Discrimination and violence continue to impact marginalised communities, making the work of advocacy groups more important than ever. The Beratungs- und Informationszentrum für Antidiskriminierung und Gewaltprävention (Bİ Berlin) is at the forefront of efforts to combat discrimination, support victims, and create a more inclusive society.
Bİ Berlin is a counselling and information centre dedicated to anti-discrimination and violence prevention. The organisation provides essential support to individuals facing racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination. By offering counselling, education, and advocacy, Bİ Berlin empowers people to stand up against injustice and promotes systemic change.
The organisation’s core objectives include:
✔ Supporting Victims – Providing confidential counselling for those affected by discrimination or violence.
✔ Raising Awareness – Educating the public about discrimination and human rights issues.
✔ Promoting Legal Protections – Advocating for stronger anti-discrimination policies and protections.
✔ Strengthening Communities – Creating spaces for marginalised groups to connect, share experiences, and build solidarity.
Bİ Berlin offers a range of services designed to assist individuals and educate the public:
Discrimination, whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors, creates deep social divisions and harms individuals’ well-being. Hate crimes and structural inequalities continue to threaten many communities, making it crucial to have organisations like Bİ Berlin advocating for justice and inclusion.
💡 Know Your Rights – Stay informed about anti-discrimination laws and how to take action.
🤝 Seek Support – If you or someone you know is facing discrimination, reach out to Bİ Berlin for guidance.
📢 Spread Awareness – Share Bİ Berlin’s resources and initiatives to help others recognise and fight discrimination.
📚 Attend Workshops – Participate in training and discussions to learn more about fostering an inclusive society.
💰 Donate or Volunteer – Support Bİ Berlin’s work by contributing or offering your time to help their mission.
Building an inclusive, discrimination-free society requires collective action. Bİ Berlin plays a vital role in supporting those affected by injustice and pushing for systemic change. By standing together, we can create a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Learn more, seek support, or get involved by visiting Bİ Berlin.
On May 17, 1990, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses. And since 2005, the International Day against Homo-, Bi-, Inter- and Transphobia (IDAHOBITA) has been held on this date. The day of action aims to raise awareness of the many forms of discrimination against queer people. The LGBTQIA+ community is also targeted daily on the internet. We show what people can do if they are affected by queer-hostile hate speech.
The situation of homosexuals, bisexuals, intersexuals and transsexuals has improved in many places in recent years. However, the number of anti-queer attacks is also increasing. Queer people are confronted with hatred and hate speech, not least on the internet. For example, people from the LGBTQIA+ community are mocked in posts and memes, they are denigrated as deviant and unnatural and in some cases violence is openly incited against them. The LGBTQIA+ community is also used for disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories. In a briefing for the European Parliament, several typical anti-queer narratives were identified. These include, for example, the narrative of an alleged "gender ideology" driven by a morally corrupt elite and the claim that queer people pose a danger to children.
Behind this hate speech are often religious fundamentalist, right-wing populist or far-right groups and individuals. They try to make queer people appear to be a threat to society.
No one should be exposed to hate and violence. When we encounter hate speech online, there are many ways to actively combat it. This applies to both victims and witnesses.
What can we do to prevent queer hate speech in advance?
Source - Together against anti-queer hate speech
In the fight for equality, visibility, and justice, the Lesben- und Schwulenverband in Deutschland (LSVD) stands as one of Germany’s leading voices for LGBTQ+ rights. Dedicated to creating a society where everyone can live freely and without discrimination, LSVD works to ensure legal protections, social acceptance, and equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.
Founded in 1990, LSVD has grown into Germany’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation. It actively works to combat discrimination, influence policy, and support queer individuals and families. The organisation’s mission is built on the principles of human rights, self-determination, and social inclusion.
