Beyond the Surface - FLINTA sessions

Welcome to Beyond the Surface: FLINTA sessions

ROUND II - FLINTA sessions (NOT A DATING EVENT)

Now over a year old, Beyond the Surface continues to grow and shift—just like the people who step into it. Originally imagined as a space to meet others beyond the small talk and surface impressions, it has evolved into something deeper: a place where vulnerability is met with openness, and connection is prioritized over expectation.

This next event of the three-part series takes place in a brand-new space. In the heart of Kreuzkölln, Tischendorf has welcomed us inIt may not be our forever home, but it will be a beautiful space to gather again—with intention and presence.

This time, the invitation goes out to FLINTAs. If you identify as Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, or Agender, come and join us.

Unlike the first event of the series—which took a more traditional dating angle—we're letting go of the pressure to perform, impress, or match. This is NOT a dating event. It’s about meeting each other as we are. Whether you come alone or with friends, this is a space to make new connections, deepen old ones, and take off the judgment goggles society trains us to wear. 

Let’s see what happens when we simply show up—with curiosity, care, and openness.

Here’s how it works:

🔮You arrive (6:30, - 7pm - no one allowed in after 7) and welcome you with a free drink. We've got some yummy spritzers with and without alcohol and other options to choose from.  

🔮Sharlene will be the host of the event and curate your interactions with the use of her Intimacy Cards. These cards have "Emotional Intimacy" questions (you will answer with 1 partner that changes with every new card). There are also Physical and Energetic Intimacy cards that Sharlene will select to help you connect playfully and intentionally with different people throughout the evening. There are two rounds with a break in the middle. You can then continue to connect after the second round. 

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR? ---  If you desire more meaningful conversations that help you reveal your authentic self and you find it hard to make friends or meet people you can actually connect with, this event is for you. No masks, no walls, just be yourself and be surprised how people respond with kindness and openness. Magic happens when you meet someone face to face, when the vibe is right. 

This isn’t about dating. It's an experiment on how to create intimacy with strangers. Non-sexual, no expectations. It’s a curated experiences with engaging activities, where you actually meet people in a way that feels natural. Whether you leave with a new number, a new friend, or just a fun story to tell, we promise you won’t leave feeling like you wasted your time.

ROUND III is for queer men. ALSO not a dating event... just a way to create intimacy without expectations. Join the telegram group to stay in the loop.

What are people saying about Beyond the Surface?

"One thing which many people value about Berlin is its anonymity. We’ve all had this encounter with a character, which would be unthinkable in a different environment than a place like Berlin. However, walking through the city’s streets, being surrounded by strangers, it requires courage to make contact and interact with people, something we all need to do every now and then.

Even more so it takes courage to dive into a pool of strangers and talk to them about intimate life situations.

This setup facilitates just that: opening up to a stranger without judgement while remaining as anonymous as liked. I happened to get engaged into the most interesting and encouraging conversations with the person I least expected it when entering the room. It feels like a confessional box, but with „real“ people, being just as humble and as vulnerable as you are. The great thing about those cards is that your partners‘ openness just reflects your own and sometimes that openness escalates with each turn of response you take. Those reflections about your life situations may reveal a complete new viewpoint on your actions, feelings and thoughts." -Eric Förster

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"It can be incredibly hard to make friends in a new city, especially in one as transient as Berlin. Creating a true connection that’s not rooted in clubbing or bar hopping can feel next to impossible.

That’s why Beyond the Surface is such a breath of fresh air. In only a few hours a room full of strangers become familiar friends. In a day and age where so much focus is on what separates us from one another, it’s truly refreshing and magical to see the ways in which we connect through shared experience.

Sharlene’s super power has always been connecting people, and with this event + her Intimacy Cards she’s created a way for that ability to create connections to grow + become something of its own.

Unlike so many intimacy coaches/events/classes, Beyond the Surface is truly its own thing. There’s no pretentiousness or hierarchy- just true connection, lots of laughter and people willing to open themselves to one another.

I highly recommend this event to anyone who is looking for connection and friendship + a true definition of what intimacy is.

100% will come again." - Kimi Recor

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“I am so very grateful to Sharlene Durfey Francois, the creator of the Intimacy Cards, who started this beautiful event, Beyond the Surface in co-operation with the incredible heart-warming, non-smoking bar, Honey Lou. They created this little island of connection through a 'simple' card game that shoots for the heart and creates moments of interconnectedness for me and the people with whom I talked to, which I touched (consent confirmed) or at whom I looked at, all of which I have literally never done like this before in my life. 

It was a bit uncomfortable in moments but in the good kind of way. I was reminded of the ease on a playground as a child, when meeting as play mates for the moment. I felt similarly paired to the freedom I experienced in the rave culture that provided much needed love for me when I was growing up. 

I wish this experience 'Beyond the Surface' to create an intimate place in many more people's souls and bodies."  - Seah Zenker

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“Attending 'Beyond the Surface' was truly empowering, set in an intimate environment where everyone exuded warmth and hospitality from the moment I walked in. It was eye-opening, showing how you can really click with people just by asking interesting questions and caring about what they have to say. Can't wait to go back for more good times.” - Sebastian Smogar

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“I'm glad I was able to join this amazing session where I felt comfortable to share my mind, my emotions, my energy and a little bit of skin in this fun & safe space you created for us. It was refreshing to genuinely connect with other people, outside the mundane small chat that usually taps into our preconceptions, inhibiting meaningful conversations/ interactions.” - Florian Curran

Cancellation Policy

I will issue refunds up to 24 hours before the event. This way people on the Waiting list will be able to attend.  If you missed the event, I am happy to have give you a credit to attend a future event as long as it's not sold out.