Three questions with Frank Bartels on tolerance and diversity

REWE Group has been closely associated with Cologne’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) and KLUST (Cologne Lesbian and Gay Association) as its organizer for many years. We from the company’s own LGBTIQ network di.to, which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, are taking part in the demonstration in Cologne with our own truck and many committed employees and friends. We will also be taking part in Leipzig, Frankfurt and Hamburg. We and all those taking part want to send a clear signal for acceptance and diversity in the face of rising homophobia.

Like every year during Pride month, we can celebrate successes and denounce setbacks. When I look beyond Germany and around the world, I have the feeling that we have taken one step forward and at least two steps back. One of the successes in Germany, for example, is the law on self-determination with regard to gender registration (SBGG), which was passed by the German Bundestag just a few weeks ago. Among other things, it is intended to make it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary people to change their gender entry and first names. According to a recent study, the situation for queer people in Germany has improved significantly. Germany is now in 10th place in a European comparison (previous year: 15th place).

I would no longer speak of homophobia, but rather of queerophobia: rejecting a person because of their sexuality is one thing, but using violence is a whole new dimension. (Extreme) right-wing political movements and parties have made the LGBTIQ community a target through targeted smear campaigns and are therefore also responsible for the sharp increase in attacks.

The question arises as to what kind of conditions we want in Germany in the future. The mass protests at the beginning of the year showed that many of us are prepared to fight for our democratic values and take to the streets. That was a strong signal from a large part of our population. And I think this signal should continue at this year’s CSDs.

That’s why we at REWE Group are not only taking to the streets at the CSD exclusively for the LGBTIQ community, but especially to ensure that democracy and diversity are preserved in this country. That’s why we deliberately chose the motto “Live diversity. Defend democracy”. and we would be delighted if numerous REWE Group colleagues, friends and families joined our truck.