It was not my first time socializing in a new location. I know it is always hard at the beginning, especially for not very young, and/or women*, and/or queer, and/or neurodivergent, and/or non-native English speakers (etc.) — for people who sometimes find themselves to be the only *insert label* person in the room, not knowing how to find another room where they will not be othered. I emigrated in search of that room myself in the first place, to be honest.
I want to share some learnings to support others who are just arriving in Berlin or other places that feel and/or are foreign to them.
Below are