Lui Mess

Lui Mess is a queer, non-binary lesbian working at rubicon e.V., one of Germany’s largest queer counseling centers. As Volunteer Coordinator for the project, “Diqui – Democracy is Queer and Intersectional,” Lui facilitates the engagement of diverse queer communities in a democracy-promoting process while fostering intersectional practices within queer spaces. The project focuses on strengthening connections between different queer groups and advancing inclusive, participatory structures.

Alongside their professional work, Lui is pursuing a Master’s degree in Gender & Queer Studies at the University of Cologne. Their academic journey is shaped by their research project, “Queerschnitt: Current State of Queer (Counseling) Centers in Germany,” which critically examines the organizational structures, intersectional approaches, and challenges faced by queer counseling centers nationwide. The insights gained from their work at rubicon have been instrumental in advancing this research. Beyond their professional and academic endeavors, Lui has volunteered with the Anti-Discrimination Project for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools at SCHLAU Köln e.V. Currently, they are working on their master’s thesis, “Lesbian & Queer Spaces in Cologne – Where Have They Gone? Documenting and Mapping Spatial Change.”