LOVE is QUEER ~ SLINTA Dating Weekend is a new edition of Charming Theys’ sleepover taking place November 13–15 at Arruda seminar house (photo), 90 minutes from Berlin

Organized by the Charming Theys collective, this weekend retreat is aimed at SLINTA (Sapphic, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender persons) as well as Queer, gay, bi- and pansexuals open to dating – or simply curious to see what kind of connection might develop. Inspired by reality TV dating series such as Love Is Blind, Princess Charming and I Kissed a Girl, the organizers describe the weekend as a genderqueerer, camera-free-ish, sober-ish take on the genre.

The packed program includes two Love is Blind-style calls in the run-up to the weekend. Everyone arrives on Friday the 13th with time for dinner, getting to know one another as well as consensual touch, cuddles and massages. Saturday is the main event, with aerobic karaoke(!), playfighting, dating slots, care-group sharing and, to top it off, a fabulous prom night. On Sunday, the weekend winds down with brunch, a closing circle, a final chance to connect – and some disco housecleaning.

“I hope people find connection with like-minded, open and curious Queers,” says organizer momo of Charming Theys, “whatever form that takes. The framing is romantic love, and of course it’s wonderful when that happens – it’s already happened several times! But finding friends, a sense of belonging or a broader community can be just as meaningful.”

The idea is to create space for SLINTA people who are ready for love – romantic or otherwise – to connect in a deeper and more meaningful way.

“Another hope,” momo added, “is that people leave with a deeper understanding of themselves, as well as tools and a community that can support them beyond the weekend. And we’re also fulfilling a desire for adventure: getting to experience what it’s like to be on a dating show without actually being on TV.”

Will everyone leave having found love? Maybe. But friendship, community and adventure sound like a pretty good place to start