Queer in the university

**Queer* in the university**

The University of Cologne is committed to being a safe, non-discriminatory and non-violent place to study, teach and work. It invites all persons, regardless of gender, sexual identity or orientation, to be or become part of this university. A culture of looking and naming is encouraged and all members are asked to take responsibility for themselves and others. Discrimination, sexual violence and bullying will not be tolerated and members will be sensitized accordingly. The university visibly demonstrates its solidarity and acceptance with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, inter* and queer people (in short: LGBTIQ*) through its measures and offers.

In June 2021, the University of Cologne was named an "LGBTIQ+ Diversity Champion" in the Proudr LGBTIQ+ Campus Index. The index recognizes an open, queer*-friendly, and inclusive culture. Only three out of 62 universities scored over 80% of the audit points and were named LGBTIQ+ Diversity Champions. The University of Cologne leads the index with 88%. The University of Cologne's strong commitment to equal opportunities, including for LGBTIQ+ individuals, is thus also recognized externally.

Measures to strengthen gender diversity at the University of Cologne:

Anchoring gender equality

At the University of Cologne, equality of all genders is both a management and cross-sectional task. The "Strategie Chancengerechtigkeit", the "Gleichstellungszukunftskonzept 2019-2024", the "Rahmenplan für die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter" and the common "Leitlinien Chancengerechtigkeit (2018)" with universities and cooperating institutions in the Rhineland frame all activities.

Antidiscrimination Directive of the University of Cologne

Registration of the 3rd gender option according to PStG

In 2019, the Rectorate of the University of Cologne has requested all administrative units to enable the recording of the gender information possible according to the PStG (female, male, diverse, open) in all electronic systems of the university. The entry will take into account the requirements of the passport, ID card and alien law document system, i.e. with the entry "F", "M" or "X".

Early change of first name due to change of civil status

By resolutions of the university management in April 2016 and June 2019, the University of Cologne enables trans* persons to register their new first name in the university registration systems as early as possible. The change of first name can be made in confidence in all university institutions, especially in Department 2 / Dept. 22 Student Affairs (for students) and the Human Resources Department (for employees). When contacting by e-mail, it is requested that a document verifying identity be submitted as a scan (ID card, passport, UC card, driver's license, etc.). After a positive decision of the court, a retroactive change of documents is also possible.

Research & Education

Gender Studies in Cologne (GeStiK) has been the central academic institution at the University of Cologne since 2012. In addition to a certificate program, the center has been offering the master's program Gender & Queer Studies in cooperation with the Cologne University of Technology and the Cologne University of Music and Dance since the winter semester 2017/2018. The program is designed as a central cross-faculty institution and is supported by all faculties of the university.

Gender sensitive language

The language guide "ÜberzeuGENDERe Sprache" of the University of Cologne encourages gender-sensitive addressing and naming of everyone and provides concrete assistance for implementation. When recording the characteristic "diverse" or "open", a gender-neutral form of address using the gender asterisk should be used in correspondence (e.g. "Dear/Title/First Name/Name"). Further information is available in Rundschreiben Nr. 27/2019.

Toilets for all genders

Raising the rainbow flag

Participation of the University of Cologne in the CSD demonstration

For the second time, employees of the University of Cologne participated with a truck and a foot group in the Cologne Pride at the Christopher Street Day in Cologne. This year, the University cooperated with the University of Applied Sciences Cologne. The truck ran under the motto "Queer@Work." More than 120 employees from research and the administration, including the chancellor Karsten Gerlof, prorector Prof. Dr. Stephan Michael Schröder and gender equality officer Annelene Gäckle, were there. The students of the universities also participated as the queer student community with their own group.

The employees of both universities participated together in order to set a sign against discrimination and for acceptance of diversity in science in this way as well. ColognePride is the joint event week and demonstration of the LGBTIQ* community as well as their friends* and all who support them. This year's motto of the demonstration was "For human rights. Many. Together. Strong!"

The University of Cologne has a wide range of services for students and employees who feel part of the LGBTIQ* community. For more information, please visit this website.

University of Cologne

The Gender Equality Officer