Pride Month | How you can engage in the LGBTQIA* community

The situation of queer people varies greatly around the world today. On the one hand, awareness of the issue of sexual and gender diversity is growing and more and more people are committed to the rights of and engage in the LGBTQIA* community. On the other hand, we are still a long way from equality in many countries. Also in Germany.

1. LGBTQI* is more visible than ever, but is still discriminated against in many places
2. Major international differences in LGBTQI* rights
3. Why is all this important to know?
4. How you can get involved in the LGBTQI* community

LGBTQIA* is more visible than ever, but is still discriminated against in many places

Let’s start with the good news: non-binary gender identities and diverse sexual orientations are becoming more and more present. This is evident at major international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2024, queer people were even more present than the year before. The representativeness of queer people is also being discussed in sport. Most recently on the day against homophobia. Now that a “group coming-out”of active professional men’s soccer players has not taken place, the fans are encouraging the players to come out. Germany is one of the few countries in Europe where the acceptance of queer people has increased in recent years. At least according to the latest Pride Survey by market research company Ipsos.

Unfortunately – and here we come to the bad news – same-sex sexuality is still prosecuted in 62 states. In many countries, including in Europe, homosexual, bisexual and transgender people are still marginalized and discriminated against. Progress has been made in recent years, with three UN states (Dominica, Mauritius and Singapore) decriminalizing consensual same-sex acts. However, Uganda has introduced the death penalty for this and Iraq criminalizes homosexual acts by law. You can read more about this in the latest “Laws on Us” report from the ILGA organization.

Major international differences in LGBTQIA* rights

This ambivalence shows that even if the topic has already made it into a broader social discourse, there is still a long way to go to achieve equality. A graphic overview of the criminalization of consensual homosexual acts in various countries around the world is provided by the ILGA. You can also find the map here:

Why is all this important to know?

Above all, it is thanks to courageous activists who have been involved in demonstrations, organizations and education for over 50 years and continue to do so. Thanks to them, the LGBTQIA* community is more accepted today than it was during the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969. Continuing this activism is crucial in order to achieve more and more tolerance and social equality today.

How you can engage in the LGBTQIA* community

Today, there are countless organizations that are committed to the LGBTQIA* community. Each has its own focus. Would you like to take part and get involved? Then take a look at the organizations that we bring together on vostel.de. Some even have specific projects that you can support.

AHA Berlin e.V.

The AHA is a non-commercial, voluntary association that offers space for groups and events as well as a contact point for queer people. Now over 45 years old, the AHA is one of the oldest continuously active LGBTQIA* associations in Berlin.

Colorful e.V.

Colorful e.V. is a non-profit association based in Eschborn am Taunus. It campaigns against discrimination in the Main-Taunus district, in particular against queer hostility, sexism and racism.

SOORUM

Soorum is a queer (school) education project. Young, qualified teamers lead workshops with a thematic focus. It addresses sexual and gender diversity, gender roles, prejudice and discrimination.

CSD Frankfurt e.V.

CSD Frankfurt is the joint demonstration of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transgenders and intersexuals as well as their friends and all those who support them. The goal remains unrestricted social recognition.

Feministisches Bildungszentrum e.V.

Feministisches Bildungszentrum e.V. – fembi for short – is a non-profit association that aims to promote equal rights and freedom for all people and to combat all forms of discrimination and social injustice through feminist educational work. The association aims to offer opportunities to inform, empower and at the same time encourage people to actively participate in shaping a feminist future.