Club and Berghain, the latter recognized not only for its exceptional electronic music performances but also for its notorious dark rooms.
Another noteworthy aspect of the city is the many venues, shops, and club nights that celebrate an inclusive, sex-positive atmosphere. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual preferences is strongly opposed. In fact, numerous nightclubs outline these principles on their websites, indicating in their codes of conduct that those who disrespect others' choices and identities will be promptly removed.
With that in mind, here’s a list of our top 5 favourite clubs and events in Berlin that actively promote sex positivity.
KITCAT CLUB, BERLIN
KitKat Club was established in the early 1990s, drawing inspiration from the Sunrise Beach Parties that took place in Goa during the late 1980s. Since its inception, the club's motto has remained unchanged: “Do what you want but stay in communication!” What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to a music curation policy heavily focused on techno, paired with the ambiance of a traditional sex club. The most iconic event is Carne Ball Bizarre, held every Saturday. The club features an outdoor pool, multiple themed rooms, and dark rooms, making it an ideal starting point to experience the free-spirited nature of Berlin.
INSOMNIA, BERLIN
In a sense, Insomnia originated from KitKat Club, as it began as a club night hosted at that venue in the mid-1990s. It seeks to be a vibrant fusion of Roman orgies and New York’s Studio 54, aspiring to create an environment where sexual topics can be openly discussed and presented, whether through exhibitions or charity events. The venue hosts hot tub parties every Tuesday and is also famous for its fetish parties, all while emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity.
BERGHAIN, BERLIN
Berghain gained international fame thanks to Claire Danes, who recently mentioned it as a guest on Ellen DeGeneres’ show, yet it has long been considered the ultimate destination for techno music enthusiasts. What makes it unique is its origin as Ostgut, one of the first venues to host gay sex and fetish events. Berghain officially opened its doors in 2004 and includes a gay sex club known as Lab.Oratory. The club not only features world-class DJs but also has several dark rooms, with fetish-inspired attire being common among its regular patrons. Its door policy is famously unpredictable, but the bouncers seem to consistently allow only open-minded, positive individuals inside, which is certainly a positive aspect.
PORNCEPTUAL, BERLIN
Pornceptual was introduced by photographer Chris Philips around two years ago and, as the name implies, aims to explore and conceptualize pornographic aesthetics. It boasts a distinct artistic atmosphere and complements Chris’ namesake erotic photography project. Each event features its own unique theme, and attendees who adhere to the dress code or arrive nude receive a discounted entry fee. What distinguishes Pornceptual is its ability to make sex-positive events trendy and effectively encourages a sense of sex positivity among younger audiences, including those who may not typically engage in sex-related events.
GEGEN
GEGEN takes place bi-monthly at KitKat Club and is an artistic queer techno party. The German word "gegen" translates to "against," and each of their events is themed around "against" a particular concept, accompanied by some of the most engaging Facebook event descriptions ever. The November edition is called GEGEN ASS, addressing the topic of sexual orientation and its associated stigmas in a compelling manner, referencing the Spanish essay collection “Por el Culo: políticas anales” by Javier Sáez & Sejo Carrasco. Attendees pay great attention to their outfits, making it the perfect night to witness all the open-minded, stylish individuals who call Berlin home. Picture techno music, an abundance of leather, uninhibited dancing, and, naturally, some X-rated fun, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
