Aspect Gender diversity & sexual orientation
The General Equal Treatment Act protects against discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. The university should also be a place where everyone can move, work or study freely and safely, regardless of gender or sexual identity.
The promotion of women is based on a legal mandate (German Higher Education Act) and is covered by equal opportunities work as a separate area of work. This aspect therefore primarily relates to gender and sexual identities beyond binary gender and heterosexuality.
Gender diversity & sexual orientation
The General Equal Treatment Act protects against discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. The university should also be a place where everyone can move, work or study freely and safely, regardless of gender or sexual identity. The promotion of women is based on a legal mandate (German Higher Education Act) and is covered by equal opportunities work as a separate area of work. This aspect therefore primarily relates to gender and sexual identities beyond binary gender and heterosexuality.
Gender diversity and sexual orientation at the university
Gender diversity and sexual orientation is often seen as a non-visible or private diversity characteristic. Yet its relevance is particularly high in the workplace and place of study. The risk of gender-based violence is highest for women and non-binary people, and people from the LGBTQIA+ spectrum are at the greatest risk of experiencing gender-based violence in the university context.
Experiencing or observing discriminatory actions and statements, concerns about being forced out and a lack of acceptance can have a massive impact on well-being at work and at university and therefore also have an effect on mental health, academic success and career development. The dismantling of structural barriers and power relations that favour discrimination and raising awareness of the issue in research, teaching and administration are therefore essential cornerstones on the path to a university society that offers equal opportunities.
Queer counselling
LGBTQIA work: regional networks
Working towards a non-discriminatory society does not only concern the university and its structures. This means, for one, that there are other people and groups from which we can learn for this kind of work. But it also means that there are groups inside and outside the university with whom we can work together to solve challenges - because together we are stronger. In addition to the relevant commissions and offices of the cities of Heidelberg and Mannheim, UNIFY is organised in a network with various actors from civil society and the university. Here is a list of the most important contact and advice centres as well as our cooperation partners.