For over 40 years, the Pride Flag – originally designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 – has stood worldwide as a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community and its commitment to equality, visibility and the fight against discrimination. “I am delighted to see such a large turnout,” said Dr Johanna Hartmann, the university’s equality officer, as she welcomed those gathered. Together, the university community raised the flag before hoisting it in a ceremonial manner.

"Pride Month is more than just a celebration – it represents a historical responsibility"

"Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and be proud of one’s own identity," emphasised Lily Mühlig-Versen, a student and member of the university’s queer group. "But it is more than just a month of festivities – it has historical significance." In her speech, she recalled the Stonewall riots on 28 June 1969 in New York: following repeated police raids on the Stonewall Inn – a meeting place for gay and trans people – the identity of the patrons was once again to be checked. Such checks had previously led to arrests and charges of "indecent behaviour". This time, however, those present put up a fight. Clashes with the police continued for five days until the protests spread throughout Greenwich Village. Today, more than five decades later, people worldwide use June to draw attention to the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. 

In Germany: slow progress, ongoing challenges

In Germany, too, the road to greater equality has been a long one: "It was not until 1994 that homosexuality was fully decriminalised in this country," explained Mühlig-Versen. "And even when ‘marriage for all’ was introduced in 2017, Germany was one of the laggards by European standards." The Self-Determination Act has been in place for just under two years, making it easier for trans, intersex and non-binary people to change their gender entry and first name. "It is still not a simple process, as a change involves a great deal of red tape," said Mühlig-Versen. "But progress is being made – and that is an important step in the right direction."

For it is only through the commitment of all sections of society that everyone can feel accepted and live as equals. In light of the current rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans violence, the student emphasised that raising the flag was “a powerful and important gesture” on the part of the university. “Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a place of research and learning. Genuine progress can only be achieved where all people are welcome and come together in their diversity.”

Flag to fly until the end of June – permanent installation on Bussestraße

The Pride flag will fly in front of the campus building on Columbusstraße until 30 June. It will be raised again on 11 July, for Bremerhaven’s Christopher Street Day. The flag is already permanently installed in front of the campus building on Bussestraße.

This translation was produced using DeepL. Personal data was removed from the source text prior to translation and subsequently inserted into the translated text manually.