Vernetzungskonferenz: Queerfeindlichkeit in der Regenbogenhauptstadt

Queer hostility is a central phenomenon of increasing social polarization in Germany and often escalates into hostility, threats and violence against organizations and individuals. Prominent examples of this are the systematic attacks on CSDs by extreme right-wing groups, which could be observed in many places. In the “rainbow capital” Berlin, investigative authorities and the judiciary have long been responding to hate violence and misanthropy with a variety of measures in order to improve the situation of queer people in the city. Nevertheless, not only are the registered cases of anti-queer violence increasing in Berlin, but those affected also repeatedly report that they do not feel sufficiently supported by state actors or do not even turn to the police and judiciary for fear of further negative experiences. So what are the different perspectives on the situation, what common challenges and what improvements can be achieved by state and civil society actors together?

Location: Festival hall of the Humboldt University in Berlin

Date: December 1st, 2025

Registration by November 26th. at: https://eveeno.com/273758494

Program

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Opening

1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Panel 1: "Better reaching and supporting those affected by anti-queer violence - perspectives from and on investigative authorities and Justice“

In Berlin there is a long tradition of networking between law enforcement authorities and civil society on the topic of homophobia and queerphobia. With the contact persons for LGBTIQ, the investigative authorities and the judiciary show a high level of commitment to reaching out and providing appropriate support to those affected. Nevertheless, this is often not reflected in the experiences of queer people in Berlin. Which measures were successful, which hurdles still exist and where urgent improvements are needed?

with:

- René_ Rain Hornstein, legal aid for trans*, inter* and non-binary people (TIN legal aid)
- Charlotte Kaiser, L-Support anti-violence project against lesbianism
- Ines Karl, senior public prosecutor, contact person for LGBTI at the public prosecutor's office Berlin
- Susanne Wiersich, Victim Protection Officer at LKA Department 5

15:00 - 16:15 Panel 2: "Necessary measures against queer hostility in Berlin - with and beyond the investigative authorities and the judiciary"

A victim-oriented work by the investigative authorities and the judiciary is not least dependent on consistent and sustainable political and social decisions. For this purpose, a “state strategy for queer security and against queer hostility” was developed in Berlin. How can the required measures be implemented across the board in the area of investigative authorities and the judiciary?

with:

- Alfonso Pantisano, contact person for the Berlin state government for the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity
- René Powilleit, state chairman of the LSU Berlin (Lesbians and Gays in the Union)
- Sophie Strasser, public prosecutor, spokesperson for the state association Berlin-Brandenburg of the New Association of Judges
- A representative from LesMigras (requested)

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Conclusion

From 4:30 p.m. buffet & exchange