News from the community

Colombia also finally recognizes non-binary people This is not only good news for the community in Colombia, but undoubtedly also a success in international terms: the highest court of Colombia has ruled that non-binary people and their gender must be officially recognized in the future. This means that there will now be a third gender on the identity documents of Colombians. Accordingly, those who live there and feel that they are non-binary will no longer have to choose between "man" or "woman," but will instead be able to admit to themselves "on paper." This is a significant step forward that can definitely be considered a success. Being "non-binary" is accordingly equated with being "male" or "female". How did the "rethinking" come about? Such laws are of course not created "from now on". And also around the equality of non-binary...

Will the CSD in Berlin be celebrated in a big way again? Among other things, CSDs around the world have also suffered from the Corona pandemic in recent years. Many events took place online. Many activists also got on their bicycles to carry the demand for more equality into the world. According to the statements of the organizers of the Berlin CSD 2022, however, the whole thing could already look different again this year. If you keep in mind that in a few weeks there may be almost no more Corona rules, you can look in this context quite positive mood in the future. Of course, no one has a crystal ball and, as experience has shown, it is always possible that a new virus variant will throw a spanner in the works. But: If everything (or many things) will be like before, the Berlin CSD e. V. is of the opinion that the CSD 2022 can become as big as the CSD 2019...

Many organizations help queers from Ukraine - also in Germany Among the numerous refugees from Ukraine are also many queers. They are also in need of help. In the meantime, special services have been set up at central locations, for example at the main train station in Berlin, so that queer refugees can be cared for and advised. Among other things, language barriers must of course be overcome here. However, the number of people who have volunteered to assist is overwhelming. Among other things, sleeping places and other assistance are arranged in this way. What organizations are over-supporting incoming queers from Ukraine? To begin with, the list of organizations that now specialize in supporting Ukrainian queer refugees is long. Accordingly, only a brief excerpt can be given here. However, it shows how versatile the offers of help already are and how much...

Queer service in Munich will be led by Cardinal Marx Those who are a little familiar with Cardinal Marx's history may know that the clergyman was not always necessarily friendly towards queers. On the contrary. Just a few years ago, he was still calling gays, lesbians and others who belong to the community "failed." Now he seems to have changed his mind - at least a little. Because: under his leadership, a queer church service will take place in Munich on March 13, 2022. Actually a nice proof that it is obviously possible after all to turn away from one's own homophobic statements and become tolerant instead. Info around the event in Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx serves as archbishop in Munich and in Freising. He is still known to many members of the community for his homophobic statements, among other things. Since then, several years...

Swiss fundraiser for queers is very well received The Swiss LGBTQ Emergency Fund for Ukraine aims to raise money for Ukrainian queer refugees. The campaign is only a few days old, but is already well received. In the meantime, more than 50,000 Swiss francs have been collected. Among others, the lesbian organization Switzerland and Pink Cross have called for donations. However, the action is supported and further promoted by a wide variety of people from a wide variety of backgrounds ... also in the social networks. In addition, many Swiss people have already come forward to help improve the situation for those affected. What happens with the donations? The donations collected through the LGBTQ Emergency Fund for Ukraine should go to queer Ukrainians. Among other things, this should also support the organizations on the ground. And even if - according to the organizers - now already the 50,000 francs...

What will be different after the wedding? Many queer couples have been waiting, hoping and finally fulfilling a big dream: they are getting married. But: What actually changes with the famous "Yes, I do!"? Of course, in any case, it is to be hoped that love will remain the same and that one's relationship will become further proof that it is possible to be happy for the rest of one's life. But: As bureaucratic as it may sound, it is also important to deal with other "framework conditions". Note: The following list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some important priorities. Change No. 1: The tax aspect An absolute classic! The income tax can now be assessed together. In this way, it is often possible to save money. Because: For example, it is possible to use the basic tax allowances completely in each case. As a result, the tax rates decrease. The gan...

It's done! Germany has an official representative at the ESC 2022, and his name is Malik Harris. The 24-year-old enters the race with his song Rockstars. In general, this year's ESC preliminary decision also had the motto "A little bit of peace" in a way. The audience in the studio wore masks in the colors of Ukraine. In addition, flags were waved showing the German flag on one side and the Ukrainian flag on the other. Particularly moving was the moment when Conchita Wurst, Gitte Haenning and Jane Comerfort sang Nicole's "Ein bißchen Frieden" and Jamala, the 2016 ESC winner from Ukraine, sang her song "1944". Who is Malik Harris? Malik Harris entered the race with the starting number "1". Some might have thought of a "bad omen" here. After all, the first ones tend to be remembered less? In this case, however, that did not prove to be the case. Malik managed to win both the jur...

According to the annual report "Where We Are on TV," a lot has now happened in terms of queerness on American TV. There are now significantly more queer series characters than was the case just a few years ago. Their visibility in the media has increased accordingly. The community is happy about it. And yet it would (unfortunately) still be too early to speak of equality. But: Every step in the right direction counts. The annual report in detail: What information emerges from Where We Are on TV? According to said annual report, which was recently released, nearly 12 percent of series that are scripted and run in prime time on American TV are said to be queer. According to GLAAD, there has never been as much queer content in the past as there is today. Those tasked with compiling the report counted a total of more than 770 figures who are part of the community. Most of them (40 percent...

In Florida, the Don't Say Gay law has passed Everyday life for the LGBTQI+ scene in the "Sunshine State" of Florida has become a bit more homophobic with the latest law. Strictly speaking, the relevant resolutions will in all likelihood ensure that the visibility of people who feel they belong to the community will continue to dwindle. By the way, behind the Don't Say Gay law is Joe Harding of the Republicans. What is behind the Don't Say Gay law? The Don't Say Gay law is actually quickly explained. At its base, the idea is to stop talking about sexual orientations and gender identities in the classroom. Children are thus denied access to information about homosexuality, transsexuality and other topics - at least in school. The new law is expected to play a role primarily in the state's elementary schools from now on. It was adopted with 69 votes. A total of 47 votes against were recorded....