The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office in the town hall of the state capital Wiesbaden deals with issues relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer people (LGBT*IQ).
LGBT*IQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer. Various surveys show that around five to ten percent of the population identify as belonging to one of these social groups. A comparative study in various European countries shows that in Germany, around 7.4 percent of respondents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans*.
Positive social development
In recent years in particular, LGBT*IQ lifestyles have become more visible in many areas of life. Celebrities have made their sexual orientation or gender identity public by coming out, and homosexuality and transsexuality are no longer taboo fringe phenomena in films, series and other media. The progressive liberalization of society offers self-advocacy organizations the opportunity to campaign for acceptance and against discrimination, especially in the larger cities.
Despite positive developments, particularly in the areas of equality for same-sex partnerships or the legal recognition of transsexual and intersex people, much remains to be done. There are still negative attitudes among the population towards members of sexual and gender minorities. This not only affects young people, who suffer hostility at school, but also adults at work, in their leisure time or within the family.
While there has been general progress in society, discrimination and violence against LGBT*IQ people still occurs regularly. Acceptance and appreciation of sexual and gender diversity does not only mean an improved situation for those affected. An open society without discrimination and violence is an enrichment for everyone.
Tasks of the LGBT*IQ Coordination Office
LGBT*IQ community in Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden is a diverse city. Around 20,000 lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans*, intersex and queer people live here. The promotion of mutual acceptance and respect is a concern of the state capital of Wiesbaden.
The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office provides information and specialist expertise in the field of sexual and gender diversity. It networks and supports the various organizations and initiatives that are committed to LGBT*IQ.
Promote acceptance
Sexual minorities seem to have arrived in the middle of society. Nevertheless, 40 percent of Germans find it "disgusting when homosexuals kiss in public". LGBT*IQ teenagers and young adults in particular experience discrimination and violence in everyday life. The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office supports measures to protect sexual minorities of all ages from attacks and exclusion.
Supporting the community
In Wiesbaden, several organizations and initiatives are committed to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer people. The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office is the first point of contact in the city administration for community concerns.
The round table in the town hall offers civil society actors the opportunity to exchange ideas with politicians and the administration.
The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office also supports the implementation of relevant projects and events.
Specialist policy and information
What is the life situation of older gays in Wiesbaden? What questions do young people have when coming out? What do families whose child has a variant gender development need?
The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office provides information and supports the development of concepts for a professionally sound LGBT*IQ practice in the state capital of Wiesbaden.
Consulting
LGBT*IQ people as well as their relatives, acquaintances, colleagues or superiors need advice on issues relating to sexual and gender identity.
The LGBT*IQ Coordination Office advises the city administration's offices and municipal enterprises as well as employees of the state capital of Wiesbaden and citizens. If necessary, this also includes referral to suitable specialist agencies. Counseling sessions are always confidential.
LGBT*IQ employee network
For lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex and queer people (LGBT*IQ), it is not a matter of course to speak openly about their identity in the workplace. The LGBT*IQ employee network of the state capital of Wiesbaden offers the opportunity to share experiences, strengthen each other and work together for an appreciative working environment. At the same time, the network serves as a place for inspiration, joint activities and projects.
Current activities of the network:
Regular meetings outside working hours (approx. every 4-6 weeks), sometimes in office buildings, sometimes in public places
Dealing with topics of the network members
Planning and implementation of activities
Mutual support
Ensure visibility in the city administration, recruit additional members
Invitations to meetings are sent by the LGBT*IQ coordination office by email & at Wintra
Interested colleagues can register on the mailing list at lsbtiq@wiesbaden, where invitations to the next meetings will be sent out.
Wiesbaden in the Rainbow Cities Network
Wiesbaden is a rainbow city. In addition to the dedicated work of Wiesbaden's LGBT*IQ community and the often voluntary efforts of civil society, the state capital itself also actively pursues a diversity policy. An important element of this is partnership-based cooperation with other cities around the world.
The state capital of Wiesbaden has been represented in the Rainbow Cities Network since 2021. The network is an international association of cities that deal with LGBT*IQ policy. The exchange between the member cities promotes the effectiveness of municipal approaches against discrimination and for acceptance and diversity. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cologne and Turin founded the RCN in 2011, and over 50 cities from 20 countries are now part of the network.
