Let yourself be seen from the inside. Let’s go Beyond the Surface.
Beyond the Surface: a session for Queer Men Only
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 create authentic connections with strangers and friends, going 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.
The final edition of our three-part series takes place in a brand-new space. It might not be our forever home, but it offers us the chance to gather again—with intention and presence.
Round III, the invitation goes out to queer men only.
Since I’m not a queer man (although I swear I was one in a past life) I am collaborating with _________ to co-host this event with me. I have heard from many queer men that something like Beyond the Surface is so needed in their community in order to help focus on intimacy in a new light. Creating connections without expectations.
Unlike our first event—which took a more traditional dating angle—we're letting go of the pressure to perform, impress, or match. This is not about dating. 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.
Join the telegram group for updates or follow @intimacycards on ig.
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Beyond the Surface : Queer Men edition
Date: Aug. TBD, 2025
Time: TBD
Where: TBD -
This Queer Men edition is for queer men in all their forms — cis, trans, gay, bi, pan, non-binary-masculine, and everyone who identifies with queer manhood in their own way. You're welcome here, exactly as you are.
If you're craving connection that goes beyond the surface… past bios, body types, and small talk - this space is for you.
If you're curious to see who you might resonate with when attraction isn’t just about looks but about presence, heart, and honesty - come.
If you're tired of feeling like you have to perform or filter yourself to be accepted, and you want to meet others who are also seeking something real - this gathering is made for you.
This is not a dating event.
It’s a space for queer men to connect deeply - platonically, authentically, and emotionally. No pressure, no pretense, just presence. -
Sharlene, the creator, artist and founder of the Intimacy Cards and Beyond the Surface will be the MC for the evening, curating your experience with the Intimacy Cards.
_________ will be co-hosting the evening, ensuring you are in good hands! -
Tickets are not yet available. Check back or join the telegram group to know when tickets are released.
What are they saying?
“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
“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
“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
I am so very grateful to Sharlene Durfey François, 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
You can also join the Telegram group where I will announce the next event and you can keep in touch with those people that you met. Find it at: https://t.me/beyondthesurface121