History and Concept

Emancipation as a means of prevention

Mann-O-Meter was founded in 1985 as an association by a group of committed gay men*. From the outset, the aim was to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and to provide gay men with all the information and support they need to lead fulfilling lives. To this end, the Mann-O-Meter centre of the same name was established in 1986; today, it continues to attract numerous visitors with its open café, information area and wide range of services. We are Berlin’s go-to place for information and advice on all aspects of gay life. A key aim of our work is to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of gay men* by raising awareness, providing information and offering advice. In particular, the prevention of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections is a priority for us, because gay men* continue to face a particularly high risk of infection compared to other groups.

Merely being aware of a possible infection or illness does not in itself change behaviour. Rather, the individual must come to terms with this knowledge and decide how to respond to it. We know that gay men* who are confident about their homosexuality and are able to live it to the full have a reduced risk of contracting HIV. To create a social environment for gay men* in which they can feel valued and treated as equals, we work not only on an individual level but also on a socio-political level.

To achieve these objectives, we promote gay emancipation through anti-discrimination work and the fostering of gay self-confidence. This is based on the realisation that self-assured gay men* who are comfortable with their lifestyle and do not hide themselves out of fear of prejudice or homophobic reactions from those around them are able to take a responsible approach to themselves, their sexuality and, consequently, their partners. Only in this way can AIDS prevention be effective and be strengthened in the long term.

Our Services

Prevention is more than simply providing information. Prevention involves creating the individual and societal conditions that enable people to behave in a way that protects others and shows respect, in doing so.

At an individual level, this involves providing information and support in processing that information, so that people can naturally make use of the opportunities available to protect themselves. At a societal level, it is necessary to create an environment that allows individuals to naturally identify as gay men*.

In line with this approach to prevention, which is informed by social science research, Mann-O-Meter offers a range of services in Berlin – the city with the largest gay population in Germany.

During the opening hours of our checkpoint in the gay neighbourhood, right on Nollendorfplatz, visitors can find out about all aspects of gay life: information on leisure activities, self-help groups and the city’s counselling centres, the scene’s vibrant nightlife, and other activities organised by the numerous groups and projects.

Over the years, Mann-O-Meter has also developed its own initiatives, such as support for gay prisoners, gay youth groups, MANEO – the gay anti-violence project in Berlin, which was launched in 1990 as the first anti-violence project of its kind in Germany – and chemsex support groups.

As ageing affects gay and bisexual men just as much as anyone else, there are also specialised services aimed at older men: ‘45+’, a leisure and social group, and ‘Café Doppelherz’, the gay neighbourhood meet-up spot in Nolli for men aged 45 and over.

Another service offers gay and bisexual men the opportunity to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea) in an anonymous and professional setting. It is also possible to undergo the necessary tests required for a prescription for pre-exposure prophylaxis to protect against HIV infection.

Last but not least, by allowing the free use of our group rooms, we offer many external (self-help) groups the opportunity to hold regular meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and many others.

Prevention is no longer just about using condoms

To help prevent HIV and AIDS, we offer not only affordable condoms and lubricants but also all the latest information materials on HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, other sexually transmitted infections and other topics relating to ‘gay health’. And for those who would prefer to discuss questions about safer sex in a face-to-face conversation, our staff at the advice desk are always ready to listen.

As well as providing knowledge and materials for prevention, we create a space where people can explore their own views on this subject: If you’re struggling with your own sexuality, with safer sex, or with a new infection and/or illness, you’ll find advice and support from our psychologists and psychological counsellors. They also offer psychological and psychosocial counselling on all other issues affecting gay lifestyles – whether it’s coming out, relationships, bullying or anything else...

Get involved – fancy joining us?

Five permanent staff members, one or two Bufdis, around 60 volunteers: that’s the Mann-O-Meter team. Become part of this community.

We couldn’t do it without our volunteers. They gather information about events and services within the community, get involved in various working groups and support the permanent staff members. Among other things, they provide support to prisoners in Berlin’s prisons, look after victims of violence or work as peer counsellors. Last but not least, they are the first point of contact for the approximately 1,500 users of the information centre each month.

Are you interested in volunteering? Would you like to support the work of Mann-O-Meter? Great – then please get in touch with our colleague Marcus Behrens. Anyone wishing to join us will be prepared for the day-to-day work through an induction course.