Rheinfetisch NEWS
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7 July 2026
No Pride without Fetish
Ken Reise aka Julie Voyage lamented in a local tabloid that Pride is degenerating into a fetish parade. By calling for Fetish to be banned from Pride, he is playing right into the homophobic stereotypes that the far right has been using against the entire queer community for years.
He hasn’t understood community. A genuine community does not exclude its own members in order to curry favour with or benefit from mainstream society.
He hasn’t understood Pride. Pride emerged from resistance to sexual and social oppression. Drag and fetish have long been allies in queer underground history. Drag challenged rigid gender roles and fetish sexual norms and power dynamics.
Anyone who betrays part of this history and part of their own people today betrays the community itself.
5 July 2026
Rheinfetisch @ Cologne Pride 2026
What a gorgeous Pride it was in Cologne! And Rheinfetisch was right in the thick of it. On Friday at the Mayor’s reception and at the Mr Bear Colonia 2026 pageant. On Saturday with our Cologne Pride Boat 2026 and at the ‘Lights Against Forgetting’ event. On Sunday at the march. And, of course, everywhere in between – at the street festival, in the pubs and at the parties.
The Cologne Pride Boat was once again completely sold out, with 600 guests. Our DJs, Luuk de Keizer and ADHSHOW, had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the very first minute right through to the last. The weather did the rest to ensure the boat was another resounding success.
For the collection for ‘Lights Against Oblivion’, we were once again actively supported by national and international titleholders.
The undisputed highlight of the weekend was the march, in which we took part with a KVB bus leading the way and a huge group of marchers following behind! And not just by partying, but with statements and demands. Together with the Colonia Bears, RheinPuppy and other organisations, followed by the SUB Association, we sent a strong message about the diversity of the fetish community.
Unfortunately, the talk on stage at Alter Markt on the topic of ‘No Pride without Kink’ had to be cancelled due to the demonstration arriving late. Perhaps one or two people could have learnt a thing or two here.
A huge thank you goes to the volunteers whose hard work throughout the weekend made the events possible in the first place.
23 June 2026
Rheinfetisch @ Cologne Pride 2026
Rheinfetisch will again be well represented at the Cologne Pride in 2026.
The Cologne Pride Boat 2026 kicks things off on Saturday. For three hours, 600 people will be cruising down the Rhine to the beats of Luuk de Keizer and ADHSHOW. A few remaining tickets are still available in our TICKETSHOP>.
On Saturday evening, Rheinfetisch will be taking part in the Lichter gegen das Vergessen (Lights Against Oblivion) event, raising funds for Aidshilfe Köln with the attending title-holders.
On Sunday, we’ll be joining the demonstration with a foot group Rheinfetisch & Friends. Our group, with start number 93, will be led by a bus this year. Together with the Colonia Bears, RheinPuppy and anyone else who wants to join us, we’ll be demonstrating for greater visibility and tolerance of fetishism in society and within the community. The SUB Verein will be following us with Start number 94.
We’ll be assembling in Zone 6 on Mindener Straße in Cologne-Deutz, between Karlstraße and Deutzer Freiheit. Our starting time is estimated 12.45 pm to 1 pm – so please be there by around 12 pm.
To travel on the bus, we hand out tickets which allow you to stay on the bus for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time. When you get off the bus, your ticket is collected and passed on to the next person waiting to board. Members who are unable to walk the entire route for health reasons may use the bus as long as they like.
Following the demonstration, our Talk on the Alter Markt stage will focus on the tiresome question of whether fetish has a place at prides. No Pride without Kink is the title, which makes our stance clear right from the start.
24 May 2026
Mr. Fetish NRW 2026
We have a Mr. Fetish NRW 2026! Congratulations from Rheinfetisch on your election, Tim | Ari!
We wish you all the best for your term of office: success with your projects, exciting travels, interesting encounters and new friends – make the most of this time for yourself and the community!
Many thanks to our tally masters, Oliver from the Leather & Fetish Community (LFC) and Sebastian from the Leathermen of Switzerland, who took charge of counting the votes.
Many thanks to the other two candidates, Holger and Michael, for their courage and willingness to stand for election.
22 May 2026
Baustelle 4U becomes third Rheinfetisch Clubhouse
When we feel particularly at home and welcome, we designate that venue as a Rheinfetisch clubhouse. Baustelle 4U is just such a place!
Carsten, Salvo and their team work tirelessly for the community and welcome all kinksters – regardless of their fetish. For Cologne Fetish Pride 2026 alone, they offered us the opportunity to hold four events there.
That is why we presented the award during the candidate presentation.
In addition to Amadeus and Pullermanns, Baustelle 4U is now our third clubhouse. We thank them for their support and look forward to many more events.
26 April 2026
Annual General Meeting 2026 with Election of the Board
The Rheinfetisch General Assembly 2026 took place on 25 April in Cologne. Over 40 members discussed the 2025 annual review with the Board’s reports, involvement in committees, the organisation within the association, and, looking ahead to 2026, planned events, parties and participation in CSDs.
Also, a new Board was elected. From a field of seven candidates, the members elected Timmy Böhm, Benno Heister, Christian Huyeng, Stefan Gassmann and Leopold Sprengelmeier (from left to right). In accordance with the statutes, the Board consists of members with equal rights; they will define and communicate their areas of responsibility in the coming weeks.
The assembly thanked outgoing board member Richard Fischer for his dedication over the past three years.
