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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Self-determination instead of degradation!

The “Selbstbestimmungsgesetz” (law of self-determination) is supposed to put the 40 year old “Transsexuellengesetz” (law under which gender transitions are regulated) out of order.

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.”

Campaign: #BiVisible
For this year’s Bi+ Visibility Day

The goal of the campaign is to empower bisexual people, to create visibility through a large number of participants as well as to highlight the diversity of bisexual people.

We understand bisexual as all people who do not have romantic and/or sexual relationships exclusively with people of a certain gender.

The campaign was initiated jointly by the PROUT AT WORK-Foundation and Accenture.

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

In the engeneering world, I perceive mostly heterosexual men, who have had homoerotic experiences, but distance themselves from bi+ or homo+. It seems that bisexuality doesnt quite fit into the world view of their colleagues. In that context, Bi+ is often associated with promiscuity or lack of decisiveness.

How do you, as a bisexual person, want to be viewed?

I dont agree with prejudiced labels. For example, I am completely monogamous by my own decision, and I am only in a relationship with one person at a time, „despite“ being bi+. I dont want to be judged as poly/mono based on my bisexuality; everyone should find happiness in their own ways; the most important thing for me is to be seen as myself.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

Awareness is, same as in all LGBTIQ themes, the key to getting rid of prejudice, and prevent unreflected hurt in the future. Thats why Visibility campaigns like Bi+Visibility Day are so important!

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

I am a bisexual single mother. Most oft he time, I´m not perceived as a bisexual or part oft he LGBTIQ* Community, since I have a child from a relationship with a man. When I tell my colleagues that I am active in the LGBT* Community in my company, the first reaction is often confusion. When I out myself as bisexual afterwards, the responses are neutral. I also experienced that a lesbian colleague on an LGBT* meeting by the company suddenly, and very obviously, lost interest  in me when I told her I´m bisexual. The reality of bisexual people not being taken seriously in the LGBT* community is also sadly reoccurring reality. I have heard people refer to me with „When you still were lesbian.“ Or „when you played for the other team“ and that made me as a bisexual person, feel misunderstood. Even with neutral reactions, I feel insecure about what my colleagues think and if theyre prejudiced. It´s important to me to be able to come out to people, because my bisexuality is part of my history and what makes me me.

How do you, as a bisexual person, want to be viewed?

I fall in love with a person. Despite their gender. My Bisexuality is not a phase, I am not confused, I know very well what I wish for in a relationship. Despite that, the way to get there wasn´t easy, I myself thought I had to „pick a side“ and came out as lesbian. At some point I had to out myself again as bisexual, when I understood that I could also fall in love with men, and that it is okay. My non-binary gender Identity was overlooked for a long time. Thats what shaped my history and experiences.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

The topic of bisexuality is given room, if there is conversation about the LGBT* Community on a company level. (Presentations, Diversity & inclusion)

How do you experience the topic of bisexuality at work?

I am not only a teacher who is concerned with diversity at my school, but also diversity representative who gives advice and coordinates projects. I am openly bisexual. Colleagues have talked to me regarding my newspaper interviews, and congratulated me on them. They approve of me.Nowadays, I experience more and more students coming out, especially as bisexual, non-binary or trans*. Gay and bisexual boys are more apprehensive.On the 23. Of September, we will raise the bisexual flag in my school.

How do you want to be viewed as a bisexual person?

Fundamentally, my bisexuality is only one of many properties of my person. I am also creative, reliable, empathic, often impatient, hilarious, I love board- and cardgames, fantasy, writing and yoga.But visibility is extremely important to bisexual people, because theyre often overlooked or actively made to be invisible.I think bisexuality is a gift, and thats why I want beauty to be seen in it.

How can this topic be taken up in a work environment?

Trough diversity-working groups, trough the raising oft he Bi-Flag, trough normalizing that people can love other people with different genders. Even more than one person at the same time. Trough supporting Bi+Pride. By attendance of #TeachOut (if you habe a teaching background). The own coming out encourages others, thats why if you have a good relationship with work colleagues, and are well liked/accepted-what are you waiting for? If not for yourself, do it for others!