Through activism, public education, and legal advocacy, LSVD strives to:
🏳️🌈 Secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals
📢 Challenge discrimination and homophobia in all areas of life
⚖️ Influence laws and policies to reflect LGBTQ+ realities
👨👩👧👦 Support LGBTQ+ families and strengthen community networks
LSVD engages in multiple initiatives to foster a more inclusive Germany, including:
Despite significant progress, LGBTQ+ individuals in Germany still face discrimination, hate speech, and social barriers. The rise of right-wing populism and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric across Europe highlights the need for continued advocacy and legal protections. LSVD plays a crucial role in ensuring that Germany remains a leader in human rights and equality.
🌈 Join the Movement – Become a member and actively support LGBTQ+ rights in Germany.
📢 Speak Up – Challenge discrimination and homophobia in your community.
🤝 Donate or Volunteer – Support LSVD’s work through donations or by offering your time.
📚 Stay Informed – Follow LSVD’s campaigns and share their messages to help raise awareness.
While progress has been made, the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. LSVD continues to push for legal reforms, greater social acceptance, and protections against discrimination. Together, we can create a Germany where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and respect.
To learn more, get involved, or support their work, visit LSVD.
Hate speech, discrimination, and intolerance are on the rise across Europe, creating an urgent need for action. Enough is Enough is a campaign dedicated to challenging hate in all its forms—both online and offline—by promoting awareness, education, and policy change.
Launched as a Europe-wide initiative, Enough is Enough brings together organisations, activists, and individuals committed to combating hate speech and discrimination. The campaign highlights the growing problem of intolerance, especially against marginalised communities, and works to create safer, more inclusive societies.
Through research, advocacy, and public engagement, Enough is Enough aims to:
✅ Expose the realities of hate speech and discrimination
✅ Empower individuals to challenge and counteract hate
✅ Advocate for stronger policies and legal frameworks
✅ Promote solidarity and inclusion across communities
Hate speech is not just words—it fuels division, encourages violence, and undermines democracy. Social media has amplified the reach of harmful rhetoric, making it easier for misinformation and toxic narratives to spread. Meanwhile, marginalised groups, including migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minorities, continue to face systemic discrimination and hostility.
Ignoring this problem allows it to grow. That’s why initiatives like Enough is Enough are essential—not only to call out hate but to equip people with the knowledge and tools to fight back.
Fighting hate requires collective action. Here’s how you can contribute to the movement:
💡 Educate Yourself – Learn about the impact of hate speech and discrimination through the resources provided by Enough is Enough.
🗣 Speak Up – Challenge hateful narratives both online and in real life. Silence allows hate to thrive.
🤝 Support Marginalised Communities – Stand in solidarity with those targeted by hate, amplify their voices, and advocate for their rights.
📢 Spread the Word – Share Enough is Enough content, engage in discussions, and encourage others to join the movement.
The fight against hate is ongoing, but with collective effort, real change is possible. By raising awareness, pushing for accountability, and fostering inclusivity, we can build societies where hate has no place.
Visit Enough is Enough to learn more and take action today.
In ihrem neuen Ratgeber "LAUT" geben Sawsan Chebli und Miriam Yung Min Stein hilfreiche und augenöffnende Tipps zum Umgang mit Hassrede und Shitstorms im Netz.
Fast täglich wird Sawsan Chebli mit Hasskommentaren und Online-Hetze überhäuft. Wenn sie sich auf Social Media äußert, in einem Interview oder mit einem Zeitungsbeitrag in die öffentliche Debatte einmischt; oder, wie so oft, leidenschaftlich für eine diverse und inklusive Gesellschaft ausspricht, türmt sich die Flut an Hate Speech mitunter zu brutalen Shitstorms auf.
Dass aus digitaler schnell körperliche Gewalt werden kann, erlebte sie ganz unmittelbar, als sie eines Tages mitten in Berlin von einem Unbekannten angegriffen wurde. Cheblis Erfahrungen stehen exemplarisch für ein besorgniserregendes, akut demokratiegefährdendes Klima neuer Cybergewalt, die sich in besonderer Härte gegen Frauen, Menschen in Armut, Andersgläubige, Politiker*innen und Migrant*innen richtet.
