GSI/FAIR shows its colors — for diversity, respect, and solidarity
14.08.2026 |
To mark Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Darmstadt on 15 August 2026, the rainbow flag was once again raised on the GSI and FAIR campus this year as a symbol of diversity, acceptance, and visibility. The Management Board opened the event with a welcome address expressing solidarity with queer people and underscored the importance of an open and non-discriminatory work culture. For the first time, the employee network “Queer Ions” will officially represent the GSI/FAIR Research Center at the CSD parade in Darmstadt.
During the flag-raising ceremony, the management once again emphasized the central role of diversity, inclusion, and a respectful culture of communication for the research organization: “Diversity is an essential component of our scientific strength. Different perspectives foster innovation and contribute to our success as an international research institution. This requires a work environment in which all people are respected and valued.”
The employee network “Queer Ions” was present and continues to actively advocate for visibility and support of queer issues within the organization. The network’s goal is to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and provide a point of contact for queer employees and allies. Through their work, the Queer Ions help ensure that queer people at GSI/FAIR feel safe, welcome, and seen. “Against the backdrop of growing social tensions and hostility toward marginalized groups—and most recently, the horrific attack on the CSD in Berlin—it is more important than ever to take a stand: Visibility, education, and dialogue are central building blocks for respectful coexistence—including in the workplace,” say the Queer Ions. This year, the Queer Ions are once again participating in the CSD in Darmstadt and cordially invite all employees to join them in sending a message of diversity and solidarity:
Meeting point CSD in Darmstadt: in front of the Haus der Geschichte, 11.30 a.m., 15 August 2026
The Division for Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture is providing strategic support for these developments and complements this by additional networking activities for various interest groups, diversity-related offerings within the workplace health management program, and participation in the Helmholtz Association’s DEI network. “It is not merely an activity or a measure that promotes a corporate and communication culture focused on diversity and inclusion, nor is it simply raising a rainbow flag for a week that shapes a culture of respect and diversity —it is the example set by the management and all executives, who thereby shape the culture of GSI/FAIR within Helmholtz. The management’s raising of the rainbow flag is therefore a valuable signal,” said Dorothee Sommer, Head of the Staff Unit Diversity, Inclusion and Culture.
Back in 2021, GSI/FAIR signed the “Diversity Charter,” thereby committing to a work environment free of prejudice—regardless of gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. With employees from numerous countries, GSI/FAIR views this diversity as a key strength. Making it visible is not only a message to the outside world but also a clear commitment to the organization’s internal community. (LW)
