On November 24, the Mayor for Social Affairs, Health and Integration, Dr. Alexandra Sußmann, inaugurated a "rainbow bench" on the corner of Nadlerstraße and Hirschstraße on behalf of the city of Stuttgart together with representatives from politics and the LGBTIQ+ community.
With the bench, which shines in rainbow colors, the city is setting an example against hostility and violence towards queer people. The background to the project is the rising number of cases of anti-queer crimes across Germany according to the Federal Criminal Police Office. On information boards attached to the bench, the city refers to help and advice options for queer people in Stuttgart.
Safety and respect for queer people
Mayor Sußmann said on the occasion of the inauguration: "The Stuttgart Rainbow Bench is a visible and lasting symbol of diversity and mutual respect. As a city, we stand up for people's freedom and safety - especially in times when the social climate is becoming harsher and we have to defend our basic democratic values."
The inauguration of the rainbow bench took place as part of the "21 Days Against Violence" series of events, to which the City of Stuttgart's Equal Opportunities Department invites the public every year. The series of events continues until December 10.
The state capital Stuttgart works closely with organizations and civil society initiatives of the LGBTIQ+ communities. Together, they strengthen visibility, acceptance and equal participation for all people - regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