Wie man Hass im Netz entgegenwirken kann, diskutierte Sawsan Chebli für dieses Buch u.a. mit Expert*innen wie Marina Weisband, Sascha Lobo, der EU-Abgeordneten Alexandra Geese, Renate Künast, dem Rechtsanwalt Chan-jo Jun und Mitarbeiter*innen von Meta, dem Mutterkonzern von Facebook.
In "LAUT: Warum Hate Speech echte Gewalt ist und wie wir sie stoppen können" (Amazon-Affiliate-Link ) erzählt Chebli nicht nur von den sexistischen, rassistischen und Islam-feindlichen Abgründen unserer Gesellschaft, in die sie während etlicher Shitstorms blicken musste, sondern auch von positiver Energie, Empathie und echter Unterstützung im digitalen Ungewitter. Ein erschütterndes, aber auch augenöffnendes Buch – und ein Appell an uns alle, laut und deutlich gegen Hass und für friedlichen, demokratischen Austausch einzustehen und entschieden Zivilcourage zu zeigen, im analogen wie im digitalen Leben.
Sawsan Chebli kam 1978 in Berlin als zwölftes Kind einer geflüchteten, palästinensischen Familie zur Welt. 15 Jahre lebte sie mit ihrer Familie staatenlos in der Hauptstadt, erst dann erhielten sie die deutsche Staatsbürgerschaft. Chebli studierte Politikwissenschaften und trat 2001 in die SPD ein. Nach zahlreichen Stationen in Büros von Bundestagsabgeordneten wurde sie 2010 Grundsatzreferentin für interkulturelle Angelegenheiten in der Berliner Senatsverwaltung für Inneres und Sport. Ab Januar 2014 wechselte sie als stellvertretende Sprecherin des damaligen Außenministers Frank-Walter Steinmeier ins Auswärtige Amt. Von 2016 bis 2021 war sie die Bevollmächtigte des Landes Berlin beim Bund und Staatssekretärin für Bürgerschaftliches Engagement und Internationales.
Auf Twitter hat sie über 100.000 Follower*innen und bestimmt mit ihren Tweets die politische Debatte mit. Sawsan Chebli lebt in Berlin, ist verheiratet und Mutter eines Sohnes.
Miriam Yung Min Stein, geboren 1977 in Südkorea, wuchs als Adoptivkind in Osnabrück auf. Sie hat mit Christoph Schlingensief und Rimini Protokoll Theater gemacht und ist eine profilierte deutsche Kulturjournalistin. Sie veröffentlichte diverse Bücher, zuletzt erschien der Spiegel-Bestseller "Die gereizte Frau" bei Goldmann. Social Media fällt ihr schwer, aber sie hält sich für lernfähig. Stein ist Mutter eines Sohnes und lebt mit ihrer Familie in Berlin. (dd/pm)
Source - Wie wir Hate Speech stoppen können - queer.de
By Jenn T. GraceAllies, Business, Can I really ask her that?, LGBT, Marketing to the LGBT Community, You Might - Etiquette, You Might - Workplace Equality
In this post I would like to talk about the differences between an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and an advocate for the LGBT community. It hadn’t occurred to me that some may confuse the two until recently.
I had a conversation recently and in it I referred to the person I was talking to as an ally to the LGBT community. She was a little weird in my calling her that. She didn’t want to go on the record as my quoting her as such. I figured she was just erring on the side of caution because of her employer and moved on.
Then shortly after that encounter I was Tweeting with someone and we were talking about him being an ally to the LGBT community. I said something to the effect of ‘it’s great to have allies like you helping to support the LGBT cause.‘ And he was almost confused by the word ally so I explained that an ally is someone who is supportive of the community. He got it and agreed wholeheartedly.
As I was interviewing an ally for the ‘30 Days – 30 Voices – Stories from America’s LGBT Business Leaders’ podcast project, she was the one who brought it to my attention that perhaps they were confusing ally with advocate. Thank you Bree – for those insights!
