Queer fountain is rededicated in Münster
In 2017, the queer fountain "Sketch for a Fountain" in Münster was damaged by homophobic perpetrators. Now it is to celebrate its "revival" and be rededicated on 02 October 2021. How special its significance is for the city's LGBTQI+ community is shown, among other things, by the fact that until its destruction, it was a place for many to go to celebrate and get together. Among other things, even weddings were celebrated here. The fountain quickly developed into a popular photo motif. Many were all the more shocked when they learned of the graffiti from four years ago.
What's behind the queer fountain?
The queer fountain in Münster has always stood for diversity and tolerance. It was precisely this that seemed to bother the people who ultimately wanted to destroy or smear it. However, after the initial shock has subsided and a total of four years have passed, one thing is certain: the fountain will be rebuilt. It will serve as a permanent reminder of how important it is to speak out against homophobia.
Behind the rebuilding is a private initiative that - partly due to the fact that the AfD had made it into the Bundestag - decided to get involved in the reconstruction.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the reconstruction
Although the message behind the queer fountain of Münster is also so important, especially in this day and age, a look at the social networks, among others, shows that many are already bothered by the project.
Many seem to have become accustomed to the comparatively empty space on the site. They argue that everything should now remain as it currently is, so as not to clutter the area. Of course, there are also many people, not only within the LGBTQI+ community, who celebrate the private initiative for its commitment.
The fact that the fountain can now be rebuilt is also the result of an appeal for donations. In total, more than 10,000 donors supported the project and thus showed that it is important to them to continue to make a statement.
However, those who still have pictures of the old fountain in their photo archives will recognize on 02 October 2021 that the new fountain has been changed in some details. Differences can be seen mainly in the material used. Thus, plaster became aluminum and plastic became stone. Perhaps also because already now, due to the massive resistance of some people, it is to be expected that also the new fountain will not be immune to damage?
At least appropriate precautions have already been taken. Should the figures or the fountain actually be damaged, the responsible association is responsible, according to the agreement with the city of Münster, for directly cleaning the areas again. However, the costs for cleaning do not have to be paid from the association's coffers, but are provided (up to a maximum of 10,000 euros per year) by the city.
Ideally, the new fountain could become, perhaps more than ever, a place of encounter.
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