LGBTIQA* stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, inter, queer, asexual and others. Through television, the internet and portrayals in newspapers, most young people already have many images and stereotypes about heterosexuals, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans* people and sometimes also queer and asexual people in their heads and/or already know schoolmates who are affected or are even affected themselves - and have many questions.
According to the very comprehensive European Dalia study in 2016, 5.9 percent of Europeans describe themselves as LGBTIQA*, and as many as 10 percent say they are not exclusively heterosexual. Unfortunately, in many countries around the world, people are still victims of persecution, discrimination, bullying and gross mistreatment for this reason, among others. Article 21 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination is also incompatible with Art. 3 of the Basic Law. LGBTIQA* minors are particularly in need of protection.
On this basis, we as the Counselling and Support Team (BUT) are offering workshops on the topic of LGBTIQA for Year S5 since years. We are supported here by AUFKLÄRUNGSPROJEKT München e.V., which does anti-discrimination work in the area of sexual diversity (sexual orientations and gender identities). The professionals are pedagogically trained, report (also) autobiographically and follow nationwide quality standards. The project is requested annually by numerous schools throughout Munich and beyond (especially by grammar schools). The AUFKLÄRUNGSPROJEKT München is funded by the City of Munich, Social Department, City Youth Welfare Office.
LGBTIQA* will not be presented as "trendy", but facts will be explained, knowledge will be imparted and autobiographical insights will be given. Heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and asexual identities will be presented equally. The aim is to reduce stigmatization and build inclusion. The students are encouraged to think about a tolerant school climate towards fellow students (and other people) who do not feel they belong to the heterosexual majority (this self-knowledge is between the ages of 12 and 17).
In this workshop, they talk with the young people about life plans and family models, about coming out and discrimination. The experts do not provide classic sex education here, but anti-discrimination work: "If sexuality is made a topic, then it is by the young people themselves. Each method is adapted to the composition of the class and the age of the young people." Everyone has a right to education, which can only take place in an environment free of discrimination. With the help of the workshops, the ESM would also like to send a clear signal: We stand for respectful and non-violent cooperation, for an appreciative and open school community in which different opinions are accepted and discrimination is not tolerated.
Please do not hesitate to contact Sylvia Reicheneder-Schwarz (School Psychologist ESM) if you have any questions (sylvia.reicheneder-schwarz@eursc.eu).
Workshops 2023 on LGBTIQA+
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