Celebrating diversity The second Diversity Day at TU Braunschweig
Technische Universität Braunschweig set an example for diversity, anti-discrimination and equality on 26 June 2023 with the second Tag der Vielfalt (Diversity Day). On the colourfully decorated University Square, the numerous visitors exchanged ideas at talks, workshops and regional initiatives’ information stands and celebrated accompanied by live music. And of course there was also the raising of the rainbow flags, which has already become a tradition at the university.
On 26 June, Technische Universität Braunschweig celebrated its second Diversity Day. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
With the event, the university set an example for diversity, anti-discrimination and equality. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
In her opening speech, President Angela Ittel emphasised the importance of diversity in society and science. The Diversity Day is a place of shared experience and exchange. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Jana Szeimies, speaking for the Diversity Coordination Office, pointed out that there are still barriers that should be addressed. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Kenny Bundschuh, Johannes Höing and Marian Baden (from left) spoke about the importance of networks as representatives of the LGBTQIA*@TU networks. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
After the opening speeches, President Angela Ittel, Kenny Bundschuh and Jana Szeimies (not pictured) raised the three updated Progress flags on University Square. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
At Migra Braunschweig, visitors were able to get information and talk with each other. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
In addition, the disused fountain on campus was transformed into a feel-good oasis. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
At 24 information stands set up by regional initiatives, visitors had the opportunity to find out more about the topics of diversity and anti-discrimination and to get actively involved. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
In addition to information, a safe space was also created to record one's own perspectives and experiences. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Of course, culinary specialities were not lacking. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Fabien Diffé's multilingual songs reflect impressions of his life and took listeners on a "journey through colours and sounds", as he himself describes his music. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Türkân Deniz-Roggenbuck, owner of Kulturton and licensed trainer for interculture and diversity, during her talk on "Diversität in unserer Gesellschaft" (Diversity in our society). Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
At its stand, the Diversity Coordination Office provided information about the existing networks at the university and provided explanations about Queer Coding & Co. You could also test your knowledge about queer flags. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
President Angela Ittel also informed herself at the various stands and met with representatives of the student networks and... Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
...the Verein für sexuelle Emanzipation e. V. (VSE). Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
At the AStA you could create your own button. There were different motifs, including queer flags. Members of the AStA assisted with the machine, but you did the punching yourself. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
The Funky Grannies stirred up the campus with their music - everything from indie rock to spicy was there. The five musicians impressed with their personal, sensitive, but also socio-critical and sarcastic sound. Photo credit: Madeleine Franke /TU Braunschweig
Setting an example together!
The event kicked off with speeches by TU President Angela Ittel, Jana Szeimies, advisor to the Diversity Coordination Office, and representatives of the LGBTIAQ*@TU networks for students and staff. In their speeches, they particularly addressed the importance of diversity in society and academia and criticised barriers that still prevail. “It is important to reflect the diversity of our society at the university, to ensure equal opportunities and to make diversity visible,” said TU President Angela Ittel in her opening speech. Jana Szeimies spoke about anti-discrimination, injustice and the fact that different groups are still exposed to violence: “We have to tackle these problems and we have to do it together. Because being able to study, work, teach and work in a community that is tolerant and safe – we all benefit from that.” Kenny Bundschuh, Johannes Höing and Marian Baden, as representatives of the LGBTIAQ* networks, put the struggle for equality and acceptance at the centre of their speeches. With reference to the riots on Christopher Street Days last year, they made it clear: “There is still a lot we can do individually and together.”
Three updated rainbow flags
After the opening speeches, the speakers traditionally raised three rainbow flags on campus. Since 2022, the Progress flag by non-binary graphic designer Daniel Quasar has permanently flown over University Square. [1] This year, the updated Progress Flag by intersex activist Valentino Vecchietti replaced the Progress Flag designed in 2017. Vecchietti added a yellow triangle with a purple circle to the flag to include intersex people and its community and rights.[2]
[1] Queer Lexikon. (n.d.). Pride Flags. In Queer Lexikon. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://queer-lexikon.net/pride-flags
[2] Parsons, V. (2021). Progress Pride flag gets 2021 redesign to better represent intersex people. PinkNews. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.thepinknews.com/2021/06/07/progress-pride-flag-intersex-flag