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".

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*, inter*, and non-binary people to register their new first name in the university registration systems. You can change your first name 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 declaration at a registry office, a positive decision of the court, or by providing an Ergänzungsausweis issued by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Trans*- und Inter*geschlechtlichkeit e. V. 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

Save the Date: Participation of the University of Cologne in the CSD demonstration

Colorful balloons during a CSD parade. Text: Cologne Pride, 6 July 2025

On 6 July 2025 the University of Cologne, the University of Technology, Arts, Sciences , the Rheinische Hochschule and the Cologne University of Music demonstrate together during the ColognePride for queer diversity and against queerphobia and discrimination. We cordially invite the university's staff to join the demonstration. Studens ususally plan own groups with whom we walk together. An invitation and further information follow soon.

The University of Cologne has various services for queer students and empolyees. Further information can be found on this website.

Stadtradeln (City Cycling) 2025 – Join the team „Queer in the University“

From June 11 to July 1, 2025, Cologne will be part of the nationwide climate protection initiative STADTRADELN (City Cycling). Together with other Stadtradeln teams of the University of Cologne and from all over Germany we want to stand up for climate justice. Under the motto „there is no pride on a dead planet“ the Gender Equality Officer invites all queer people and their allies to join the Stadtradeln team „Queer in der Hochschule / queer in the university“ of the University of Cologne. No matter if you just started to learn cycling, use your bike only sometimes, or if you are a bicycle racer: every mile counts!

Simply register on stadtradeln.de and join the Team „Queer in der Hochschule / queer in the university“ of the University of Cologne.

Further information:

More information on STADTRADELN can be found on the Sustainability Office’s website.
How does Stadtradeln work? Further information on stadtradeln.de

Join the Stadtradeln Team

University of Cologne

The Gender Equality Officer