In Mainz, a memorial plaque for LGBTQs was damaged
Just a few days ago, a memorial plaque was dedicated in Mainz to people who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation. Now a homophobic act shows once again that it could still be a very long way to more tolerance and togetherness. Because: said stele was smeared with red paint.
Who is behind the crime is currently still unclear.
People from politics speak out
Many people, including politicians, were shocked by the act. It was an attack on LGBTQ people and their rights. A general look at the reactions shows that this kind of vandalism is definitely not classified as "petty". On the contrary!
In connection with the destruction of the stele, charges are to be filed with the police in Mainz. The reactions in the social networks were also partly very emotional.
Damage to the stele could become a topic at the CSD
Next Sunday the "Sommerschwüle", the Mainz CSD, will take place. Since it is precisely here to be visible and to fight for the rights of the community, the probability is high that the said stele - in the context of the general fight against homophobia - will come up.
Also this year, those responsible have set up several main demands that will be pointed out during the event. These include, among other things, adjustments to the law, collective compensation for people who were victims of §175 StGB/ §151 StGB and an independent recording of queer-hostile crimes.
The CSD 2021 in Mainz also runs this year under the name "CSD light" and is planned as a bicycle demonstration.
What exactly is the Mainz Stele supposed to point out?
The erection of the stele was by no means a spontaneous action, but rather a project that had been in the works for about two years. It addresses the memory of all those who were persecuted during the National Socialist era because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
At the same time, however, a bridge is drawn to the present by emphasizing that homophobia and the persecution of queer people long ago not only happened "back then", but (frighteningly) is still an issue today - not only in Germany, but worldwide. The inscription goes on to say that commitment is needed to improve the situation of the LGBTQ community and to uphold human rights. The goal is to be able to live "freely and self-determined".
Precisely this aspect seems to have been a thorn in the side of the homophobic perpetrators. Whether the red color was possibly even an additional kind of "declaration of war" and a threat of violence will possibly never be clarified.
It also remains questionable how to proceed further and whether a new stele will be erected at this location.
Vandalism and homophobia
It is no longer uncommon for memorial plaques and other projects intended to commemorate the fate of persecuted queers during National Socialism to be damaged. The chance to catch the perpetrators is - depending on the crime scene - often low. Especially if the area in question was not secured by surveillance cameras, witnesses are rarely found. Because: most actions of this kind take place at night and accordingly under the cover of darkness.
However, to completely stop the culture of remembrance in connection with this important topic would certainly not be the right alternative either. Instead, the same applies here as in other areas: fight consistently and determinedly for equal treatment and tolerance. The Mainz community is considered colorful, open and continuously growing. Therefore, among other things, the messages that will be spread during the "Summer Sultriness 2021" should resonate with many people and possibly sensitize them even more with regard to the topic.
Did you know that Hamilton and Vettel are fighting for the lgbtq scene?