Lowering Barriers
Values & Language
Sex-positive Approach
Our approach is sex-positive. It focuses on pleasure, self-determination, and open discussion of sexuality. We stand behind our content and are personally committed to challenging social taboos and stigmas and to promoting sexuality that is diverse, free, and decided by the people practicing it.
We use language that is inclusive of all people.
This means:
- Gender-neutral wording wherever possible
- Respectful terms that do not exclude or offend anyone
- Simple explanations for technical terms
- Making diverse lifestyles visible
Language evolves—and we evolve with it. If you notice anything or have any suggestions for improvement, please feel free to contact us.
Our Projekt
“Tabubruch” is a project from Walk In Ruhr – Center for Sexual Health and Medicine and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
The project will run for two years and end in March 2026. The platform will be continuously developed and expanded.
It is part of the Digital Health Factory Ruhr, focusing on “digital solutions for socio-spatial healthcare concepts,” and aims to make sexual health more accessible to everyone: digital, with minimal barriers, and relevant to real life.
The platform is designed to give people access to scientifically sound, easy-to-understand information around the clock, regardless of where they live or work.
Whether individuals are simply interested in the topic, seeking advice, working as information multipliers, or are professionals in the field, the project aims to create an open, safe, and inclusive space where sexuality and taboos can be discussed.
WIR - We stand behind it
The success of Tabubruch is the result of the dedication of many committed people – contributing ideas, time, expertise, and hands-on support.
Our special thanks go to Lilly Wirth, Katie Stepp Nicolai, Helena Jestaedt, Stefanie Leitz, all interns who accompanied and supported the project, as well as our colleagues from Madonna e.V., Rosa Strippe e.V., pro familia Bochum e.V., Aidshilfe Bochum e.V. and all other colleagues within the WIR network who contributed significantly behind the scenes through feedback, networking, and organizational support.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the team at netzfactor GmbH, who made Tabubruch technically possible in the first place.
We are equally grateful to our colleagues at the Zentrum für digitales Lehren und Lernen in der Medizin (ZDLLM), Ruhr-University Bochum, who, as part of the Virtual WIR, were responsible for developing the elective module “Sexuelle Gesundheit und Sexualmedizin” at the Faculty of Medicine of Ruhr-Universität Bochum and who supported and enriched the project with their academic expertise.
Without you, Tabubruch would not be what it is today.
Since 2016, Walk In Ruhr (WIR) has been a pioneering institution in Germany, based in Bochum, and a leader in providing innovative preventive, medical, and psychosocial care to improve public health.
The center is distinguished by an intersectoral, multi- and interdisciplinary organizational structure that is unique in Germany. Participating partners are:
- Interdisciplinary Immunology Outpatient Clinic at the Catholic Hospital of Bochum (Katholisches Klinikum Bochum)
- Gesundheitsamt Bochum
- AIDS-Hilfe Bochum e.V.
- Madonna e.V.
- pro familia e.V.
- Rosa Strippe e.V.
The STI Gesellschaft/Ruhr e.V., our association for the promotion of sexual health in the Ruhr region, provides financial support for the Tabubruch project.
Website Walk In Ruhr
COMPREHENSIVE, Networked, OPEN
Our Network
WIR is an umbrella organization that brings together: the Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic – Center for Sexual Health – Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology at Ruhr University Bochum; Aidshilfe Bochum e.V.; the Bochum Public Health Department; pro familia e.V.; Madonna e.V.; and Rosa Strippe e.V.
Counseling on topics related to pregnancy, sexuality, partnership and parenting
Counseling on all topics related to queerness
Counseling on HIV, AIDS, and sexual health
Free and anonymous STI testing
Counseling for sex workers
Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology at Ruhr University Bochum
The Center for Sexual Health and Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this website for?
The site can be used by anyone interested, whether they are simply curious, seeking advice, providing advice to others, or acting as an information multiplier. In short: it is for all (adults) who are interested in the topic. The content is available in simple language, so no prior knowledge or expertise is required.
Why is sexual health so important?
Humans beings are sexual beings. Human sexuality has a clear influence on health. Nevertheless, the topic remains taboo and is not discussed enough in society and politics. Only by talking about it can we make the topic more visible and begin to challenge existing taboos.
Can I use the site anonymously?
Yes, you can, at least with some browsers. Google Chrome, for example, offers the option of using “incognito tabs.” The pages visited do not appear in the search or browser history and no permanent cookies are collected. An incognito tab is activated by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of Chrome and then selecting “New incognito window.”
How are you breaking down barriers?
We try to break down at least some barriers by offering the platform in simple language and in several other languages. We have also made sure to use a high-contrast design. A read-aloud function can be activated if required.