The Queer Community Project

Belonging is essential to the human experience. For queer people, finding a community where you feel seen, understood, and safe is especially vital. “The Queer Community Project” by Lisa-Sophie Kempke and Sophia Emmerich shines a light on this need.

Through vivid portraits and video storytelling, The Queer Community Project brings together queer surfers from Malibu, the viral TikTok sensation “The Old Gays,” and the world’s top lesbian motorcycle club, among others.

Featuring 10 LGBTQIA+ groups from Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Malibu, Frankfurt, and Berlin, this collection offers an intimate look into the strength and warmth found within queer communities across different cultures and spaces.

The project invites you to explore how belonging transforms the lives of those in the LGBTQIA+ community and reminds us all of the importance of creating spaces where everyone is welcomed, accepted, and celebrated.

Exhibited in Berlin, Los Angeles Munich and heidelberg.

Participating Groups

  • The Old Gays – Tiktok Sensation (Palms Springs) @oldgays

  • Queer Surf (Malibu) @queersurf

  • Hairrari – queer focused hair dresser (Los Angeles) @hairrarila

  • Junio High – queer Art gallery (Los Angeles)@juniorhighla

  • Dykes on Bikes Rhein-Weser – lesbian bike club (Frankfurt) @dykesonbikes.rheinweser

  • Kottilesben – queer art network (Berlin) @kottilesben

  • Berlin Bruisers – Flinta* rugby team (Berlin) @berlinbruisersofficial

  • Love is Halal – Ibn Rushd-Goethe Moschee (Berlin) @tugay.sarac

  • Baby Berlin – queer tattoo studio (Berlin) @baby___berlin

  • Stück – Flinta* focused bar (Berlin) @stueck_36

Exhibited AT

  • Airport Munich
    The Queer Community Project, June 2025, Germany

  • Queer Festival Heidelberg
    The Queer Community Project, May 2025, Germany

  • KNOWN Studio Los Angeles
    The Queer Community Project, March 2025, USA

Awarded “Best Documentary” at Berlin Independent Film Festival 2025