Berlin's König Collective Wins 2026 Rosa Courage Award for Queer Advocacy
The Berlin-based drag king collective König has received the 2026 Rosa Courage Award for its work in education and LSBTIQA advocacy. The group was recognised for challenging rigid gender norms and promoting intersectionality through its Drag Laboratories* programme. The ceremony took place in Osnabrück’s Peace Hall, marking 35 years of the prestigious award.
Founded in 1992, the Rosa Courage Award honours outstanding contributions to LSBTIQA* rights. This year’s event drew past winners and activists, reflecting on decades of progress and ongoing struggles. Several former recipients returned to Osnabrück to sign the city’s Golden Book, commemorating the award’s anniversary.
The *König* collective runs workshops and performances that deconstruct gender roles, teaching young people that identity is fluid. Their *Drag Laboratories* initiative makes queer life visible, particularly in rural areas where support networks are often scarce. The group encourages authenticity and freedom, pushing back against societal expectations. Lord Mayor Katharina Pötter hosted the ceremony in City Hall, calling it a political statement for Osnabrück as the 'City of Peace.' She rejected claims that queer visibility harms children, arguing instead that fearmongering poses the real threat. The packed Peace Hall underscored the event’s importance in celebrating and defending LSBTIQA* rights.
The award highlights König’s role in reshaping perceptions of gender and identity. Their work in education and rural outreach continues to fill gaps where queer infrastructure is missing. The ceremony also reinforced Osnabrück’s commitment to equality and resistance against discrimination.
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