Blogpost

We choose Diversity!

Dazzling outfits, an exuberant atmosphere and fetish accessories - it's hard to imagine Christopher Street Day (CSD) without all of this. However, what at first glance looks like a breathtaking party has a serious background.

CSD is a worldwide day of protest and demonstration. Large parades and demonstrations are held to draw attention to the situation of the queer community as it often suffers from legal and social discrimination and exclusion. CSD has its origins in the gay and lesbian movement on Christopher Street in New York. The first protests by the queer community against arbitrary police raids began there in 1969.

CSD was also celebrated again in Leipzig this year. A total of 21,000 people took part in the colorful demonstration, setting an example for acceptance and diversity. In addition to rallies on Augustusplatz and a parade that ran through the entire city, there was also a street festival that gave participants the opportunity to find out about queer offers, get in touch with those responsible and make new contacts.

Not only people who are themselves part of the community were on site - companies are also increasingly taking a stand in the social debate. DHL Express was one of them: the logistics company had a stand at the CSD street festival for the third time in a row. The DHL hub has also been taking part in the parade with a truck for the past two years. This gives employees of the LEJ hub the opportunity to take part in the political demonstration on behalf of their employer.

Employees in front of the DHL truck at the CSD in Leipzig

For many employees, this was an absolute highlight. Doreen Schulze, LEJ Customs Specialist, reports: “This is the first time I've taken part in Leipzig. It's really great. You always see something new and you can really feel the openness and acceptance of the people. There is no hate here.”

Silvio Schulze was there for the third time - he says: “The atmosphere on the truck was awesome. People were up for it, in a good mood and partied wildly. And this great atmosphere also spread to the people outside the truck.”

Support at the CSD

This year, the team of the Leipzig hub also had the pleasure of having some reinforcements at the CSD - Rachel Harder supported them. She is active as a drag queen and campaigns for the queer community. Together with the LEJ Hub employees, she used the day to publicly celebrate diversity in society.

Rachel Harder (2nd from left) together on the truck with DHL employees

Despite the exuberant atmosphere, Rachel Harder gave another insight into the topic and explained her view of companies taking part in CSD as a political demonstration: “I think it's fundamentally important and right that economically oriented companies that are not primarily political or active should also take part in Pride. I interpret this as an act of solidarity. However, it is crucial that the company is willing to engage in a profound, political debate with the postulates of the queer movement and that the values of the queer community are integrated into the corporate philosophy and truly lived. Otherwise, it would be a classic case of pinkwashing, which would only damage the company's reputation.”

Pinkwashing refers to advertising and/or image campaigns that use LGBTIQ* colors and symbols without seriously pursuing them internally or generally with structural adjustments.

If companies are committed to queer rights - by participating in CSD, for example - this must be authentic and firmly anchored in the corporate culture.

Pride at DHL

Diversity is not only celebrated once a year at the DHL hub in Leipzig. In addition to the Diversity & Inclusion Week, which serves to sensitize employees to the topic, there is also the RainbowNet. The network represents all LGBTIQ* employees in the Group as well as anyone who wants to actively promote diversity, acceptance and respect within the company. It offers a platform for sharing experiences, provides support in the event of problems and organizes dialogue formats for employees and managers. RainbowNet is also in contact with queer networks of other companies, organizations and associations in order to share experiences and create visibility.

Whether it's participating in the CSD, organizing a Diversity & Inclusion Week or implementing a RainbowNet - all of these initiatives help to promote and live diversity and acceptance at the DHL hub in Leipzig all year round. Together, the employees create a working environment in which everyone can feel comfortable.

Author: Amelie Heinz
Published: August 23^rd 2024