Oktoberfest waitstaff form anti-right-wing group to denounce sexism and racism
A new collective of Oktoberfest servers called “Bedienungen gegen rechts” is using their positions to protest sexism, racism and queer-phobia at the festival.
“Bedienungen gegen rechts” is the first organized group of Oktoberfest waitstaff to publicly declare a stance against sexism, racism and queer-phobia. Servers such as Lavio, who identifies as a person of colour and queer, say they will not accept a shift in what can be said about discrimination. Through TikTok videos, members describe their motivation to enjoy the celebration while actively confronting prejudice.
They reference the 1980 bomb attack at the festival entrance, a right-wing extremist act that resulted in twelve deaths and numerous injuries, to underline the importance of remembering past violence. Recent investigations by the Bundesanwaltschaft confirmed the extremist motive behind the bombing. Organizers Anna and Fanny, who began working at the festival in 2022, note that the rise of right-wing extremism in several German states prompted the action. With 155 participants, the initiative represents a small but visible fraction of the roughly 13,000 staff employed at the event, aiming to make the 2026 Wiesn a peaceful gathering free of exclusion.
Why it matters
It shows how workers at a major cultural event are mobilising against discrimination and recalling historic violence.
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