Ace Week (formerly known as Asexual Awareness Week) is celebrated on the last week of October every year since it was founded in 2010. This year it falls on the week of the 24-30. of October. It exists to make asexuality visible and to give asexual people the possibility to air their experiences.
The word “asexual” is derived from the latin prefix “a” or “ab”, meaning “none” or “without”, and hints at very little or no sexual attraction to others and/or themselves.
Asexuality is not connected to the celibate. that means asexual people don´t actively decide not to have sex due to religious or other reasons. despite being asexual, asexual people can still have sex due veried reasons.
This fact differenciates asexuality from antisexuality, where even the idea of sexual acts is rejected. additionally, asexuality doesnt relate to repressed sexuality or fear. Ace people simply dont feel a desire towards sex. Estimates put around 1% of humanity in the asexuality spectrum.
The symbolism behind the Asexuality flag:
• Black stands for asexuality
• Greysymbolizes the asexual spectrum
• white represents sexuality
• purple stands for community
The symbolism behind the Aromantic flag:
• Dark and light green represent the aromantic spectrum
• white symbolizes platonic relationships
• Grey and black stand for the asexual spectrum
Intersex Awareness Day was founded in 1998 and takes place on the 26. of Oktober every year. This day is supposed to raise awareness for the Inter* sex community, and shed light on their struggles, discrimination and everyday issues. It is derived from the latin prefix “inter” which means “in between”.
Intersex is a term to describe every person with biological assets (chromosomal, gonodal, hormonal, anatomical) that have more than only male or female significance. in some cases, intersexual assets might be visible at birth, in other cases theyre not visible until puberty. some hormonal or chromosomal variations might not be visible at all.
Intersex is a term to describe every person with biological assets (chromosomal, gonodal, hormonal, anatomical) that have more than only male or female significance. in some cases, intersexual assets might be visible at birth, in other cases theyre not visible until puberty. some hormonal or chromosomal variations might not be visible at all.
Intersexuality exists in many different ways, cause beside the “standard” sets of chromosomes XX and XY, there are still more ways ( for example XXY) for the chromosomal attributes of a person. there is no “right” way to be Intersex. Intersexuality is due to biological attributes, and differentiates from sexual- and gender identity.
A big step towards freedom and self-decided lives for Intersex people was achieved in 2021, with a new law that forbids genital surgery on Intersex children.
Equal rights for all?
In ZDF Magazin Royale, Jan Böhmermann settled accounts with trans* hostility and gave trans* people a voice. This is primarily about the right of free development for all, which is engrained in the German Basic Law (cf. Art. 2 GG). For the free development of identity, however, trans* persons still have to fight hard, because according to the currently valid “Transsexuellengesetz” they still have to undergo strongly degrading and discriminating procedures to adapt their civil status to their gender identity. As soon as next year, the 40 year old “Transsexuellengesetz” will be replaced by the new self-determination law. Some politicians and TERFS (trans excluding radical feminsits) want to prevent this by all means and thus deny trans* persons their own gender identity and restrict their free development.
” being trans is not fashion – but trans-hostility is”
He particularly takes aim at Alice Schwarzer, editor-in-chief of the magazine Emma, who calls trans* existence a “fashion”-statement. Böhmermann also presents AfD politician Beatrice von Storch and her trans-hostile propaganda-which downright denies the existence of trans people-in his show and explains what is really behind it. The satirist provides insights into the structures and power influences behind trans* hostile actors and campaigns. These are often entire networks and influential personalities. They include, for example, two oligarchs who work together with the Russian president and have invested around 188 million dollars in European anti-gender or anti-trans* campaigns up to 2018, or the American “Alliance Defending Freedom” (ADF), which has so far invested 23 million dollars in trans* hostile campaigns and commercials. Here, typical trans* hostile arguments are often used.
“Violence against women usually doesn’t happen in the women’s locker room, it happens at home”
In his show, Böhmermann debunks the typical arguments against trans* people and addresses the self-determination law that was passed. Thus, he argues against the “intrusion of trans* women into women’s shelters” and the “exploitation of the women’s quota” by addressing the violence against women that mostly takes place in one’s own home and not in the public locker room. Against the exploitation of the women’s quota by trans* women, the satirist argues that people would have it much easier with the “men’s quota” anyway, so for what reason should one change the personal status? The presenter also debunks the often-used argument of biological sex by showing that there are more than just two biological sexes.
