Pride Merch by Team Behinderte – Visibility, Self-Determination, and True Pride
We are "Team Behinderte" of Queer Cities e.V. (a recognized non-profit association), and Pridemerch.de is our official passion project. As a non-profit initiative, we have been building an online shop for pride and rainbow merch since summer 2022 that is 100% authentic: From the community, for the community.
But we sell more than just pride flags and buttons. We create opportunities. Our goal is to offer queer people with disabilities – and all other people with disabilities – a genuinely viable professional alternative to traditional sheltered workshops in the medium term. We want to build an inclusion company that thrives in the primary labor market, creates fair jobs, and enables social participation.
By Our Own Efforts: Why We Need Your Support
This project is ambitious and unique: We receive no public funding whatsoever. Pridemerch.de is built entirely through our own efforts and the commitment of Queer Cities e.V. As a non-profit association, we work not for profit but for people, so we rely on the sale of our products and on donations. Every purchase and every euro helps us secure our passion project and give people independence.
The Story Behind It: Thorsten's Journey
The story of our initiator Thorsten Höller (49) shows how important this independence is. After over 30 years in sheltered workshops, he made a decision: "I absolutely do not want to go back." Through an internship at the Bremen donation station of Queer Cities e.V., he found the courage and opportunity to explore new paths.
Today, Thorsten works in an outsourced workplace and proves daily what potential people have when given the right conditions. His vision drives us: to create a work environment that is not pedagogically supervised but economically productive and inclusive.
Our Special Delivery Concept: Personal Delivery with Public Transport
We are not an ordinary online mail-order business. Wherever possible, we rely on personal contact. In Bremen and the surrounding area – up to Wilhelmshaven, Verden, Bremerhaven, and Hamburg – we often deliver orders personally.
We consistently use public transport (ÖPNV) for this. This is not only sustainable but also serves an important social purpose: we become visible.
When our team – people with disabilities – personally hand over the goods, we break down prejudices. We show that we are capable and contribute our part. These doorstep encounters are often a highlight for our customers and significantly strengthen our team's self-esteem. We are not just part of the process; we shape it.
Our Models: Real People, Real Diversity
You won't find professional agency models in our shop. We deliberately use amateur models to represent the wonderful diversity of our community. We want everyone to feel represented – regardless of age, gender, or background. Pridemerch is as colorful as real life. As colorful as our CSDs.
A Strong Network
We see ourselves as partners of the community. Therefore, we cooperate closely with CSD associations and organizations throughout Germany and Poland. A portion of the proceeds from partner products flows directly back to these associations.
Our current partners are:
Together we prove: Inclusion is not a theoretical idea, but achievable practice. Support us in building this vision further.
Want to Participate?
Whether as part of our team, as a partner, as a model, or as a supporter – we welcome everyone who wants to work with us towards a more inclusive, colorful world.
Contact us – we look forward to hearing from you!
