BIG IMPACT INITIATIVE AWARD:
queerbw
QueerBw was heavily engaged in the rehabilitation of homosexual soldiers. After §175 was deleted from the penal code in 1994 and homosexuality was thus completely decriminalised under German law, homosexuality nevertheless remained an aptitude criterion for the Bundeswehr until the year 2000. Those affected were excluded from service from the outset or had to put up with demotions and dismissals if they did not conceal their sexual orientation or were outed. A good 20 years later, under the enormous influence of QueerBw, the draft law for the SoldRehaHomG (‘Law for the Rehabilitation of Soldiers Discriminated Against in Service Law because of Consensual Homosexual Acts, because of their Homosexual Orientation or because of their Gender Identity’) was implemented into law. This will both overturn past judgements and compensate the persons affected, as well as in the case of discrimination under service law, for example through transfer to lower positions. The network supported the process towards the law through content-related work, networking with politicians and numerous campaigns that raise awareness of the issue.
RISING STAR AWARD:
LGBT*IQ & Friends @ rwe
The still young network has already been able to establish a wide range of offers in terms of education, counselling and public relations. For example, the network promoted the publication of a trans* guideline that accompanies employees in transition as well as managers and colleagues. Particularly noteworthy is the broad support from all areas and levels of the group, from pit workers to the board level.
GLOBAL LEADER NETWORK AWARD:
Encompass Pride
ABB’s Encompass Pride has almost 800 members worldwide. During Pride Month 2021, the network initiated around 25 events worldwide, reaching thousands of employees. Internally, the network focuses on raising awareness, for example through unconscious bias training and an Ally Guide translated into six languages. Also present in heteronormative countries, the network combines locally tailored approaches with global goals.
sustainability AWARD:
proud heroes
The actions of Proud Heroes impress with their consistent orientation towards the needs of queer employees – on the basis of annual surveys. The network also knows how to anchor the implemented measures in all levels and processes of the company and thus create binding guidelines, for example on transitions, discrimination or secondments abroad. This paves the way for long-term and sustainable change towards LGBT*IQ equal opportunities in the workplace.
Media Partner for the LGBT*IQ Awards 2021
Regularily, our board member Albert Kehrer invites an inspiring role model of the LGBT*IQ community or an LGBT*IQ Ally for a chat. You can look forward to an interesting exchange about role models and visibility in the LGBT*IQ community.
This event took place in German.
Mit dem Laden des Videos akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzerklärung von YouTube.
Mehr erfahren
GUEST OF THE DAY
Sven Bäring
Lieutenant
Chair of QueerBw
1st Place PROUTinthePublicService 2021
Sven Bäring is chair of QueerBw. The 26-year-old has been leading the network for queer members of the German Bundeswehr since 2019. The network consists of around 300 members who are active throughout Germany. In his role as chairman, he is in close exchange with those affected and their superiors, advises the military and political leadership on diversity issues, and provides support for education and training in the area of diversity. The network operates a 24-hour hotline, which is ensured by him.
Sven Bäring strongly values a collective queer community and sees cohesion and solidarity as essential components of his commitment.
Together with his deputy Anastasia Biefang he works on the rehabilitation of discriminated soldiers. In addition to networking with other associations and organizations, this also includes exchanges with politicians in the Bundestag.
The goal is to come to terms with the decades of injustice that queer soldiers have had to endure. Until 2000, homosexuality was an eligibility criterion in the German armed forces.
In Munich, Sven Bäring not only supports the regional group of the network, but also volunteers at the SUB, organizes community events and is involved in other associations.