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Trans* hostility is an everyday evil of our society, which is not only strongly discriminatory and wants to deny people their identity, but also violates the Basic Law. Everyone should be able to live out their own identity at any time and in any place without restriction and without fear of negative consequences and violence. If you would like to help your trans* colleagues to live a discrimination-free everyday life also at the workplace, we recommend our free HOW TO guide on the topic of trans* and transition at the workplace.
MORE TIPS FOR TRANS* PEOPLE
Here at a glance is an excerpt on further assistance:
- Seek allies and role models within the company.
- If possible, work with the company to create a communication and action plan.
- Very important: You set the pace!
- Network with the LGBTIQ network, if one exists. We have compiled a list of LGBTIQ networks in companies and organizations.
TIPS FOR COMPANIES AND ALLIES
- A Transition Guide clearly specifies who is responsible. Note: the trans* person determines the pace and whether an action should be implemented. Every transition is individual
- Enable name and pronoun changes before the official decision is made.
- Training sensitize HR and management
- Establish and strengthen an internal LGBTIQ network with dedicated trans contact persons
- Inform about the topic trans*
- Use gender inclusive language, ask for a person’s pronouns so they use the one chosen by the trans* person and not their deadname. Deadname is the old, discarded name of a trans* person.
- Only ask questions that you would answer yourself
- Consciously stand up for the rights and against the discrimination of trans* persons
advice centers
BUNDESVERBAND TRANS*
“The Bundesverband Trans* (BVT) sees itself as a federation of individuals, groups, associations, federations and initiatives at regional, state and national level whose common endeavor is the commitment to gender diversity and self-determination and the commitment to human rights in terms of respect, recognition, equality, social participation and health of trans persons or persons not located in the binary gender system.”
DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT FÜR TRANSIDENTITÄT UND INTERSEXUALITÄT E.V.
“The dgti has set itself the goal of promoting the acceptance of transidents within society and counteracting their stigmatization. It should advise and support those affected and interested, if this is desired. An essential aspect of the work should be the (re-)integration of affected persons into the work process, in order to counteract the danger of social decline, which is still associated with social change today. It advocates more openness to one’s own identity and takes into account the diversity of human existence.”
TRANSMANN E.V.
“Nationwide, volunteer-based, non-profit association for all woman-to-male (FzM/FtM) trans* and inter* people.”
TRANSINTERQUEER E.V.
“TrIQ is a social center and a politically, culturally and in the research field active association, which stands up for trans, intersex and queer living people in Berlin and beyond.”
TRANS*INTER*BERATUNGSSTELLE
“The project of the Münchner Aids-Hilfe e.V. is equally there for trans* and inter* people as well as their relatives and friends.”
TGEU
“TGEU is a membership-based organization that was founded in 2005. Since then, TGEU has steadily grown and established itself as a legitimate voice for the trans* community in Europe and Central Asia, with 157 member organizations in 47 different countries.”
November 25 marks International Day Against Violence Against Women.
It needs to be mentioned, that all people that are read as women can be affected by patriarchal violence.
Domestic and sexual violence against women and girls is still one oft he most common violations of human rights to this day. In the last few years, the numbers have relentlessly risen.
“In Germany, every woman experiences sexual or physical violence at least once in her life; approximately every fourth woman experiences bodily or sexual harm.”
Every hour, 13 women, girls or people that are commonly read female experience domestic violence. The majority of these cases is never brought to court. Not every experience of discrimination is the same. Comparisons should not be made. Nevertheless, it should be noted that certain marginalised people experience a double burden (intersectionality), for example, people with disabilities, or the oppression of lesbian women with lived experience at the intersection of sexism and homophobia.
Germanwide consultation and help for the ones affected:
- Hilfetelefon (17 languages): 08 000 116 016, hilfetelefon.de
- Polizei: 110
- Heimwegtelefon: 030 12074182
- Opfer-Telefon: 116 006, www.weisser-ring.de
Learn more helpful information
and contact points around the topic ‘Domestic Violence’. (German only)
BIG IMPACT INITIATIVE AWARD:
more* von OTTO
Immer noch traut sich nur ein Bruchteil der trans* Personen am Arbeitsplatz ein Coming Out zu, da sie Angst vor Diskriminierung der Mitarbeitenden haben und befürchten müssen, negative Konsequenzen zu erleiden. MORE* hat sich diese Thematik zu Herzen genommen und außerordentliches Engagement gezeigt: Für ein respektvolles, diskriminierungsfreies Miteinander und vor allem für die Normalisierung des Umgangs mit trans*Personen sowie die Sensibilisierung für das Thema trans* und Geschlecht im Allgemeinen.
