“LGBTIQ* welcome” – two large banners have been adorning the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort since the start of the week. This marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT for short), which is observed every year on 17 May.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer people are welcome at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Public bodies, businesses and institutions are currently showing their solidarity by displaying the banner of Queeres Netzwerk e.V., with the support of the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry for Children, Family, Refugees and Integration. To mark the global day of action, IDAHOBIT, they are speaking out in favour of an open and tolerant society and against discrimination.
In addition to the ‘campus decorations’, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has invited members of its academic community to a panel discussion. On 10 May 2021, the Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity discussed goals and strategies for creating an LGBTIQ*-friendly university together with student representatives and members of various committees. Around 50 members of the university community from all staff categories shared their ideas and experiences. “This direct exchange is hugely important to us as the Executive Board so that we can make the right adjustments,” said Vice-President Prof. Dr Tatiana Zimenkova.
Under the hashtag #myrainbowHSRW, the university is also calling on its members to make a statement on social media on 17 May 2021 by posting creative photos featuring a rainbow alongside the university logo. In addition, the “Gender and Diversity” degree programme is opening its “sexualities” seminar to interested parties on Friday 14 May 2021. Here, Dr Charles Picavet will present a study on the topic “Problems? Not a Problem! Growing up gay in a tolerant social climate”. The seminar will be held in English.
No registration is required; the access link is: hsrw.webex.com/meet/charles.picavet
IDAHOBIT
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (“International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia’, or IDAHOBIT for short) has been raising awareness worldwide since 2005 of the discrimination faced by people who are marginalised or criminalised because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. To mark this day of action, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is organising various events to highlight that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans and intersex people, as well as queer people, are welcome at the university and are a natural part of the community. The university expressly values the diversity of its members and encourages mutual respect amongst them. This is also enshrined in its mission statement: “Our actions are characterised by mutual respect between teaching staff and students, and between members of the university community of all nationalities, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. Equality, inclusion and tolerance are a matter of course for us.”