So today I want to talk about the difference. Let’s first look at how Wikipedia defines both –
is a heterosexual person who supports equal civil rights, gender equality, LGBT social movements, and challenges homophobia and transphobia. A straight ally believes that LGBT people face discrimination and thus are socially and economically disadvantaged. They aim to use their position as heterosexual and/or cisgender individuals in a society focused on heteronormativity to fight homophobia and transphobia.
Most LGBT organizations have straight members involved; others actively encourage straight participation. A Gay-straight alliance is a student-run club that brings together LGBT and straight students to create a platform for activism to fight homophobia and transphobia. There are also some groups that unite the LGBT community to work together with straight allies. Full definition can be found here.
is a political process by an individual or group which aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes including media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research or polls or the filing of an amicus brief. Lobbying (often by lobby groups) is a form of advocacy where a direct approach is made to legislators on an issue which plays a significant role in modern politics. Research is beginning to explore how advocacy groups use social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action. Full definition can be found here.
So in the two definitions above you can see that there is a difference between an ally and an advocate. Please note – the definitions of both ally and advocate go far beyond what Wikipedia provides; these definitions were used for simplicity purposes.
I would sum up an ally as a person who is supportive of the LGBT community. Someone who has friends, family, colleagues or even acquaintances who are part of the LGBT community and thus has a vested interest in supporting the community in any way that they can.
I would sum up an advocate for the LGBT community as something stronger than that. An advocate is someone who is taking action politically by lobbying or signing on to an amicus brief that is in support of the LGBT community. To me it’s the next step after being an ally. Someone who is taking a strong action and taking a stand for LGBT equality. For example, I consider myself an advocate for the community. I have lobbied at the state capitol and signed on the employer amicus brief in Windsor v. United States, as one of the 278 employers who support the repeal of DOMA (my signed copy of the brief shown to the right). To me that is the work of someone who would call themselves an advocate.
So regardless of whether you consider yourself an ally or an advocate, be proud that you stand up in what you believe in. If someone calls you an ally to the community, be proud of that. Trying to do business with the LGBT community requires you to be active and engaged, if someone considers you an ally – that is something to take pride in – and will hopefully lead you to future business development.
Source - The difference between an Ally and an Advocate
UNICEF Youth Advocate Ruairi Holohan (17) from Co. Louth promotes mental health in schools
DUBLIN / NEW YORK, 19 SEPTEMBER 2022 – UNICEF Youth Advocate Ruairi Holohan (17) will meet leaders and advocates from across the world as they gather for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly this week. Ruairi, from Drogheda in Co. Louth, will speak out against LGBTQI+ discrimination, and share his views on the importance of mental health education in schools.
On Saturday September 17th, Ruairi participated in the Youth Advocates Mobilization Lab at UNICEF House in New York. And on Tuesday September 20th, he will join fellow UNICEF youth activists from around the world in championing children’s rights at a meeting hosted by UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNESCO, and the Government of Thailand.
The event will be attended by Governments and global educational stakeholders, and will explore how Governments can ensure every child enjoys their right to education in a learning environment that promotes and protects their mental health and well-being.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ruairi said: “When we talk about the future of education, the voices of young people, and their mental health, must be part of the conversation. I’m here this week to talk about what a quality education really means. Everyone I know has been mentally affected by the pandemic in some way. We need to step back and think about what we want from our years of education. What is an education if it doesn’t provide you with a space to learn about yourself, and your own mental health?”
Ruairi came out as gay at the age of 13 and is an advocate for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. He is deeply concerned that young gay people deal with the daily threat of violence and abuse. His aim is to build respect and disrupt the stigma that young people like him face every day. He believes the education children receive in schools can have a positive impact on preventing discrimination and bullying of LGBTQI+ children.
