Football is one of the most influential cultural spheres in the world. It is also a place where gender identity is visibly negotiated. This is exactly where Changing Room comes in: photographer Chiara Calgaro travelled through several European countries and portrayed queer football teams who use the sport as a means of political activism and self-determination.
For one weekend, we are showing a selection of these photographs at Rote Ella, together with the accompanying book and memorabilia from the project.
Accompanying programme
Fri, 6 November · 6 pmExhibition openingTalk with the photographer and book launch
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the opening and book launch of Changing Room, including a conversation between photographer Chiara Calgaro and director Hélène Lücke at 6 pm. Afterwards we will screen the short film „Kein Abseits/Nessun Fuorigioco“ (6 minutes) about Chiara Calgaro’s self-organised queer football team in Bologna. There will be music in between, and you are warmly invited to spend the whole evening exploring Chiara Calgaro’s work and talking about the exhibition.
Sat, 7 November · 6–8 pmlocker room talkTalk and exchange on the current eligibility rules for TIN* players in Germany
According to the Berlin Football Association, since the 2022/23 season TIN* people in German amateur and youth football can decide for themselves whether they want to play in a women’s, men’s or mixed team. The playing licence is applied for through a designated contact person at the relevant regional association.
But how does this rule really work in practice? What experiences do TIN* players, clubs and associations have, and which barriers remain?
TIN* stands for trans, inter and non-binary.
Sun, 8 November · 2–4 pmExhibition & craftsZine and craft workshop with coffee and cake
Whether it’s a fanzine, a DIY player poster or a Panini sticker album: at our zine and craft workshop we make for ourselves what kicker and co. would never give us. Get creative with us – with collages, homemade zines and posters. We’ll bring plenty of materials, but you’re very welcome to bring along anything that makes your craft project personal. Have a look at the exhibition at the same time, or grab a piece of cake and simply join us.
When & where
Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November 2026
Exhibition opening hours: Friday 6–9 pm, Saturday 12 noon–9 pm, Sunday 12 noon–6 pm
Rote Ella, Buttmannstraße 1A, 13357 Berlin
Admission is free. Small donations for Rote Ella or the club are very welcome.
Changing Room is a collaboration between the SG FLINTA* of Roter Stern Berlin 2012 e.V. and Chiara Calgaro.