Nicht zuletzt durch die Entwicklung des Transidentity-Guides konnte das Netzwerk erzielen, dass die Thematik einiges an medialer Aufmerksamkeit auf sich zog. Es folgten auch weitere Unternehmen, die einen eigenen Transidentity-Guide erstellen (werden). Dies war auch möglich, da MORE* den Guide für alle zugänglich, kostenfrei zum Download bereitgestellt hat.
RISING STAR AWARD:
pride@ergo
Vor allem die Vernetzung vom Netzwerk mit unterschiedlichen Unternehmensebenen, wie Diversity- und Kommunikations-Abteilung sowie die Unterstützung aus dem Vorstand und von der Schirmherrin, haben gezeigt, dass auch ein junges Netzwerk in kurzer Zeit viel erreichen kann und das egal ob intern oder extern.
Die breit gefächerten Aktionen und Verankerung in der Firmenstruktur – vom deutschlandweiten Hissen der LGBT*IQ-Flagge an den Unternehmensstandorten, der Teilnahme mit Truck am CSD Köln bis hin zum firmeninternen Thematisieren von LGBT*IQ-Belangen beim Azubi-Start oder in der Gesprächsarena – waren ausschlaggebend bei der Entscheidung für Pride@ergo.
GLOBAL LEADER NETWORK AWARD:
fujitsu pride
Insbesondere in LGBT*IQ-feindlichen Ländern setzt sich das Netzwerk dafür ein, dass queere Personen auch dort Zugang zum Netzwerk haben – entweder durch die Schaffung eines lokalen Netzwerkzweigs oder auch durch die Möglichkeit von einem anderen Land aus dem Netzwerk beizutreten. Zudem wurden – als erstes japanisches Unternehmen – 2018 die UN-Standards of Conduct zur Bekämpfung der Diskriminierung von Lesben, Schwulen, Bi-, Trans- und intersexuellen Menschen unterzeichnet. Ausschlaggebend bei der Entscheidung für Fujitsu Pride war zudem der Workplace Index sowie das Pride Pledge, mit dem sich Mitarbeiter_innen dazu verpflichten, als Allies oder als LGBT*IQ-Person andere innerhalb und außerhalb des Unternehmens zu unterstützen.
sustainability AWARD:
co-pride von continental
Die Aktionen von Proud Heroes bestechen durch ihre konsequente Ausrichtung an den Bedürfnissen der queeren Mitarbeiter_innen – auf Basis von jährlichen Befragungen. Das Netzwerk versteht es zudem, die umgesetzten Maßnahmen in allen Ebenen und Prozessen des Unternehmens zu verankern und so verbindliche Richtlinien zu schaffen, beispielsweise zu Transitionen, Diskriminierung oder Entsendungen ins Ausland. Damit ebnet es den Weg für langfristigen und nachhaltigen Wandel hin zu LGBT*IQ-Chancengleichheit am Arbeitsplatz.
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.
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GUEST OF THE DAY
Dr. Gesa Heinrichs
Director – Campus Management & Corporate Procurement, 5th place OUT EXECUTIVES 2019
Dr. Gesa Heinrichs is the epitome of an Out Executive! She has been with OTTO for more than 20 years and is involved in a wide range of activities in addition to her management positions. After studying and earning her doctorate in Munich and Hamburg, Gesa brought versatile knowledge from theater and education sciences to the business world.
In 2000, she began her journey at OTTO, which has since led her to the position of “Director – Campus Management & Corporate Procurement”. At OTTO, she was also a founding member of the “Power of Diversity” initiative, is still involved in the resulting LGBT*IQ network “more” today and always stands for open (corporate) culture.
We stand in solidarity with all people in Ukraine who are affected by the Russian invasion and war. We know that the Russian regime is extremely queer-hostile and repressive. Therefore, if you would like to support, for example, the LGBT*IQ community or other associations and groups concretely and have the resources to do so, you are welcome to do so via the following pages.
Points of contact and donation options
Many people need immediate help in the current situation. That is why we have listed various donation options here. The list does not claim to be complete. Rather, it represents an excerpt that can be constantly supplemented.
Munich Kyiv Queer / Queere Nothilfe Ukraine
“The contact group Munich Kyiv Queer, formed in 2012 after the CSD in Munich, specifically advocates for the human rights of homo-, bi-, trans* and inter* people in Ukraine. The twinning between Kyiv and Munich is the basis for this.”
“Queere Nothilfe Ukraine is an association of representatives of various organizations from the LGBT*IQ community in Germany. We are in close contact with the human rights organizations on the ground, which use funds for the urgently needed care or evacuation of queer people. Every donation helps and is 100% earmarked.”
