CSD in Darmstadt: GSI/FAIR raise the rainbow flag to promote diversity
14.08.2025 |
On the occasion of Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Darmstadt, the rainbow flag was raised on the GSI and FAIR campus to promote diversity, acceptance, and visibility. The management opened with a welcome address expressing solidarity with queer people and emphasizing the importance of an open, non-discriminatory work culture. Prior to this, during Pride Month in June, all employees were invited to attend a lecture entitled “Queer in the Workplace: LGBTIQA+ and Intersectionality in the Company.”
At the flag raising ceremony, on August 11, 2025, the management emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and an appreciative and respectful communication culture for the research organization. “Diversity is not only a reality that we see every day – it is also a driver of creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence,” said Administrative Director Dr. Katharina Stummeyer.
Also present at the event were the “Queer Ions” established at the end of last year: “Our mission is to increase awareness for queer topics and to advocate for the interests of queer people at GSI/FAIR. We also provide a point of contact for queer people looking for support or the opportunity to network and socialize.”
The employee network actively contributes to ensuring that queer employees at GSI/FAIR not only feel safe, but also welcome and seen. “Unfortunately, many people, not just queer people, are currently facing increasing hostility and even violence in all areas of life, fueled by prejudice. That's why visibility, education, and exchange are so important,” says Dr. Sonja Bernitt, founding member of the “Queer Ions”.
This year, the Queer Ions will participate in the Christopher Street Day parade and demonstration in Darmstadt on August 16, 2025. All GSI and FAIR employees, whether queer or not (or not sure yet), are cordially invited to join the Queer Ions in the parade Making diversity visible is not just a symbol of our values to the external world, but also a promise to our internal community. The meeting point is at 10 a.m. at the steps of the Hessian State Museum. A Signal group has also been set up for coordination purposes.
GSI/FAIR signed the Diversity Charter back in 2021, thereby committing itself to providing a working environment that is free of prejudice, regardless of gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. GSI/FAIR employs people from 67 nations and sees this cultural, social, and personal diversity as a key resource. Making diversity visible is not just a symbol of our values to the external world, but also a promise to our internal community. (LW)