We would like to express our thanks to all members who, through their attendance and lively participation in the discussion, contributed to shaping the future direction of Rheinfetisch.
25 April 2026
Mr. Fetish NRW 2026 Candidates
We had called for applications to stand as a candidate in the Mr Fetish NRW 2026 election. To take on responsibility, represent the community, strengthen solidarity and raise the profile of the community.
And three applicants came forward!
We are proud to present – in alphabetical order – Holger, Michael and Tim | Ari. In them, we have three fantastic candidates who represent the full spectrum of our community.
You can currently find them on their Instagram profiles – just click on the image.
Of course, we will be showcasing them in detail over the coming days and weeks on social media and here on this website.
18 March 2026
Cologne Fetish Pride 2026 Programme Update
Rheinfetisch promotes a sense of community and has – as every year –invited local venues, shops and organisations to take part in Cologne Fetish Pride. Puppy Cologne was on board and contributed several events.
At short notice, without prior announcement and contrary to a joint agreement, Puppy Cologne is now organising a Puppy Pride to take place at the same time as the Whitsun weekend. What was planned together is now being split up. We regret this decision – especially as Puppy Cologne vehemently calls for community unity from others. Actions speak louder than words.
One can only suspect that behind all this is what Puppy Cologne has been discussing at length on its website and Telegram channel over the last few days – and which have nothing to do with Cologne Fetish Pride. Those familiar with Cologne’s puppy scene may have an idea of the real reasons – everyone else will rightly shake their heads.
As part of Puppy Pride, the same events that were originally planned with us are now taking place – only now under a different name. The CFP’s Puppy Programme is now being organised by our trusted partner, RheinPuppy.
10 March 2026
For the German release of “Pillion”, Rheinfetisch, in collaboration with Weltkino Filmverleih and Filmpalette in Cologne, is offering you the opportunity to see the film on 25 March 2026 at 8pm – one day before its official release
Before that, we want to take some photos at 7.30pm, of course! Is anyone bringing their motorbike?
Non-members are also welcome, of course – the main thing is that everyone shows up in fetish gear!
8 March 2026
Beyond Darklands 2026
And just like that ... Beyond Darklands 2026 is over.
Over 90 clubs and organisations came together for Fetish Socials United. Rheinfetisch presented itself and its events on the Mr.S Stage – above all Cologne Fetish Pride.
It didn't quite work out with the Darklands X–Awards. But what an honour to be among the final four. “Manchester Leather Weekend 2025” was named “Small–Scale Fetish Event of the Year”. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Manchester Leathermen!
And there's another reason to celebrate: our club member Luuk de Keizer was named “DJ of the Year”. Congratulations to him as well! We look forward to having this award-winning DJ on board the Cologne Pride Boat at CSD Cologne!
6 March 2026
During Cologne Pride on 4 July 2026, it's once again time to set sail for the Cologne Pride Boat 2026 by Rheinfetisch! Three hours of partying with 600 people on the Rhine!
The MS RheinVision offers us plenty of space on the shaded open deck, a sunny lounge at the stern and the air-conditioned main deck below.
Darklands X-Award winner Luuk de Keizer and ADHSHOW will be providing the beatz.
27 February 2026
Call for Candidates for the Mr. Fetish NRW 2026 Election
Until 24 May 2026, Mr. Fetish NRW 2025 Timmy will remain the face of the fetish community in North Rhine-Westphalia. Then, his successor will be chosen during Cologne Fetish Pride 2026>.
Applicants must be male, at least 18 years old on 24 May 2026, and have their primary residence in North Rhine-Westphalia. Membership in Rheinfetisch e.V. is not required.
Applications to be a candidate can be made by 24 April 2026 using the online Application Form> (in German). In case of questions, the Rheinfetisch board> or Timmy> are available.
29 January 2026
Cologne Fetish Pride 2026 Programme
The cat is out of the bag. The suspense is over. The wait has come to an end. We are releasing the programme for Cologne Fetish Pride 2025>!
What can you expect? 23 events from Rheinfetisch – reception, welcome, meet & greet, workshops, open discussion, guided tour, fetish flea market, music bingo dinner and brunch. Of course, the Mr. Fetish NRW 2026> contest will also be back on board the Fetish Boat. Our partners contribute about the same number, including a number of parties.
27 January 2026
NEVER AGAIN!
On 27 January, we commemorate the victims of National Socialism – including many people whose sexual orientation or gender did not conform to the ‘norm’. In Cologne, Queeres Netzwerk NRW e.V., LSVD NRW, Netzwerk Geschlechtliche Vielfalt Trans* NRW and the ARCUS Foundation invited to gather at the memorial ‘totgeschlagen – totgeschwiegen’ (beaten to death – hushed up) to take a stand against forgetting and against resurgent queer hostility.
Despite the cold and wet weather, an impressive number of people took part; the multitude of wreaths, floral arrangements and flowers made their participation visible beyond the event itself.
Mayor Maria Helmis-Arends gave a moving and cautionary commemorative speech and called for the atrocities to be remembered – especially in today's world. The Zauberflöten choir provided musical framing for the event.
8 January 2026
New Rheinfetisch Statutes
Good things take time. At the general meeting in April 2025, the members decided to revise the Rheinfetisch statutes – now they are finally effective with their entry in the register.
The decisive change is that the executive committee now consists of equal members; together they form the managing board. The allocation of tasks remains unchanged for the time being – Christian is responsible for public relations and member support, Richard is treasurer and Stefan takes care of communication and social media.
