Aurora #2- Queer Stories, Shared Voices

By David Rios.

From December 5th to 15th, 2025, Berlin hosted Aurora #2, an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange that brought together 35 young participants (aged 18–25) from Estonia, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Ukraine.

The project focused on exploring the connections between mental health, sexuality, identity, and self-expression through non-formal education and creative methods.

The main objective of Aurora #2 was to provide a safe and inclusive environment where young people could reflect on their personal experiences while critically engaging with social norms, stereotypes, and expectations related to gender, sexuality, and emotional wellbeing.

Throughout the exchange, participants took part in workshops addressing topics such as emotional literacy, consent, communication, and queer visibility. These sessions combined reflection with experiential learning, allowing participants not only to discuss these topics, but to actively engage with them through different methodologies.

Creative tools played a central role in the learning process. Photography, filmmaking, writing, and performance were used as ways to express thoughts and emotions that are often difficult to articulate verbally. This approach supported participants in exploring their identities in a deeper and more personal way.

As one participant reflected:

“This project helped me understand myself better and feel more comfortable with who I am.”

Another participant emphasized the importance of the group dynamic:

“I felt truly accepted here. It was a space where I didn’t have to hide any part of myself.”

A highlight of the program was the activity “Queer Your Beer”, where participants worked in groups to reinterpret scenes from well-known movies and series. By transforming these narratives into more inclusive and diverse versions, participants explored the role of media in shaping identity, representation, and social expectations.

“It made me realise how powerful stories are — and how much we need more inclusive ones.”

In addition to the structured sessions, informal learning played a key role in the overall experience. Living together, sharing daily routines, and engaging in intercultural exchange created a strong sense of community within the group.

“The connections I made here feel real. I’m taking friendships that I know will last.”

The facilitation approach, based on openness, respect, and emotional safety, contributed significantly to the success of the project. Participants highlighted the importance of feeling supported throughout the process:

“You could feel that everything was created with intention and respect for everyone.”

By the end of the exchange, participants reported increased self-awareness, improved communication skills, and a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Beyond the learning outcomes, Aurora #2 created a space where participants could connect authentically with themselves and others.

As one participant summarized:

“Aurora wasn’t just a project, it was a space where I could finally be myself.”