Diversity is also a topic on Unter Uns
Attention! If you haven't seen the episode in question yet and don't want to be spoiled, don't read on at this point!
The openly gay Jo Weil plays the role of Dominik in Unter Uns. Now he is outed as a transsexual in the context of a PK. For those affected, "Fremdoutings" are among the most negative experiences of their lives.
It is therefore all the more important to raise awareness here and to convey to people that it is important for everyone to take this significant step themselves.
"I was born in the body of a woman."
Fans of the series have known for several episodes that Dominik is trans. Eva, however, for whom his heart beats, does not yet. Instead, she worries that Dominik is secretly married to a certain Valerie, who could be living in New York. She hires a private detective to find out, but decides not to look at his results and to trust her boyfriend instead.
In two episodes, however, Dominik confronts his feelings. He explains to Eva that he was Valeria himself... and that was before he became a man. At some point, he says, it felt wrong to be a woman. He was a man inside and felt that more and more clearly.
Later, however, he feels that Eva can't live with the new knowledge. "Then we let the whole thing stay," he says.
A forced outing during a press conference
A press conference is supposed to be about a construction project. At some point, however, a reporter speaks up and asks Dominik whether it is true that he was born in a woman's body and is therefore a trans man.
As a result of the forced outing, the company where Dominik works decides to focus more on diversity and use the whole thing for its own benefit. Dominik believes that it is Eva's fault that it could have come to this in the first place. He accuses her of betraying him. Things definitely remain exciting in Schillerallee.
Further diversity program points planned
The storyline about Dominic and Eva is not the only one in which RTL will be focusing on diversity in the coming days. The station has launched the initiative "Diversity Connects" to accompany "Pride Month.
Therefore, corresponding topics will play an important role not only on Unter Uns, but also on GZSZ. Furthermore, a special of the "Perfekten Promi Dinners" will be broadcast, which will also focus on queerness.
But even outside of Pride month, the station relies on a healthy dose of diversity in its programming. The ratings prove the concept right. Relevant dating shows, such as Prince Charming and Princess Charming, are enjoying widespread success among a wide range of age groups.
News about diversity on TV in the social networks
If you're in the mood for a discussion, all you have to do is take a look at the comments columns when a station posts content about diversity. Opinions sometimes differ widely on whether a special "Diversity Week" is needed, for example, or on diversity topics in general.
While some are pleased that topics such as outings and the like are being addressed, others feel harassed by the corresponding focal points. One thing is certain, however: If equality and tolerance are to actually be achieved one day, the first step needs one thing above all: visibility.