VulneRebel: The Power and Paradox of Vulnerability at Touch&Play Cologne 2026

Why Vulnerability Matters More Than Ever

The English word vulnerability comes from the Latin vulnus, meaning “wound.” It refers to both physical and emotional wounds—such as the “wounds of love”—and the capacity to wound or be wounded. This year, vulnerability is brought into the center with the theme VulneRebel at T&P Cologne 2026.

Vulnerability: Weakness or Hidden Strength?

Vulnerable groups are often framed as people whose adulthood or independence is questioned—treated as if they were social minors who lack agency and require professional oversight (Fineman, 2008; Kohn, 2014). Vulnerability is often linked with being inactive, restricted, powerless, or dependent on others (Mayrhofer, 2025).

But research shows that “people do not experience vulnerability as members of a homogeneous group but, rather, as individuals with multidimensional layers of identities, statuses and life circumstances” (CRPD Committee, 2016).

The Other Side of Vulnerability

When turning our attention from groups to the individual, we see an entirely different side of vulnerability:

“Vulnerability can help us not only build relationships, but also experience our feelings more deeply. It is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It gives us hope, provides a sense of belonging, enables us to feel empathy, and provides meaning in our lives.”—Brown, 2015; RSA Shorts: The Power of Vulnerability

This reveals a field of tension. Many of us were taught to avoid vulnerability at all costs on the journey to independent adulthood. Yet later in life—when we encounter challenges with ourselves, our partners, and the world—the very same vulnerability is suddenly offered as the solution.

Practicing Vulnerability: Small Steps, Real Connection

While connecting with new people—or those we wish to grow closer to—especially in situations charged with sensuality, vulnerability often works best as a series of small, honest steps.

When we dare to show a bit of our real experience—“I feel shy and excited,” “I’d love to go slower,” “I’m really enjoying this touch”—we invite trust, playfulness, and a deeper erotic presence. Each moment of truth-telling lets the other person feel us more clearly and decide how they want to meet us. This makes the space feel both safer and more alive. As connection grows, the depth of what we share can grow with it.

Come join us and explore creating vulnerable, sexy connections at Touch&Play Cologne 2026.

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Article by Touch&Play Cologne organisers team

References

• Brené Brown (2015): Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
• CRPD Committee (2016): Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities General Comments No. 3 on Women and Girls with Disabilities
• Fineman, M. A. (2008): The Vulnerable Subject: Anchoring Equality in the Human Condition. Yale Journal of Law & Feminism
• Kohn, N (2014): Vulnerability Theory and the Role of Government. Yale Journal of Law & Feminism
• Mayrhofer, Monika (2025): The Concept of Vulnerability and Its Relation to the Concepts of Inequality and Discrimination – A Review Article. The International Journal of Human Rights

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