At PrideMerch.de By Team Behinderte, there's a new, very special kind of delivery: We are now attempting to personally deliver orders – specifically in Bremen and its surrounding areas. But what does "surrounding areas" mean to us? It's not determined by the postal code, but by the connection to public transport (ÖPNV). This means we deliver not only within Bremen but also to the city centers of Wilhelmshaven, Verden, Bremerhaven, and even Hamburg and Osnabrück – provided there's a good bus and train connection.
Because our team consists of queer people with disabilities who are committed to an inclusive Pride shop with passion and organizational talent. Deliveries are intentionally made by bus, train, and tram – personally and sustainably by us.
Not always immediately – but always with heart
As a small, diverse team, we cannot be everywhere every day, so personal deliveries are made on fixed days. For example, Bremerhaven is scheduled four times a week, and Hamburg also on four days. The idea for this special delivery concept came from Thorsten Höller, the initiator of PrideMerch and a confessed public transport enthusiast:
"This way I combine two hobbies at once."
For Marcel Wölk, also part of our team, the delivery means much more than just a delivery:
"Personal delivery is a great opportunity for us to get to know our customers. But what's much more important is that our customers can also personally meet us – queer people with disabilities who are behind the online shop."
These encounters are not only enriching for the customers, but also for the team itself. Tim Djuren, who also works at PrideMerch, sums it up perfectly:
"For me, personal delivery is a great opportunity to show other people that I – despite my disability – can do my part. It's about making it visible that we are not 'incapable,' but with the right conditions, we can achieve a lot. Every delivery is a small sign for me: We belong, we can participate – and with joy and pride!"
Precisely these experiences strengthen the self-esteem of the entire team. Because every successful delivery, every smile, and every positive feedback shows: We are not just part of the process – we actively shape it. This creates recognition, gives courage, and encourages us to continue on our path.
Sustainable, Visible, Human
This form of delivery is not only a matter of the heart but also a contribution to climate protection. We deliberately forgo cars and delivery services and instead rely on existing public transport – thus reducing our CO₂ footprint and simultaneously making queer, disabled people visible in everyday life.
