Lesson 5.4: Knowledge and continuity

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In this topic you will discover how knowledge is shared within and across organisations and what the main challenges to collaboration and networking are. You will also explore the intergenerational tensions present in queer and feminist movements and the testimonies of people’s longing for meaningful intergenerational exchanges based on care and mentoring.

5. Challenges

Knowledge-sharing is not always smooth. Tensions often arise due to differences in politics, privilege, lived experience, and strategy.

Germany
Participants described:

  • tensions between established NGOs and newer grassroots groups
  • gaps between digital-native activists and older organisers
  • uneven access to safety, healthcare, or institutional support

Still, coalition-building was identified as a core resilience strategy.
Switzerland
Generational misunderstandings, especially around ‘anti-gender’ misinformation, created friction. Yet patient dialogue – explaining terminology, sharing experiences, debunking myths – helped bridge divides.

Poland
Two-way frustrations emerged:

  • younger activists critiqued older gay activists (‘boomers’) for narrow agendas
  • older activists felt younger groups lacked organisational continuity

Yet many noted growing hope in new generations and the accelerating pace of change.

These patterns show why deliberate knowledge-sharing is essential: without it, distrust grows and political energy dissipates.

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