Pride Month 2025: JKU sets signs of diversity and equality

Pride Month 2025: JKU sets signs of diversity and equality

Linz, Österreich - On June 13, 2025, Pride Month is celebrated worldwide, a month dedicated to sexual and gender diversity. The Pride Month goes back to the riots in New York, which began on June 28, 1969 in the "Stonewall Inn" and is the turning point in the emancipation of the LGBTIQ community. These events have raised awareness of the injustices with which lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, inter- and queer people (LGBTIQ) are confronted, and lead to a call for more rights and acceptance every year.

In Germany, around 11 % of the population now identify as part of this community. Nevertheless, a worrying development shows that discrimination against the LGBTIQ community has increased significantly. The figures of the crimes that aim at sexual orientation and gender -related diversity have increased tenfold since 2010. In 2023 alone, 1,785 such cases were registered, which indicates an alarming increase in violence and discrimination. Some companies have even announced that they can withdraw their support for Christopher Street Days and to delete diversity programs, a decision that is seen as a result of political developments in the United States, especially after Donald Trump has taken office.

commitment to the JKU

The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) in Linz actively participates in the Pride Month 2025 and has put together a varied program to set a sign of the rights of LGBTQIA+personnel. Despite legal progress, there is still discrimination in Austria, which often leads to psychological pressure and exclusion, especially in the educational and work context.

The JKU calls for equality and is committed to an inclusive society. This year, too, the Pride flag on the campus is being raised to strengthen the visibility of the LGBTQIA+community. Workshops are also offered to raise awareness of diversity. A special highlight of the program is a drag queen workshop that offers personal insights from Drag Queens.

celebration and commitment

A central component of the activities is participation in the #linzpride parade on June 21. The JKU invites all students, teachers and employees to take part. According to the organizers, the commitment in Pride Month should not only apply to June, but also stand for a culture of respect and openness.

The Pride Month is not only perceived as a celebration of diversity, but also as a necessary political statement for equal rights, visibility and acceptance for everyone. The continuous commitment is crucial to promote an inclusive atmosphere that is considered an enrichment for society. As Krone , it is important that the voices of the LGBTIQ community are heard and discrimination is no longer tolerated.

"Pride is more than a parade," emphasize the initiators. It is an opportunity to point out the challenges in front of which the LGBTIQ community is facing and at the same time celebrating their achievements.

The Pride Month 2025 therefore stands for a celebration of diversity, but also for the constant struggle for equality and the visibility of queer people in society.