Focus on networking for queer students

Most of its members get to know AK Queer through its Stammtisch or regulars' table. "It's a very open concept," explains Lena Schumann, who is responsible for the Stammtisch. The Stammtisch is meant to be a safe place for queer people, she says. That's why there's no introduction round or anything like that, it's more about exchanging ideas with other queer people in an informal way. The meeting is casual, usually without registration or the need to get involved.

AK Queer, on the other hand, is bound by certain guidelines due to the fact that it is a working group of the Student Parliament. For example, it has to have an organisational structure. AK Queer has existed in Bayreuth since 2013 and has implemented various projects since then.

Finn Zajewski has been active in AK Queer since 2016. Zajewski emphasises, "Our main task is to network queer students." As a direct link to the Student Parliament, we also seek to bring forward motions that help queer students. The Queer Working Group is particularly proud, for example, that together with the Equal Opportunities Department, they were able to push through the early change of name initiative.

Another project initiated by AK Queer are unisex toilets. There is currently one in the RW I building. "We would like to see at least one unisex toilet in every building," says Zajewski. Contrary to expectations, the topic has not met with universal approval among the student body. "Some asked if we didn't have more important problems," Schumann recalls.

But actions at the Campus Culture Week or events in the Glashaus are also part of the work of the Queer Working Group. "Ask a Cliché" is a series of events that was started before the pandemic and should be continued as soon as possible. "In the process, various guests sit on stage who fulfil a cliché," Schumann explains. Then questions can be asked from the audience that people might not otherwise dare to ask. "Of course, this is also part of our educational work," Zajewski adds. At the last event, many non-queer people were also present in the Glashaus.

As soon as it is possible, they intend to organise another queer party. In addition, a workshop for student teachers is planned, in which prospective teachers are to be sensitised to the topic of queerness. Finally, speed dating is also on the agenda. This already met with a lot of interest last time – in part because it is not a purely queer speed dating.

Now, however, there is a to be a change of personnel at AK Queer. "Projects only come into being when someone decides to take responsibility for them," says Zajewski. "Everyone who wants to get involved is very welcome.