Sophie Koch, the federal government’s commissioner for the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity, plans to see Prime Minister Friedrich Merz on the government’s car at the upcoming CSD. “We will definitely invite him” Koch, a member of the SPD, told the Sunday editions of the Funke media group. “I would be delighted if he joins us”.
Koch has not yet had the opportunity to speak with Merz directly about the concerns of the queer community. She has, however, held meetings with Chancellor‑Office minister Thorsten Frei and volunteer‑ministry minister Christiane Schenderlein, both of which she said went well. Regarding a potential conversation with Merz, she reported that the government is “working on it”.
Her proposal is to flag the International Day against Homophobia, Biophobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) by flying the rainbow flag across all ministries and at the Bundestag, ideally accompanied by a supporting program. “My goal is not to spark a flag debate, but to have the government foreground this symbol for the community-and for our many queer employees”.
