Berghain’s Infamous Doorman & Photographer Lands on Fire Island

Daniel left me alone this week, which means things got… I’m flying solo!I sat down with my friend Mischa Fanghaenel — Berlin photographer, longtime Berghain doorman, (yes. That Berghain) and a man who has seen it all.And right now? He’s in town doing an exhibition on Fire Island, bringing a little Berlin edge to the Ice Palace.We talk about his portrait series “Nachts,” where he photographed over 200 Berghain regulars — the leather, the latex, the tenderness, the queerness, the humanity. Not the myths. Not the TikTok version. The real people who make the dance floor sacred.We get into:What actually happens behind the world’s most intimidating doorWhy 30‑hour techno parties feel like therapy (and sometimes religion)How Berlin nightlife became globally fetishizedGrowing up between Moscow and East BerlinRaising kids after years of living inside the world’s most notorious clubAnd yes — we talk about Fire Island energy versus Berlin energy. Different flavors. Same freedom.We also touch on his next photography project exploring Germany’s multicultural identity at a politically tense time — because even in harnesses and strobe lights, politics is never far away.It’s sexy. It’s thoughtful. It’s a little shady.And honestly? I think hosting alone suits me, don’t you??@triggerwaringnyc@redeye_ny@pridehousemediaWrite to us at: [email protected]