The number of queer parents, caregivers, and single parents has been steadily increasing for several years, yet many of them still have to deal with prejudices and uncertainties in their environment. Queer caregivers feel the effects of social marginalization, which impacts them both structurally and personally. This affects not only gay, lesbian, intersex, and trans parents/caregivers, but also their children. It can be empowering to become aware of these hurdles together and find strategies for dealing with and overcoming them. This is where empowerment comes in, aiming to strengthen queer caregivers and accompany them on their individual development paths. The focus of the event will be on the questions and concerns of families, single parents, and caregivers.

Workshop Goals:

• Strengthening queer identity as a caregiver
• Raising awareness of structural violence, intersectional perspectives, and their effects on queer caregivers/families
• Information on possible ways of dealing with obstacles and experiences of discrimination
• Developing personal concerns and possible solutions through exchange with others
• Future-oriented identification of further needs and concerns

Michaela Herbertz-Floßdorf, MundWerk-Training, Independent Educator, Supervisor, Trauma Counselor, Autism Specialist, and Mediator; Co-author of the European study on rainbow families “Wir sind Eltern!”, Author of the brochure Wir sind dabei! – Ressourcen und Kompetenzen von Regenbogenfamilien in der Kindertagesbetreuung » Bunte Kitas – starke Kinder (regenbogenfamilien-nrw.de) , Podcast: Diversity, Responsibility, Vision

The event is part of the series “No worries?! An information and exchange series on care work and university , organized by the Equality and Diversity Office in close cooperation with the Family Services Center of Personnel Development.