Rat & Tat is the advice centre that Katte e.V. runs in Potsdam's northern old town, a short walk up from the Nauener Tor. It is an office rather than a drop-in bar, and most of what happens there happens one to one: counselling on coming out and on transition, HIV and STI testing, support for LGBTI refugees, and help with pension and rehabilitation claims.
Anyone can walk in for the practical things. The centre keeps free condoms and lube, information leaflets and current queer magazines on a stand in the office. There is a separate testing and counselling slot for LSBTI people under 27, whether the question is about sexuality or not.
Katte e.V. also carries the asylum procedure counselling for LGBTI and other particularly vulnerable refugees in Brandenburg, and the Landesbüro Queeres Brandenburg, the state office that supports queer groups and projects across the region, sits at the same address. The association describes its pension advice service as the first in Germany set up specifically for LSBTI people.
State funding fell away in 2024 and company funding ran out in 2025, so part of the team now works remotely and much of the advice runs by phone, video call or messenger. Appointments can be booked online, and the association asks visitors to arrange a visit beforehand where they can, partly to keep the waiting area discreet.
The people in this picture are AI-generated.
