Diversity Day 2021

“We're sorry you felt discriminated against.” People who regularly experience discrimination are very familiar with this phrase. It demonstrates a lack of understanding of the actual circumstances in a society where discrimination occurs. After all, the exclusion of marginalized groups from social access, political self-determination, and resources is not a feeling, but a material reality. This reality, which is everyday life for many people, will be examined in more detail in the lecture by speaker Mine Wenzel using the example of transphobia. With plenty of room for questions and discussion, the lecture will focus on understanding the realities of trans life beyond the media-conveyed clichés of “living in the wrong body.” Beyond grandiose euphemisms such as “diversity” and assertions such as “all people are equal,” the lecture takes a look at the systemic processes that ensure that people have no chance of being equal.

Mine Wenzel [they] (trans*nonbinary, endo, white, lesbian, non-disabled, Goji) works at a queer center in Hanover. They are a DJ, musician, and trans*activist anarchist. They produce the trans*ginger Teapot Cast, give lectures and workshops on power criticism and anti-discrimination issues, and engage in grassroots activism via various social media and analog networks to subvert the cis system.

There are people living in Germany whose physical sex characteristics do not fit the medical norms of male and female. These people were born with an intersex body. But how exactly does intersexuality manifest itself? Are all intersex people aware of their uniqueness from birth? What does this have to do with the civil status entry “diverse”? These questions will be answered in Charlotte Wunn's lecture. After a general introduction to the topic, the areas of “civil status law” and “medical care” in Germany will be examined from the perspective of intersex people. Following the lecture, there will be plenty of time for questions on the topic, which are also welcome to go beyond the content of the lecture.

Charlotte Wunn works at the nationwide counseling and information center on the topic of intersexuality. Her workplace is part of the “Selbst.verständlich.Vielfalt” (Self.Evident.Diversity) competence network and is funded by the BMFSFJ's “Demokratie leben!” (Live Democracy!) federal program. She is also currently the first chairperson of Intergeschlechtliche Menschen e.V. (Intersex People Association) and is committed, both professionally and privately, to improving the living conditions of intersex people in Germany.

Professional networks facilitate exchange, knowledge growth, and support. LGBTQI* networks are becoming increasingly common in the corporate sector. However, such networks are still rare at universities. This online event offers the opportunity to learn more about LGBTQI* networks, their significance, and their impact through three presentations. Based on reports about LGBTQI* networks and their establishment at other universities and organizations, the event aims to provide a space for questions and exchange.
 

Valentina Seidel
Diversity Advisor, Equal Opportunities Office
valentina.seidel@leuphana.de