International Human Rights Day is a commemorative day that takes place annually on December 10 and will reach its 75th anniversary next year. In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly agreed on a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was signed by 48 countries.
After the end of the Nazi regime and the horrors of World War II, the aim was to create a comprehensive basis for a worldwide understanding in which all people are equal.
The International Declaration of Human Rights in one click (German):
At the heart of this declaration is the universal validity of fundamental rights that every human being has from birth and that are independent of origin, gender, religion, worldview, culture or other affiliations.
The principles laid down include, for example, the right to life, liberty and security, a ban on slavery and torture, freedom of thought, belief and expression, the right to education, work, health and many others, such as the right to citizenship and political participation.
For the first time in history, rights were formulated that should apply equally to every human being. Nevertheless, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not binding under international law. It is true that many states (such as the Federal Republic of Germany) have decided to base their constitutions on human rights and thus make them legally binding in part. However, there is no globally valid obligation, e.g. even beyond the United Nations, to observe human rights, nor are there any bodies that could guarantee enforcement.
Especially against this background, the International Human Rights Day is an important moment to remind that these universal rights are far from being universally enforced. Human rights are perhaps the most important yardstick and basis for creating a democratic world in which all people are equal before the state, the law and their fellow human beings. Therefore, we as a foundation also make it clear that our issue, equal opportunities for LGBT*IQ in the (working) world, must be understood as an issue of human rights and human dignity. We join this year’s slogan of the International Human Rights Day and stand up for
„Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All“!
You can find information on this year’s slogan and International Human Rights Day at United Nations:
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October 19 is International Pronouns Day!
Individual Pronouns are strongly interlaced with the identity and selfgovernment of LGBT*IQ-people. Especially people, who do not strictly experience their gender in a binary sense of male/female, but may identify as genderfluid or nonbinary, use pronouns to express their gender, as not to be judged by their looks, or be misgendered.
In some cases, neopronouns are preferred (for example dey/dem), in other cases no pronouns are used at all, instead their name is used.
Pronouns can help get rid of biases about a persons gender, and they create diversity in the community.
Many people in the LGBT*IQ-Community use them to take a stand against solely binary understanding of gender, and to feel safe and happy with their own identity.
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.”
December 1 marks World AIDS Day, which has aimed to eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, affirm the rights of affected individuals, and create visibility for people who have died as a result of HIV and AIDS, since 1988.
About 38 million people worldwide are HIV positive, but almost all of them have no access to essential medication. The numbers of people affected vary from country to country. In South Africa, the most affected group includes young women, as well as disadvantaged or persecuted groups in many other countries, such as gay men, intravenous drug users, sex workers, and people in prison. However, all over the world, people experience discrimination in their daily lives.
Undetectable = Untransmittable
Nowadays, however, a HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence for those affected, because with the right treatment, HIV-positive people can live a life like anyone else. In addition, by taking medication, the reproduction of the HIV virus can be suppressed to such an extent that those affected can no longer transmit the virus during sex.
This year, the World AIDS Day takes place under the motto “Equalize” and should overall create a common togetherness, completely free of prejudice and exclusion and thus achieve prevention of spreading HIV.
Employers can also take a stand against discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS and overcome existing inequalities in the workplace. For this purpose, the declaration #positivarbeiten was created in 2019, which has already been signed by more than 155 companies, associations, cities, ministries and businesses.
Moving critical masses
Let’s become active together and let us drive LGBT*IQ topics,
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)
Trans* Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance
The week of November 14-20, 2022 is trans* Awareness Week. The main goal is to create visibility for the trans* community and to draw attention to problems that trans* people have to face every day. The week ends on November 20th with the trans* Day of Remembrance which is an international day of remembrance for trans* people who died in the last year due to trans* violence. On this occasion we call for solidarity and active engagement for the rights of trans* people and demand this also from the side of politics.
To give visibility to the history of the trans* community, in this post we introduce you to five historical trans* pioneers.
Alan L. Hart (*1880 †1962)
Alan L. Hart was a trans* man who was not only the first person in the U.S. to receive a total hysterectomy, but Alan was also a writer, researcher, and physician who saved the lives of several thousand tuberculosis patients through modern x-ray diagnoses.
Dora (Dorchen) Richter (*1891 †unknown)
Dora “Dorchen” Richter is a historically important trans* woman. She was the first known person in Germany to undergo complete gender reassignment between 1922 and 1931. Dorchen worked as a domestic servant alongside several other trans* people for Magnus Hirschfeld, the director of the Berlin Institute for Sexual Sciences, until it was attacked and destroyed by a Nazi mob in 1933. It is unclear, however, whether Dora was murdered in this attack or died at the hands of Nazis over the next few years, as there were no further records of her from that day on.
Lucy Hicks Anderson (*1886 †1954)
Lucy Hicks Anderson was a true trans* pioneer of her time. Even as a young child, she told her parents that she preferred to be a girl and be called Lucy. Lucy married two men in her life and fought for legal effectiveness of her marriage, as she was assigned to the male gender at birth. This made her a very early campaigner for marriage for all as well as for the rights of trans* people.
