University of Dortmund Conveys Diversity, Unity, and Democratic Spirit
The University of Applied Sciences Dortmund (FH Dortmund) is set to make a strong statement of unity and support for diversity at this year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) event in Dortmund. On August 16, 2025, the university will join the colourful celebration, not just as a spectator, but as an active participant and promoter of the event's core values.
The CSD in Dortmund is more than a festive parade; it is a political demonstration, a protest against exclusion, and a celebration of diversity. FH Dortmund sees it as part of its educational mission to actively shape democracy, not just convey knowledge. The university believes that public institutions like universities set an example, and it is important for them to protect minorities and show solidarity.
Prof. Dr. Ute Fischer, from the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences at FH Dortmund, explains that the university itself is a place of diverse opinions and debate, a place where democracy is lived. She states that the university is an actor in democracy, so it also shows its colours in the city society.
The CSD 2025 event kicks off with a demonstration march from Dortmund Central Station (north side) at 1 pm. From 3 pm, there will be a street festival on the Friedensplatz with stage programs and numerous information stands of local clubs and organizations. FH Dortmund will be present at the street festival with its orange cultural vehicle - the Citroën HY.
The students at FH Dortmund live diverse identities and ideas. The university's expression of these values sends a strong signal of unity within and beyond the campus. It is a clear demonstration that FH Dortmund stands with the LGBTQ+ community and opposes exclusion and discrimination.
In recent years, queer persons in Germany have faced discrimination, hate speech, and violence. Populist movements, societal polarization, and increased queerphobic incidents in 2025 have made every act of solidarity particularly significant. Prof. Fischer emphasizes that standing up for core values is especially important in times when boundaries are being drawn more narrowly, and hate and violence against dissenters threaten democracy.
The employees of FH Dortmund understand themselves as tolerant and open-minded, with equality being important to them. Rainbow flags will be flying at the university's campus locations, symbolizing its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Worldwide, people who openly identify as LGBTQ+ face severe human rights violations, even state-sanctioned persecution. FH Dortmund's participation in CSD 2025 is a testament to its commitment to fostering a more inclusive society, both within its academic community and beyond.
In summary, FH Dortmund plays a prominent role in promoting diversity and combating queerphobic incidents by publicly supporting and participating in Christopher Street Day as a political and social event. The university frames its mission as one that includes fostering democracy and openness beyond academics, acting as a visible actor within the city to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and oppose exclusion and discrimination.
- FH Dortmund's participation in Christopher Street Day (CSD) 2025 goes beyond mere spectatorship, as the university aims to actively promote the event's core values of diversity and inclusion in its business and educational endeavors.
- By supporting diversity and self-development, FH Dortmund, through its active involvement in CSD, not only fosters a more inclusive academic environment but also sets an example for personal growth and corporate finance, signaling a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
- As a place for diverse opinions and debate, FH Dortmund recognizes its role as an actor in democracy, striving for education and self-development that goes beyond academics, advocating for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of business and life.
