Gender-inclusive making: xHain

Gender and other inequalities

From the outside the space does not seem particularly inclusive. However, xHain’s culture is welcoming to everyone, providing for an atmosphere of openness and respect, where everyone is encouraged to show their interest and their expertise in any topic, independently from their gender, background or appearance. Sexism, homophobia, racism or other forms of discrimination are not tolerated in the space, which is also clearly communicated in the code of conduct visible on the space’s website. These rules do not have to be enforced by persons who are discriminated against, e.g. a woman listening to a sexist joke made by a man, but rather by the other supportive and sensitive members of the space.

For doing so, the xHain has recently introduced xRoots, based on the concept of CCC mentors (Pat*innen). xRoots are dedicated and visible mentors, who are present at events, workshops etc. in order to help individuals not to feel lost or isolated, but welcome. They actively reach out and try to integrate newcomers in a sensitive and friendly way. Especially in cases of introverted personalities, people on the autistic spectrum or someone who does not speak the language too well, this type of mentoring is very important. In addition, the space has an awareness team, consisting of two persons in the role of confidents, who can be addressed by anyone, who feels the need to reach out.

xHain wants to provide entry points to those who are not typically represented in the maker movement. This is also why gender is not the only dimension addressed by xHain. By emphasising that their space is also accessible for wheelchair uses, (but unfortunately lacking a wheel-chair friendly toilet, which would require constructional changes not easily implementable in the rented rooms), they clearly emphasise that also dis_abled persons are welcome in the space. Although none of the current members is dis_abled, xHain wants to be a positive example for fostering welcoming environments and being an open space for all.

The founder of xHain himself did not feel in the position of organising an activity dedicated specifically to girls, being a man himself. Therefore, a female member of the space was asked to organise girls’ day activities. Since then, the space offers activities specifically dedicated to girls and nonbinary children and teenagers.

While at xHain they feel that this limited offer specifically targeting girls and nonbinary makers might not be necessary for younger children, a safe space is particularly important for teenagers when getting in touch with tech for the very first time. This allows them to explore maker technology without fearing that they might be harassed or made fun of. It is equally important that a woman leads these workshops. However, also in open workshops, female makers are important for boys and men to change ideas of who can do what based on gender stereotypes.

The space also organises monthly discussions with invited speakers called “discussion under trees” (‘Gespräche unter Bäumen’), which are not explicitly focussed on gender-topics. Invited speakers are, however, always female-identifying and talking about their work in the field of technology. These discussions are interactive in nature, which is why it is difficult to organise them online in times of COVID-19.

The space is embracing an inclusive culture within, starting with spatial features and the way their facility is designed. Glitter is a quite present element. The technical equipment and the spatial areas are colour-coded. E.g. the sewing area is purposefully coloured in blue, while the room providing for heavy machines and tools, such as a CNC mill, is coloured in pink and decorated with a lot of glitter. While 2 members of xHain took this decision on the specific colours, all community members approved of this decision.

The space has a unisex toilet, decorated with the typical symbols for ‘men’ and ‘women’, however the icon of ‘men’ was decorated with breasts, whereas the icon of ‘women’ was decorated with a penis. The accompanying text on the door says: ‘men, women and everyone else’.