ROUTES WORKSHOP AT TINCON CONFERENCE 25

On September 30 and October 1, 2025, the 9th TINCON took place in Hamburg – and it was a complete success! Around 2,500 young people gathered at the Museum of Work to exchange ideas, learn new things, and get creative together. Between workshops, talks, skateboarding sessions, and discussions on social and political topics, there was a lively, open atmosphere full of curiosity and engagement for two days. HÁWAR.help was also there with the ROUTES project – stories of people on the run. Accompanied by Gigi, we discussed many aspects of the topic of flight.

At the beginning of the workshops, the participants explored their knowledge of reasons for fleeing, causes of flight, and escape routes. Gigi then told her very personal story: her flight from Iraq to Germany.

As a queer woman, she was not safe in Iraq, not even in her own family environment. At the age of 18, she decided to leave her home. Her flight took her through Turkey, across the Mediterranean Sea, and along the Balkan route until she finally arrived in Hanover and later in Berlin. Today, she lives there and is deeply rooted in the queer and activist community.

The young people were deeply impressed by Gigi’s openness and strength. Many described her “positive aura” as inspiring and said how much her story had touched them. It shows how much courage and hope are possible even in the most difficult situations in life. Some took the opportunity to interview Gigi afterwards for their school projects.

Participating in TINCON was also a moving experience for Gigi herself. She emphasized how important it is to her to share her experiences with young people and thus promote empathy and understanding. Her central concern: “People should be seen as human beings, not as categories based on origin or appearance.”

A big thank you to the organizers of TINCON for two inspiring days full of exchange, courage, and encounters. We are already looking forward to the next time!