Willmer “Little Axe” Broadnax (*1916 †1992)
Willmer Broadnax, one of the first recorded POC trans* men in the U.S., is also an exciting trans* personality, although hardly anyone knew him until his death. It was only after he was stabbed to death by his partner in an argument that an autopsy revealed he was a trans* man. Willmer was not an unknown person in his lifetime; he was a nationally famous and popular gospel singer, known by his nickname “Little Axe.”
Toni Simon (*1887 †1979)
Today, we would call Toni Simon a German pioneer of non-binary life. On the occasion of Toni’s seventieth birthday in 1956, a collage of Toni’s various phases of life was created, which was then also sent as a postcard. In it Toni can be seen in different gender roles at a time, especially at the beginning Toni was mostly in male military uniforms and suits. As Toni grew older, Toni chose increasingly fancy dresses. Doing so, Toni wanted to break the rules of binarity and proved that gender binaries can be broken.
More tips for trans* people
Here are further ideas for trans* people in a workplace:
- 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.”
MYSTORY with …
Jay
53 Years, Einbeck
“My journey began with an end and a beginning, and this end made my truly new beginning as a non-binary person possible in the end. …”
Published: November 2022
A new beginning.
On March 6, 2020, the most unusual journey of my life so far began. It began with an end and a beginning, and this end made my truly new beginning as a non-binary person possible in the end. On that day, the love of my life ended with the death of my relationship person. I was infinitely grateful for the 23 years that I was allowed to spend with her, despite all prophecies of doom.
A love that seemed so unusual even to us lovers in the beginning that we asked ourselves at the time, “Can our relationship really work and go well?” We decided to take the risk. My great love was and remained until her death, married to her husband and had three children, who at the beginning of our relationship, were between 6 and 13 years old. She was 12 years older than me. We lived an unusual, publicly known, patchwork rainbow family relationship for 23 years. I miss her to this day.
Today, I am actually grateful for that void her absence has left in my life. I am also thankful that the Corona Lockdown that started shortly after her funeral turned me back on myself. With the absence of external distractions, I was able to use this time for inner gathering and my refocusing. On many lonely evenings on my balcony, I began to search for answers to life questions and to define new goals.
“Where should my path lead now?”
“How do I want to live?”
“What are my goals?”
I found more questions than answers at that time. I discovered within myself dungeons and locked doors, dark caves and buried shafts. What I lacked was light. The deeper I went, the less hope I had of finding answers on my own that could shed light on the darkness. I admitted to myself that I couldn’t answer all the questions on my own, and I enlisted professional outside travel assistance in the form of coaching.
It quickly became apparent that I had been asking myself the right questions at the wrong time. By the end of 2020, I was still far too caught up in the social norms and conventions of heteronormativity around me and in my own inner beliefs. These thoughts and conventions were blocking my path to answers.
I wanted, no I had to try something new, like when I was on vacation in Canada. Every day at that time I had opted for the classic English breakfast. The Canadian breakfast of French toast (Poor Knights), crispy bacon and maple syrup seemed too absurd a combination. Bacon and maple syrup?! A white bread soaked with egg, instead of egg on the white bread and bacon extra on top. I could not imagine this combination of sweet and salty as delicious. One morning, this meal looked so delicious at the neighboring table that I dared to order and try it too. It was a revelation and a symbiosis of opposites that, combined like this, gave me a completely new, incredible taste experience. For this experience, it was necessary to ignore old ideas and concepts (like taste experiences).
My experiential process right before my non-binary coming out was very similar, but much more intimate. This process, too, was about reconciling opposites and exploring new territory. The phrases that went through my mind before making these decisions were, on the one hand, “Do I really dare?”. What happens if it’s an absurd experience?” and on the other, “I’m so excited! I can’t wait!” I, (then still Judith – gender: female; gender identity: “butch”; sexual orientation: lesbian), boldly decided to try something completely new and unfamiliar, leaving old paths behind. With a curious beginner’s mind, I embarked on a new experience.
I was gifted with answers to questions that have accompanied me my entire adult life. „Wer bin ich?“ „Wer oder was ist meine Identität?“ „Wieso fühle ich mich stets „zwischen den Stühlen“ sitzend/stehend?“ These questions have accompanied me for many years of my life.
In this experiential moment, I let go of my preconceived thoughts about gender and gender identities and freed myself from convention and propriety.
I let go of Judith, or in other words, Judith said goodbye, and in the same moment I was transformed into Jay.
As Jay (gender: diverse; gender identity: non-binary; sexual orientation: women loving), I felt whole and complete for the first time in my life. I realized that I now had a new name and a new gender. After 50 years, the search for my true identity ended in a truly new beginning; a new birth certificate even made this official very soon.
It was out of the question for me to make this inner transformation visible to the outside world as well. Sometimes bureaucratic mills grind fast, too. In February, I received a certificate from my family doctor, submitted an informal application for gender and name change with it to the registry office and promptly received an official appointment for the oral application.
It was on February 18, 2021, when I was handed my new birth certificate with new name and gender by the registrar of my town. I thus wrote Einbeck town history, as the first person with a diverse gender entry in the town’s birth register. I am very grateful for all the experiences, for all the people who contributed to this moment. I would like to thank all the people for their appreciation, solidarity and joy shown to me during this coming out.
DEAR Jay, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOURSTORY!
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.