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Queer youth in Bavaria feels discriminated against

A new study has set alarm bells ringing in Bavaria: Nine out of ten queer young people said they had already experienced discrimination. Schools often do not offer a safe space either.

A man holds a rainbow flag in his hand. Photo.aussiedlerbote.de
A man holds a rainbow flag in his hand. Photo.aussiedlerbote.de

Society - Queer youth in Bavaria feels discriminated against

According to a study, almost 94 percent of queer young people in Bavaria have already been victims of discrimination. "Some of the results are alarming," said Dominic Frohn, professor at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, who designed and conducted the study, on Wednesday. The key finding was that queer young people had a significantly lower level of well-being and resilience than their peers in the general population.

The "How are you" research project by Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and the Institute for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Research was commissioned by the Bavarian Youth Council (BJR) and surveyed around 2,000 people aged 14 to 27 in Bavaria. The aim was to research the living conditions of LGBTIQA* adolescents and young adults in Bavaria.

The abbreviation LGBTIQA* stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and asexual. The asterisk is intended to include other people in the community.

Many respondents had experienced discrimination at school in particular. Kora Hackl from the youth network Lambda Bayern is therefore concerned about the discussion surrounding a planned ban on gendering. Minister President Markus Söder (CSU) announced a corresponding initiative in his government statement on Tuesday. "Dismantling or banning gender-sensitive language in such an area only shows how little thought is being given to inclusion by the government here in Bavaria," said Hackl.

BJR President Philipp Seitz took a similar view: "Gender-sensitive language expresses social diversity and contributes to greater inclusion. There were also reactions from politicians. Florian Siekmann, spokesperson for queer life for the Green Party in the state parliament, called for an action plan from the state government. "Bavaria needs a queer action plan as early as next year, instead of a soft-washed agenda at some point."

The study also revealed differences between urban and rural areas. While almost half of those surveyed stated that they had three to five caregivers, young people in rural areas said they had fewer people they could turn to for support. "As people get older, they become more active in shaping their environment and can also actively choose their caregivers," emphasized Frohn.

Instagram channel BJR Facebook page BJR study "How are you" Website BJR

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Source: www.stern.de

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