Ruairi’s activism in New York builds on his meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin as part of UNICEF Ireland’s #KidsTakeover event in 2020. During this one-to-one meeting, Ruairi and the Taoiseach spoke about his experience of homophobia in Ireland, and discussed what can be done to increase respect for LGBTQI+ youth.
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power said Ruairi’s important message would help shape discussions around the supports children and young people need at school. “Ruairi has an inspirational and timely message. He believes that all children, no matter their background, should get the support they need at school. All young people have a right to have a voice on issues that affect them, and it is critical that we listen and explore ways schools can have a positive impact on preventing discrimination and bullying of LGBTQI+ children.”
Over the course of UNGA week in New York, Ruairi and other UNICEF Youth Advocates from around the world will engage in a series of activities, including events, networking, bilateral meetings and media interviews to address a wide range of challenges facing children in education. According to the United Nations, more than 90% of the world’s children have had their education interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other crises — conflicts, a shrinking economy, the energy crunch and food insecurity — have deepened the global education crisis, which in turn, is provoking severely negative consequences on many fronts.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.ie
January 28, 2018
ShoutOut to my teenage self is a series of letters from inspiring figures in the LGBT community and allies to themselves as teenagers. Our fourth contributor is Robbie Lawlor.
Robbie Lawlor has spent the last few years trying to break the silence and stigma around sexual health and HIV. He believes our vision of reaching, Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS Related and Zero Stigma & Discrimination by 2030 can be achieved. As the worlds biggest Youth Power advocate, he believes that using youth voices will be paramount in making these goals a reality. Robbie works for Youth Stop AIDS, ActUp and European AIDS Treatment Group. He's currently fighting for PrEP to be subsidised by the HSE. Follow and support Robbie's work on twitter: @Robbie_Lawlor
"Dear Robbie,
Right now I know you are having really conflicted feelings. You have had girlfriends, you have romantic feelings for women, you are even (kind of) sexually attracted to them. Right now you don’t fully understand why your friends are so obsessed with getting girlfriends and talk about sex all the time. You won’t fully understand why your friends say they love their girlfriends or feel heartbroken when they break up. You don’t really think about it. You seem to think that maybe you just don’t have it in you to feel as strongly about women and sex like they do. It will be another three years till you figure out that it is because you were looking for all those feelings in the wrong gender.
You will be angry because you wish you grew up with all those experiences, but with men. Don’t fret though, those feelings for men will come. Your future relationships will be great. You will fall in love. You will have sex that feels natural. You will have breakups. You will be heartbroken. You will regain those lost teenage years.
You won’t fully understand that you’re gay until you’re 18. It will be a scary time for you. However, we are in luck. In one year time, Sara (our sister) will come out as lesbian. The family will have a bit of a negative reaction but this quickly blows over. You still won’t fully understand it about yourself, but on reflection, her coming out has helped you understand that being gay isn’t a bad thing. She will be the first person you come out to. She tells the family but that’s ok, it takes some of the pressure off you, and you know she couldn’t hold a secret for the life of her. It will run smoothly. Everyone will be supportive. Top Tip for coming out: video record all reactions. Our reaction videos could make a million hits on Youtube. You may as well capitalize on our coming out experience.
You will love college and have a great social life. You will feel part of a community. Life will be everything you wanted it to be. Then you will turn 21 and you will get a shock diagnosis. You will become HIV positive. You won’t fully understand what impact these three letters will have on your life. You will go through a really bad time. You will start to believe that you are “unclean” and a second-rate human being. You will have really bad reactions to HIV medication. You will develop mental health issues and you will feel like you hit rock bottom. You will feel like you will never get old Robbie back.
There will come a point, thanks to friends and family, that you will finally begin to understand that you are not less or unclean. You are like everyone else; just trying to live their best life. You will make a decision, just like you did when you came out, that nobody’s words will make you feel bad about yourself again. You will make the decision that HIV and your sexuality will not define you in a negative light but you will carry with Pride all the teachings and experiences they will bring you. You will happily let go of old Robbie and decide to embrace a new Robbie.