With their fundraiser they support activists who need money for transport, accommodation and food until they have found a safe place.
Quarteera e.V.
Quarteera e. V. is an association of Russian-speaking LGBT*IQ in Germany. With their donation campaign, the necessary funds for food, clothing, fees for legal aid, language courses for LGBT*IQ, will be financed.
Kharkiv Pride
KharkivPride is the largest LGBT*IQ Pride organizer in Ukraine, along with KyivPride, which created the event for the protection, equal rights and opportunities of LGBT*IQ people.
You have further input?
Feel free to contact us with specific places to go and ways to donate,
that we can include on the list.
PROUT EMPLOYER FiNUM.Finanzhaus
“FiNUM.Finanzhaus stands for openness, respect and tolerance.”
After her studies of mathematics in Bonn, Sabine Schmitz, the Rhinelander by choice completed her training as an insurance saleswoman at Deutscher Herold Lebensversicherungs AG – now Zurich Group – and then moved to the sales subsidiary Bonnfinanz. Since 1998, she has built up her own company, Obligo Managementberatung, with a focus on IT and organisational consulting. In 2007, she was involved in the founding of FiNUM.Finanzhaus. In 2013, she additionally took on a board mandate in the group at Jung, DMS & Cie. AG. Under her responsibility, Jung, DMS & Cie. developed the strategy to successfully connect major customers. Since 2020, she has concentrated entirely on the development of FiNUM.Finanzhaus AG as Board Member for Sales, Human Resources and Academy.
Sabine Schmitz, WHAT MOVED YOU TO BECOME A PROUTEMPLOYER?
Sabine Schmitz: FiNUM.Finanzhaus stands for openness, respect and tolerance. We live this attitude on a professional and personal level. Both internally among our employees and externally dealing with our customers, there is an absolute culture of welcome. As a holistic consulting firm, we have a dual interest in an equal society. On the one hand, as an employer and cooperation partner, we naturally want to be a role model in the equal treatment of all people. Both internally and externally, we live a corporate culture that is guided by the values of objective, demanding, human, passionate, virtuous, pioneering and focused. These values already indicate how important the issue of equal treatment is to us. We are firmly convinced that only teams in which people with the most diverse life paths and experiences contribute can be truly successful. That’s why we are a very open, fair and demanding company here. This open-mindedness is also reflected in our consulting activities, which are always empathetic and authentic. All customers should be able to talk openly and honestly with our consultants about any situation in life.
What kind of support from PROUT AT WORK do you wish for?
Sabine Schmitz: Many companies have been involved with PROUT AT WORK for a long time and have a lot of experience. We would like to share in this, be inspired and collaborate to make our world more tolerant and colorful. All the efforts so far to make a difference are impressive. However, we will only achieve the big step if everyone is willing to take a stand for the topic of equality and against discrimination. With the help of the network, we want to become even more active in the future. We are looking forward to learning and making contacts.
FiNUM.Finanzhaus AG belongs to the younger PROUT EMPLOYER with the start of cooperation in 2021. What activities have there been so far in your company on LGBT*IQ in the workplace and are there already plans for the current year?
Sabine Schmitz: We are just getting started in the collaboration. Therefore we are trying to participate in many events and to take part in many activities. So far, it has been enough for us not to live any differences internally in FiNUM.Finanzhaus: we have employees of all gender identities, old and young, many nationalities, people of different faiths and sexual orientations. Now we want to contribute to promote our lived basic attitude and to carry it into our society, where still too big differences are lived. To this end, we have started to fly the flag for diversity on our social media channels and also to position ourselves in customer communications with subtle signs, such as the rainbow colors in the email signature. Unfortunately, we are convinced that it still takes a lot of courage for many people to openly and honestly acknowledge their own identity.
“Our challenge is to show that FiNUM.Finanzhaus provides an open work environment where everyone is welcome just as they are.”
Where do you see the challenges concerning LGBT*IQ diversity at FiNUM.Finanzhaus AG in the coming years?
Sabine Schmitz:Too many people in Germany still don’t dare to come out at the workplace. Our challenge is to show that FiNUM.Finanzhaus offers an open working environment where everyone is welcome just as they are. We have put a lot of thought into our set-up here and see ourselves on a good development path. We would be pleased if we could find more people who appreciate our way and see their professional future with us.
Dear Sabine Schmitz, thank you very much for the interview!
PROUT EMPLOYER Fujitsu
“LGBT*IQ friendly workplaces are part of what we do at Fujitsu.”
