Queer representative Sven Lehmann: “Germany is lagging behind in anti-discrimination”

Sven Lehmann is the Commissioner for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity – or Queer Commissioner for short. He takes care of the interests of gays, lesbians and trans people in the federal government. With the star he talked about discrimination, his goals and where Germany is lagging behind.

Mr. Lehmann, a somewhat provocative question to begin with: will we even need a queer officer in 2022?

Of course I wish we didn’t need him. Because that would mean that all people, regardless of their love or their gender, can live in this country with equal rights and security. Unfortunately that is not the case. Despite the introduction of marriage for same-sex couples, there is still a great deal to do. There are still discriminatory laws. But there is also exclusion, bullying and discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people in society. And that’s why I’m pleased that the federal government takes this matter so seriously that it has appointed a commissioner for it.

In your opinion, what are the points where politics in Germany regarding LGBTQI (Lesbian, Ghey, Bisexual, Transgender, Qoutside, Iintersexual) would have to change?

Unfortunately, Germany lags behind within the European Union when it comes to anti-discrimination. We were rather behind even in opening up marriage more than four years ago. Other countries were quicker. Not much has happened in recent years, while other states have eliminated discriminatory rules on donating blood or against transgender people, for example. Germany still has these rules. That’s why we have to do more, both politically and socially.

They want to enshrine the protection status for sexual diversity in the Basic Law. Do you think that a majority can be found in the Bundestag for this? In the AfD, but also in the Union, for example, there are – let’s say – critical voices.

Homosexual and transgender people are the last social group persecuted by the Nazis at the time that does not yet have an explicit protective status in the Basic Law. In Article 3 we know the protection status based on origin, age, gender or belief – but not on the basis of sexual identity. This is important so that certain achievements, such as the right to marry the person you love, cannot be reversed.

Because of the two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat, this is not possible without the CDU/CSU. That is why we want to do this together with the Union. There is still a lot of talks to be had, which is why it won’t be a rush job.

However, new or changed laws do not automatically change the tolerance in people’s minds. What are you going to do there?

We have come a long way in terms of visibility and acceptance, for example in the media and politics. But we have some catching up to do when it comes to everyday anti-discrimination work, for example in schools and day-care centres, in health facilities, at work or in sports clubs. It is important to me that we as a society see it as a task that no one has to hide or be afraid. Many are uncommitted at work or in sports clubs. That’s why I will launch an action plan in the federal government for diversity and against homophobia and transphobia, which includes all areas: from the police to education, the judiciary and health.

How can I imagine this cooperation with institutions such as sports clubs?

I was very pleased that immediately after my appointment, for example, the DFB contacted me and said that they were also interested in promoting the acceptance of LGBTI (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people, note d. editorial staff) in sport and are already in the process of introducing or implementing measures. I will also hold talks with other major sports associations.

But I also want those who work locally to support queer people and the acceptance of diversity – for example youth centers or advice centers – to be well funded, as these offers are essential for many people to survive. Especially in the coming out phase. Many of these facilities also go to schools, sports clubs or care facilities and provide advice on site on how to deal sensitively and openly with gender and sexual diversity. The government can strengthen and better finance these offers.

You just mentioned schools. When I was at school, the word “gay” was used as a swear word. Do you have plans to educate children and young people about this?

Unfortunately, it’s still the case that “gay” is a much-used swear word in German schoolyards. There are certain patterns of anti-homophobia in society that are perpetuated over decades and generations. But there are also positive developments. Many more young people courageously come out at school than in the past. There are many teachers and day-care center educators who make the diversity of society a natural part of teaching or day-to-day life in the day-care center. For example, that family can be more than mother, father, child. They use modern teaching material, such as picture books that also show rainbow families or school books where a girl falls in love with a girl. Unfortunately, that still happens too little. There is often too little space to talk about how different we are and to address this difference as a benefit for all of us.

I believe that today’s young people should grow up as a matter of course, that they can decide for themselves who they fall in love with and that that’s perfectly okay and normal.

In the Catholic Church, many queer people also experience discrimination. Now 125 employees of the Catholic Church have come out as queer under #OutInChurch. Will you also approach the church and address the issue of discrimination?

I find this step very courageous! In the Catholic Church, such a step means a professional risk. Coming out can even result in dismissal. At the same time, we see that there has been a lot of movement in the Catholic Church in recent years. Many people involved in lay organizations, but also a number of bishops, priests and religious are no longer as reserved as they used to be towards sexual and gender diversity. Unequal treatment in labor law is no longer up-to-date here. It is good that the coalition has agreed to enter into a dialogue with the churches on precisely this point.

How would you respond to someone who tells you, for example, that homosexuality or transsexuality is against nature?

I can reply that this person is obviously not informed. The World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of diseases many years ago, as did transgender status. We are talking scientifically very well-founded about a completely natural variant of sexuality or sexual development. Those are the facts. I think sometimes there is ignorance or fear. That can be explained. However, as soon as it turns into open rejection, hatred or attacks, the rule of law is called upon to punish this with all determination. But society as a whole is also asked to take a stand. Because if a person is bullied or attacked on the street just because they love, then democracy and free society are also at risk.


Queer officer Sven Lehmann: Queer people in church, in sports and in law: "Germany lags behind when it comes to anti-discrimination"

Now there are countries in the world where queer people are persecuted, threatened with imprisonment or even the death penalty. Will you also get involved in ensuring that the federal government addresses this during state visits?

Necessarily! Part of diplomatic and foreign policy relations is addressing human rights violations in these countries. I am very happy that the new Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, is adopting a new tone. This is so important because the people who live in these countries want to be seen, respected and recognized. This is very important. It already starts in the EU, in Poland or Hungary, for example. There is a massive exclusion of queer people.

You yourself are homosexual and have been committed to queer people for many years. In your opinion, what has changed in Germany over the years?

Queer people are much more visible today. In pop culture, gender and sexual diversity is portrayed quite naturally in series such as “Princess Charming” or “Sex Education”. I would have really wished for that when I was younger. We’ve come a long way, but not far enough.

What do you think: What will you have achieved by the end of your term?

First of all, I am pleased that the new federal government and the traffic light parties have made a lot of good agreements in the coalition agreement. For example, overcoming the discriminatory transsexual law, a modern family law or the action plan against homophobia and transphobia and for diversity. These are the points that I really want to achieve. So change laws and initiate measures that have a lasting effect. And it’s important to me that I’m a contact person for the associations, the community and the many people who wish there was someone in the government who saw their worries, needs and concerns. If in a few years it has become a matter of course that a government also has an open ear for queer concerns, then that would be a great deal that I can hopefully achieve during this term of office.

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