"The frustration with Berlin’s dating scene is what led the five founders of Sore Thumbs to begin organizing speed dating nights in 2022. Their events are intended as a fun – and crucially IRL – way to meet other singles in a safe and uplifting environment. Events are offered for three groups – FLINTA* (women, trans and non-binary people), hetero singles and queer men – with 15–20 participants at each event, mostly Gen Z to millennial. You get a 3-4 minute date with each participant before submitting the names of the people you liked to the organizers. If those you liked also felt a spark: it’s a match! Besides dating nights the group also throws singles' parties full of saucy bops and mingling with other singles. Awaiting you are DJs, giveaways, tarot readings and, who knows, maybe even a future love. As Carrie Bradshaw (might have) typed on her MacBook: in a city of jaded hearts, is romance making a return?"

Text: Benji Haughton / CeeCee Berlin, 2025