Juan Perea Rodríguez started with Fujitsu Siemens in 1999 and held several positions until 2021. In May 2021 he became Head of Sales Central Europe at Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH and Managing Director Germany. Juan was born in 1980 and is married with two sons.
Juan Perea Rodríguez, what was your motivation for becoming a PROUT EMPLOYER?
Juan Perea Rodríguez: We wanted to set an example. Allyship is important and, for me, this also includes to openly and visibly stand up for LGBT*IQ. The more companies position themselves here, the more “normality” the topic will hopefully achieve. We want to make a contribution here. In addition we wanted to promote internal networking, especially in Germany, because we already have a great global network with FUJITSU Pride and would like to see even more commitment from our German Workforce.
“The signing of the UN LGBTI Standards by our former President was a special moment and brought us a lot of positive feedback internally and externally.”
In 2016 Fujitsu was the first multinational corporation from Japan who promoted LGBT*IQ friendly workspaces throughout the global organisation. How did this come about and what were the reactions to this?
Juan Perea Rodríguez: There is a lot happening around women’s equality in Japan and as this happens, perceptions of other diversity dimensions are also changing. This cultural shift has made diversity increasingly important and LGBT+ friendly workplaces are part of what we do at Fujitsu, true to our motto “be completely you”. The signing of the UN LGBTI Standards by our former President was a special moment and brought us a lot of positive feedback internally and externally.
How did D&I and the corporate culture change since that time?
Juan Perea Rodríguez: With the revision of the Fujitsu Way, our current President Tokita-san has now also “literally” anchored Diversity and Inclusion in our Code of Values. This has given them the status they deserve internally and in society in general. As topics such as mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation were already clearly anchored in Fujitsu Way before, this was only cosmetics. The culture was already there.
Based on your experiences: What is your advice for global corporations who plan to engage within LGBT*IQ diversity?
Juan Perea Rodríguez: Speak to all employees and listen to all of them. Encourage the LGBT*IQ community within the company to openly share their experiences, needs, etc. Offer help and, if necessary, support in countries where discrimination is on a completely different scale than in Western Europe.
Where do you identify future challenges concerning your engagement for LGBT*IQ diversity within Fujitsu?
Juan Perea Rodríguez: To sensitize everyone in the company and to make the explicit preoccupation with the topic of D&I obsolete at some point. Because it is firmly anchored in all we do and we naturally all treat each other with respect and appreciation.
Dear Juan Perea Rodríguez, thank you for the interview!
International Non-binary People’s Day has been held on July 14 since 2012. The date falls exactly between International Women’s Day in March and International Men’s Day in November. The day aims to raise awareness of the realities of life for non-binary people and to make issues visible that non-binary people face worldwide.
The terms non-binary, abinary, and genderqueer describe gender identities used by people who locate themselves outside the binary gender system. This includes, for example, agender, demigender and genderfluid people. Non-binary people can also be trans. However, trans people do not automatically assign themselves to a non-binary gender identity.
The symbolism behind the colors of the Non-binary flag:
- Yellow represents locating outside the binary gender system.
- White represents people who identify with multiple genders.
- Purple represents gender fluidity.
- Black represents people who do not identify with any gender.
Jo Labecka (NO PRONOUNS)
PROUT AT WORK-Foundation, Strategy & Corporate Partners
How do you identify and what does that mean to you?
I identify as genderqueer. For me, gender is a performance and a fluid continuum rather than a rigid, binary construct. Accordingly, I see myself outside of the binary system and feel the concept is artificial.
What are your experiences as a non-binary person?
I see my coming out as genderqueer as a kind of social work. An act that contributes to confronting people with the topic of being non-binary for the first time, so that they can deal with it. It is a process of self-discovery, as I discover new aspects of my identity over time and communicate accordingly to those around me. It is not an easy task because many still have little understanding of this topic. That means to show oneself again and again authentically and thus vulnerable, and thus also to have to come to terms with the fact that some try to deny my identity.
How can non-binary people be supported?
In any case, accept the new name of the non-binary person without expressing preference for the use of the old name. If certain pronoun usage is preferred, strive to follow that. In general, do not deny the existence of the non-binary identity, even if the concept is not comprehensible.
Tips and recommendations
10 Ways To Step Up As An Ally For Non-binary People
Young People Are Taking Control Over Their Gender Identity
Interviews with non-binary Accenture employees (DE)
Learn more about LGBT*IQ in our little LGBT*IQ ABC about terms like gender identity,
sexual orientation or gender expression.