What does FLINTA* mean?

FLINTA* is a German acronym used by many inclusive groups, community projects, cultural spaces, makerspaces and volunteer organisations.

It generally refers to:

• F – Frauen: women
• L – Lesben: lesbians
• I – intergeschlechtliche Menschen: intersex people
• N – nicht-binäre Menschen: non-binary people
• T – trans Menschen: trans people
• A – agender Menschen: agender people

The asterisk is often used to show openness towards identities and experiences that may not be fully represented by a short acronym. The exact meaning and participation criteria can vary from one organisation to another.

FLINTA* is especially common in Germany, Austria and other German-speaking contexts, although the term is also becoming more familiar internationally.

Why do FLINTA*-centred spaces exist?

FLINTA*-centred spaces are created to support people who may experience sexism, gender-based discrimination, exclusion or unequal access in mixed-gender environments.

These spaces can offer participants more freedom to learn, collaborate, lead activities, make mistakes and develop new skills without some of the social pressures they may have experienced elsewhere.

They may include workshops, community houses, cultural events, hackspaces, coworking sessions, educational programmes, farms and international volunteer projects.

Important: FLINTA* is not simply another word for LGBTQIA+. The two terms overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Applicants should always read the eligibility information provided by each individual host.

What can FLINTA* volunteering involve?

A FLINTA* volunteer opportunity may involve many different activities, depending on the host and the purpose of the project.

• Community workshops and peer learning
• Open-source technology and digital projects
• Repair cafés, electronics and practical crafts
• Permaculture, gardening and animal care
• Community kitchens and shared living
• Communication, websites and social media
• Cultural, educational and accessibility projects

Some projects welcome beginners, while others look for volunteers with particular skills or experience. Each listing should explain the activities, working hours, accommodation, meals, costs, accessibility and participation requirements.

Advice for volunteers

If a volunteer programme is reserved for FLINTA* participants, this is an essential condition of the opportunity rather than a preference that can be negotiated.

Before applying, read the complete listing and make sure you understand the purpose and boundaries of the space. A thoughtful application should normally include:

• A brief personal introduction
• Your reasons for choosing the project
• Your interests, experience or useful skills
• Your preferred dates and length of stay
• Any dietary, accessibility or accommodation needs
• Confirmation that you meet the stated eligibility criteria

Some FLINTA*-centred organisations also welcome allies at public workshops, events or educational activities, even when residential volunteering is restricted. Always follow the information provided by the host.

Current FLINTA* volunteer opportunities

There are currently no active FLINTA* volunteer listings available on Voluntouring.org.

New opportunities will appear on this page when suitable hosts and community projects publish their listings. You can return to this page later to check for updates.

Do you host a FLINTA*-centred volunteer project?

Voluntouring.org welcomes submissions from community projects, collectives, associations, makerspaces, farms and other initiatives that offer meaningful volunteer experiences for FLINTA* participants.

Your listing should clearly explain:

• Who the opportunity is intended for
• The activities and help requested
• The expected schedule and length of stay
• Accommodation, meals and possible costs
• Accessibility and practical conditions
• How applications will be reviewed

Clearly stated participation criteria help volunteers understand whether an opportunity is suitable for them and help hosts receive more relevant applications.

Submit your FLINTA* volunteer opportunity to Voluntouring.org

All submissions are reviewed before publication. Providing accurate information and recent photographs can help potential volunteers understand the project and apply with realistic expectations.

Do you host a FLINTA*-centred volunteer project?

Voluntouring.org welcomes submissions from community projects, collectives, associations, makerspaces, farms and other initiatives that offer meaningful volunteer experiences for FLINTA* participants.

Your listing should clearly explain:

• Who the opportunity is intended for
• The activities and help requested
• The expected schedule and length of stay
• Accommodation, meals and possible costs
• Accessibility and practical conditions
• How applications will be reviewed

Clearly stated participation criteria help volunteers understand whether an opportunity is suitable for them and help hosts receive more relevant applications.

🌈 Submit your FLINTA* volunteer opportunity →

All submissions are reviewed before publication. Providing accurate information and recent photographs can help potential volunteers understand the project and apply with realistic expectations.