Gender diversity at Leuphana

Leuphana University of Lüneburg is committed to the overall societal goal of creating good learning, working and research conditions in terms of a gender- and diversity-responsive and appreciative university culture. The goal of emphasising equality and inclusion, also with regard to gender diversity, is important to the university. At Leuphana, all persons should be able to affirm their identity without having to fear negative reactions or discrimination.

Statement and positioning "Liberality, Equal Treatment, Respect for Gender Diversity at the University" by the Presidential Board of Leuphana University Lüneburg.

Joint statement by the AStA, Equal Opportunities Office, Presidential Board and QuARG on "Happy Pride Month 2021".

In 2017, the first all-gender toilets were established at Leuphana. Leuphana University of Lüneburg would like to continue offering different target groups a variety of toilet options for different needs in the future. In order to meet these existing needs, the existing gender-separated toilets will be supplemented by two further usage concepts in autumn 2021. In a pilot phase, "all-gender WC" and "WC for all" will be tested and will then be implemented in all buildings on campus. The goal is to provide one "all-gender-toilet" or one "WC for all" per building in the medium term.

The Equal Opportunities Office recommends the use of gender-inclusive language in the so-called asterisk form or the use of neutral formulations and forms of address.

The working aid for gender-inclusive writing and speaking at the university as well as the website "gender-inclusive language" offer helpful tips for everyday implementation. The university is already implementing this consistently in various areas.

Every year, Leuphana University Lüneburg takes part in the nationwide Diversity Day and thus sets an example for a welcoming, diverse and respectful community and against discrimination and intolerance. Gender diversity is a cross-cutting issue and is and has been repeatedly addressed as part of the Diversity Days. The motto of Diversity Day 2021 was "Leuphana is colourful: making gender diversity visible!" The programme included talks on trans*living realities and trans*hostility, on intersexuality and personal status law, and ended with an LGBTQI* talk for employees that presented networking opportunities. A glossary on gender diversity was also produced on the occasion of this year's Diversity Day.

At Leuphana, you have two options for changing your gender entry and/or first name.

An early change of first name 

Since June 2022, it has been possible to change your first name early at Leuphana. This recognises the supplementary certificate issued by the German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality (dgti e.V.). The aim is to improve the study and work situation of trans*, inter* and non-binary students and employees at Leuphana by changing their first name.

If you would like your personal data to be recorded and managed in accordance with the dgti supplementary ID card prior to official registration, you can submit an informal application to Student Services. You can contact Student Services directly. Please send an email to studierendenservice@leuphana.de. Please enclose a copy of your identity card and your dgti card (front and back of each) with your email.

With the change of first name in the student administration system, only the newly chosen first name, which results from the supplementary ID card, will be listed on all university documents in future. This does not apply to the issuing of degree documents (e.g. degree certificate, transcript of records). Graduation documents will therefore continue to be issued with and in the officially registered first name.

An official change to the gender entry and first names under the Self-Determination Act

The Self-Determination Act (SBGG) has been in force since 1 November 2024. There is a three-month registration period before submitting the declaration to the registry office. A declaration with self-insurance in accordance with Section 2 SBGG makes it possible to have the gender entry and first name(s) officially changed in the civil status register in the interests of gender self-determination. However, it is not possible to change the gender entry and first name(s) independently of each other. Anyone who changes their gender entry in accordance with the SBGG can make a new change after one year at the earliest.
As soon as an official change of gender entry and first name has been made by the registry office, students can submit an informal application to Student Services. Please send an email to studierendenservice@leuphana.de. As proof of the official change, submit a copy of your identity card (front and back) or corresponding documents proving the change.

Advice and further information
General information on the Self-Determination Act of interest groups: sbgg.info/allgemeine-infos/
If you need advice, you can contact the Equal Opportunities Office (Valentina Seidel or Dr Kathrin van Riesen).

The university-wide Gender and Diversity Research Network was established at Leuphana in 2016. It is an inter- and transdisciplinary academic and political network of scholars pursuing the following goals:

• Make gender and diversity related research and teaching visible at Leuphana
• Support dialogue and cooperation among academic disciplines at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
• Step up research and teaching on gender and diversity
• Improve the gender and diversity sensitive training of students and early career researchers through the pooling of expertise in these areas
• Network, coordinate and implement inter- and trans-disciplinary research within and beyond Leuphana University of Lüneburg
• Support and develop networking within and beyond the university
• Host guest lectures; conceptualise and implement events, conferences, and colloquia for junior academics
• Introduce issues of gender and diversity to different publics

The Gender Diversity Certificate is a voluntary, study-integrated offer in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programme.

The certificate shows the acquisition of gender diversity competences, which enable the reflection and critical analysis of gender relations and norms, access opportunities, social inequality and social diversity.

The website "Support in case of discrimination" provides information about contact persons in the university and regional context, including the Equal Opportunities Office and the anti-discrimination counselling of diversu e.V..

The information portal "Against sexual harassment" offers support for those affected by sexualised discrimination and violence and valuable tips for all those who want to inform themselves about the topic and contribute to an appreciative university culture.

The Checkpoint Queer offers exchange opportunities for individuals and groups from the Lüneburg region on the focus topics LSBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer) and sexual health.

Student initiatives also reflect a great interest in gender diversity and anti-discrimination issues.

The AStA department QuARG (Queer, Awareness, Equal Rights and Gender Matters) deals with topics such as gender, sexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality and asexuality, as well as intersexuality/intersexuality and trans* identity, as well as feminism, sexism and queerness and raises awareness of these in the context of political education work. In the summer semester, the initiative organises the annual Queer Lecture Series, which gives space to an academic-activist perspective on these topics.

Since 2014, there have been the student-planned and implemented project weeks "gesellschaft*macht*geschlecht". The action days are part of the nationwide campaign of the FZS (Freier Zusammenschluss von Student*innenschaften) and provide a framework for a feminist examination of higher education and society.