Growing up you will meet some of the most amazing and inspiring people you could ever imagine meeting. Then you will see the negative effects an intolerant and sex shaming Ireland will have on these people. When you are thrust into a world that doesn’t always see you and your friends as equals, something will snap. You will decide to do everything you can to help change society for the betterment of people living with HIV.
You have great dreams at 15. Well, life will give you something above and beyond your dreams. You will go through hard times but do not change a thing. Those hard times in life make who you are today.
P.S. Buy Bitcoins.
Robi
Source - https://www.shoutout.ie/blog/category/To+my+teenage+self
May 8th, 2024
Communities affected by hate crime call on Government to ensure Hate Crime Bill is passed as a matter of urgency
Data published today shows that hate crime has increased for second year running
8 May 2024. The Coalition Against Hate Crime, a group of 23 civil society organisations which represent communities impacted by hate crime, is calling on the Government to recommit to the Hate Crime Bill and ensure it is passed by the Oireachtas as a matter of urgency, in light of new statistics which show that recorded hate crime has increased for the second year in a row in Ireland.
Ireland is unequipped and unable to address hate crime at a criminal justice level. Research has shown that in the absence of legislation, the hate element – which makes a crime a hate crime – is not addressed in a consistent way and often disappears in the criminal process. Legislation would make the invisible visible and recognise the additional harm caused by a crime that targets a person’s inherent identity, sending a clear message that such behaviour is not tolerated in our society.
Responding to the publication today by An Garda Síochána of its annual hate crime and hate-related incident statistics, Chairperson of the Coalition and Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Luna Lara Liboni, said:
“The statistics published today by An Garda Síochána show a second year of increase in recorded hate crimes and incidents in Ireland. While it is positive that people are coming forward with their experiences, this is also an indicator of what those of us who work with, are part of and represent minoritised communities already know – hate crime and hostility towards our communities are a growing reality in Ireland. These numbers should serve as a wake-up call for all public representatives and political parties as to date, Ireland still has no hate crime legislation.”
Speaking today at a press conference responding to the publication of the statistics, Martin Collins, Co-Director, Pavee Point, said:
“Hate crime happens all over Ireland, and it leaves people and their wider communities – including Travellers and Roma – in fear. Because a hate crime doesn’t affect just one person, it can make an entire community feel excluded and unsafe. The government needs to ensure the speedy passage of this Bill as a statement of intent to protect communities which are vulnerable to hate crime and extreme hate speech.”
Shane O’Curry, Irish Network Against Racism, said:
““We welcome the publication of this data. This is a sign that An Garda Síochána are recognising crimes motivated by hatred, and the specific harm caused by them. It sends out a signal to wider society that such crimes are unacceptable. The increase in racist attacks is shocking but unsurprising given the efforts by the far right to stir hatred, and we suspect the real figure is much higher. It’s over to government now to pass the Hate Crime bill to give An Garda Síochána the tools they need to tackle this growing problem.”
Pádraig Rice, Policy and Research Manager, LGBT Ireland, said:
“The statistics released by An Garda Síochána today reflect the lived reality of LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. Unfortunately, the community has witnessed a continuous rise in hate crimes. This requires a robust response from the Government. The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill must be progressed urgently. Beyond the Bill, we need a holistic action plan.
“While LGBTQ+ people have won the right to walk down the aisle, many of us still look over our shoulder as we walk down the street. The truth is homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia and transphobia are an everyday reality for many LGBTQ+ people in Ireland.”
The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 would introduce hate crime legislation for the first time in Ireland and update existing legislation on extreme hate speech.
The Coalition Against Hate Crime has called for the introduction of hate crime legislation for many years. Research shows that, beyond affected communities and human rights organisations, the introduction of legislation is supported by Gardaí and legal professionals.
A recent study also shows that there is clear appreciation among the general public of the harms of hate crime, that hate crime is seen as a serious and growing problem and that there is a high level of public support for the protection of a broad range of characteristics under legislation.
