Flying the rainbow flag: no space for violence at AAU!

The rainbow flag hoisted in front of the University of Klagenfurt was recently set alight and vandalised. As the rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community*, this is an attack on the community and must not be tolerated at our university. In this context, we would like to take a closer look this month at what hate crimes mean and how we can oppose them.

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*the acronym LGBTQIA+ includes lesbian, gay, bi- and asexual as well as trans-, inter- and agender people and other queer people. 
The university should be a place where people can participate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, origin, ethnic or religious affiliation, age, disability, etc. Attacks against marginalised groups, whose participation in mainstream society has not always been guaranteed and whose existence is constantly being called into question, must not be tolerated. They undermine basic democratic values and human rights.
What does the rainbow flag stand for?
Starting with the lesbian and gay movement in the 1970s, the rainbow flag developed into an international symbol of the LGBTQIA+ movement. Its colours symbolise the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions that exist alongside prevailing gender-binary and heteronormative ideas and have been historically marginalised. The flag also symbolises the (ongoing) struggle of queer people for their rights and self-determination. Today, different variants of the rainbow flag (such as the progress flag) include further marginalised groups, such as people of colour and indigenous people.
The visibility of the rainbow flag in public spaces, such as the university, is important as it expresses acceptance of the diversity of sexuality and gender. In addition, displaying the flag makes the existence of LGBTQIA+ people, whose rights and identities are often denied and attacked, visible.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is an attack that is not (only) directed against individuals, but – motivated by prejudice or hatred – against marginalised groups. Hate crimes can include various forms of violence, e.g. physical or verbal attacks, damage to property or other forms of discrimination. Burning the rainbow flag is a physical and symbolic hate crime directed against queer people. The aim of this is to devalue them and deny their equal existence. On a societal level, the fundamental rights of queer people are attacked here. On an individual level, this can fuel fear and insecurity in public or in everyday academic and professional life.
The BMI provides a brochure about hate crime that includes information on how to report them: https://www.bmi.gv.at/408/Projekt/start.aspx
How can we show solidarity?
As burning the rainbow flag on campus is a very visible act, we can start by visibly showing solidarity with those affected – verbally or symbolically. This can be done, for example, by displaying the flag in more places on campus. Not only people who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can fly the flag!
All of us can:

  • report hate crimes, file charges or provide information about them
  • speak to the people around us about such acts, for example to our friends and colleagues
  • intervene when anti-queer or derogatory remarks are made
  • make LGBTQIA+ rights, issues and topics visible

University employees and teaching staff can:

  • show zero tolerance for discrimination and violence
  • offer support and safe(r) spaces to people who are affected
  • talk about acts of discrimination in the classroom and take a stance
  • include the history and existence of the LGBTQIA+ community as part of lived diversity in courses

 

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By the way: May 17th is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.
 
Further information…
…about LGBTQIA+ Rights:
Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/lgbti-rights/
 
With the campaign “Youniversity: Celebrating diversity. Living respect.” the Equal Opportunities Working Group (AKG) of the University of Klagenfurt will focus on various diversity topics throughout the next two semesters. You can find more information on the campaign website.
Der Beitrag Flying the rainbow flag: no space for violence at AAU! erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.