Together for acceptance and against discrimination

This year's Pride Day Germany is all about solidarity, diversity and commitment to an inclusive society. Also at ERGO.

A quick look back: On 28 June 1969, the famous Stonewall protests took place on Christopher Street in New York, which are considered a milestone in the history of the LGBT+ (L-esbian, G-ay, B-isexual, T-ransgender) movement. Since then, people gather to fight for acceptance, equality and diversity and stand up for their rights with numerous actions.

Pride Day Germany is part of these actions in the queer community. The day is a reminder to create a world in which everyone can live freely regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and of course this also applies in the world of work, at ERGO specifically represented by the Pride@ergo network. The Pride@ergo network was founded to represent the interests of LGBT+ employees of ERGO in Germany. It not only organises numerous projects, but also assumes an advisory function for the company on all LGBT+ related issues. Around 130 colleagues are involved in the network. There are 14 spokespersons throughout Germany who are responsible for looking after the interests of the employees.

Also on Pride Day Germany, the Pride@ergo network shows its face and sheds light on the fact that discrimination is unfortunately still part of everyday life in the queer community. The network does not tolerate this. ERGO is setting an example against discrimination and stands for tolerant and open cooperation in society and in the world of work.

It is up to all employees to break down prejudices and stereotypes and instead promote understanding and acceptance. By actively advocating for LGBT+ rights, by openly addressing discrimination and showing solidarity. In this way, everyone can contribute to ensuring that everyone can live freely and without worries.

Voices from the Pride@ergo network:

"I stand for diversity“

"As Chief People Officer and patron of the LGBT*-IQ network at ERGO, I stand for diversity", says Dr. Lena Lindemann, Labour Director. "On PRIDE DAY GERMANY, we emphasize the importance of advocating for LGBT*-IQ individuals. An inclusive corporate culture enables every individual to unleash their full potential and contributes to the success of the team and the entire organization."

"We must continue to stand up for our rights"

"What worries me a lot at the moment? That queer hostility is on the rise again. Shortly before the `60th` I know only too well that it is not a matter of course to openly stand by one's sexuality. The queer community has achieved so much in the last 10 years, our society has become more diverse, the rights of queer people have been strengthened, and marriage for all has been introduced in many countries," says Torsten Askerlund. "That is why we must continue to stand up for our rights."

"Queer people are also judged by their appearance"

"Queer people are also judged by their appearance. If you look `not feminine enough` as a trans woman, you get looked at funny. Then you are told: `Hey, you are a man! Why do you dress like that?`. If you look 'feminine enough' as a trans woman, you will be objectified. And it can happen that you will also be physically attacked. Therefore: You don't owe anyone a certain kind of femininity or a certain look! Whoever treats you like that is the problem - not you!" says Julia Dursch.

"There should be no such thing!"

"An acquaintance of mine had to flee Africa because gay men are discriminated against there and he had to fear for his life. There must be no such thing!", is Sascha Krausen's unequivocal opinion.

"We stand for diversity and openness"

Daniela Leonbacher says: "`One day in my shoes', sometimes I wish this was possible for others. Having to deal with stares when you walk through the city holding hands. Or having to listen to: 'Who is the man in the relationship?`. Only people who are affected by this everyday discrimination can know how it hurts. With this campaign for Pride Day Germany, we are showing that we at ERGO stand for diversity and openness and accept people with all their facets."

"Words can hurt"

"In the past, a bad circumstance was described with a crude `doof` or `shit`, now you hear more and more often how especially younger people use the word `gay` to express something negatively. As a gay man, of course, I notice that," says Oliver Pleiß. Such swear words are unfortunately part of a queer person's everyday life. I find it incredibly sad that 'gay' is used as a synonym for something bad. We would like to draw attention to such circumstances. Words can hurt, people should be more aware of that."