Rainbow Capital Berlin: standing up for self-determination, tolerance and diversity

Senator Dirk Behrendt and Ina Rosenthal spoke out against homophobia, emphasising the precarious position of LGBTQI people with disabilities

This week Berlin Senator for Justice, Consumer Protection and Anti-Discrimination, Dr Dirk Behrendt gave a rundown of the progress and measures outlined in the initiative “Berlin tritt ein für Selbstbestimmung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt“ (Berlin stands up for self-determination and acceptance of gendered and sexual diversity - IGSV).

Today, his report was made available to the public. It showed that most of the 92 measures of the IGSV have either been completed or are underway.  

Casting a wide umbrella over a marginalised community

The IGSV outlines nine fields of action, covering a wide spectrum of issues, like the fight against discrimination and violence, the protection of LGBTQI refugees and the development of young people. 92 measures are implemented within these nine fields of action.

The end goal of the IGSV is to embolden the self-determination and participation of LGBTQI people in society, as well as to strengthen acceptance and respect for gender and sexual diversity. The IGSV is a cross-departmental action plan, i.e. all Senate administrations and district authorities are involved in its implementation.

In July 2019, the IGSV's action plan was approved by the Senate and one of its goals was to increase lesbian visibility. This led to the start of several projects, as well as Ina Rosenthal, general manager of RuT eV (Rad und Tat: Offene Initiative Lesbischer Frauen eV)’s involvement in the press conference.  

The focus on LGBTQI people with disabilities is also a central issue and Germany’s first LGBTQI-Inklusionfonds was established, breaking down even more barriers.

In addition, this year the Senate is funding micro-projects for the first time as part of the Berlin Pride Weeks. For example, the “Queer im Kiez - Neighborhood under the Rainbow” project is about making gender and sexual diversity in the districts visible. In this way, the Senate also supports the cooperation between the LGBTQI community and districts in the implementation of measures within the framework of the Pride Weeks.

Senator Dr Dirk Behrendt was quoted in a press release, saying: “Just in time for the Pride Weeks, the report shows that Berlin lives up to its reputation as the rainbow capital. Now is the time not to let up. Homophobia and transphobia, as well as any other form of discrimination, have no place in Berlin."

Ina Rosenthal expanded on his sentiment, hammering on the disadvantaged position of LGBTQI people, especially those with disabilities. According to her, they are yet to find the public help they deserve.