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Queer at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

 

Queer at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

We welcome all people at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences - regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

We represent a diverse understanding of gender and recognise different realities and concepts of life! We empower our university members who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community (short for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, inter* and asexual) and do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Therefore, together with students and employees from research and administration, we are working on a university culture in which all members of the university feel safe and valued across all status groups.

We explicitly invite members of the queer community to contact us with any experiences of discrimination, requests for advice and other concerns! We are happy to support and advise you confidentially.

Initiatives to strengthen gender diversity at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

Change of name and gender record

Students and staff who identify as TIN* (i.e. trans, inter and non-binary) can change their name and gender registration at the University by self-declaration, independently of any official registration. All relevant offices are required to maintain official discretion and will treat your request with respect and confidentiality. Due to separate data management responsibilities, the request procedures for staff and students are different. The Equal Opportunities team will be happy to assist you with the process of changing your name and gender.

Students can request and upload changes to their personal data (including gender) directly in the Online Portal, even without official proof of gender change. The change affects both internal university matters (e.g. student email address, Moodle and VPIS details) and the issuing of certificates (e.g. certificate of enrolment, transcripts). Your master data will be overwritten by the change. Links to your official name will then only be possible via the application form stored in your student record.

Employees should apply to the Human Resources Department. 1.2.

By the way: If your new first name has not yet been changed in your official ID documents, we recommend that you apply for an additional ID card from the German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality ( dgti e.V.), also to avoid problems with your semester ticket being checked by public transport companies.

Gender-sensitive language and address

You can't always tell a person's gender by their name or appearance, although we sometimes assume we can. Use the names and pronouns that people use for themselves - there is no 'one size fits all'. If you are unsure, it is best to ask the person directly how they would like to be addressed. What if you have accidentally used the wrong name or pronoun? Don't make a big deal out of it! Say sorry and remember next time.

The Equal Opportunities Office has also published guidelines on gender-sensitive language .

A first step can also be to include your pronoun in your email signature, e.g.:

    • Dr. Bettina Kretzschmar (she/her)
      Equal Opportunities Officer
      Fachhochschule Südwestfalen
      Haldener Straße 182, 58095 Hagen

All-gender toilets

The Equal Opportunities Team is working with Facilities Management to install all-gender toilets on all campuses. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Equal Opportunities Team.

Raising the Rainbow Flag

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences sets a visible sign for diversity and against discrimination by flying the rainbow flag at all campuses on important campaign days, such as the International Day against Homo-, Bi-, Inter- and Trans-Hostility (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May or the German Diversity Day.

Getting your head tangled up?

For people who haven't had much to do with sexual and gender diversity, these topics can seem overwhelming or even alienating at first. That's OK! But it is important to treat everyone with respect and empathy, because we don't need to understand people and things intellectually or emotionally to respect them. If the situation allows, try to engage in dialogue or do some research first. Below are a number of resources and further links. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Equal Opportunities team.

Further advice centres and resources