Pride Month June – LGBTQ+ in Austria: for love and against hate

It is not entirely clear how many members the LGBTQ+ community in Austria has: sexual orientation is not statistically recorded nationally. Studies estimate the proportion of homosexuals at two to ten percent of the total population, and in the case of bisexuality it can be as high as 50 percent.

More LGBTQ+ awareness
In any case, one thing is clear: in recent years, social awareness of different sexual orientations, of genders outside the binary system, has increased. Despite all the openness, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders still have a hard time in many areas: “I suffered a lot, especially at school”, Carinthian Gregor (26) recalls about homophobia, which he experienced firsthand. like a teenager had to (see interview below).

Fear of discrimination is ubiquitous
This is often no different in the world of work, according to research by the Chamber of Commerce: More than 40 percent of the employees surveyed have not yet come out. There can be various reasons for this, but fear of exclusion plays a major role for many LGBTQ+ people.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights put these fears into numbers in 2020: According to this survey, 43 percent of all LGBTQ+ people surveyed have personally experienced discrimination or harassment because of their sexual orientation or identity. 21 percent felt disadvantaged at work, in Austria it was 20 percent – and that despite EU-wide protection against discrimination.

This helps against exclusion of LGBTQ+
Those involved cannot participate in a chat with colleagues – be it hobbies, upcoming vacation planning, or family and child issues. They report everything from jokes to physical attacks. So what does it take to end this discrimination? LGBTQ+ organizations agree: more awareness in society and a legal framework!

For example, HOSI Vienna, the first lesbian and gay association in Austria, is campaigning for a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Politicians follow suit: Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) wants to tackle the legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ people since 1945 and thus formulate recommendations for action for contemporary politicians.

“End discrimination”
Gregor from Klagenfurt is 26 years old, works as a nursing assistant at Caritas and lives openly as a homosexual. In the “Krone” interview, he shares his commitment to equality and reveals what he wishes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community.

„krone“:Have you experienced exclusion or homophobia yourself?
Gregor: Yes, especially when I was in school, I was bullied and discriminated against because of my homosexuality. That had a strong impact on me. I have always been open about my sexuality. In my family I’ve noticed it’s normal – I’ve never felt different from others. I am now 26 years old, I work as a nursing assistant at Caritas and I am committed to equal rights.

What does this mission look like?
I support organizations such as the NGO “All out”, which also focuses on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the war in Ukraine or in the context of the World Cup in Qatar. In my private environment I clarify and offer protection – the police in Carinthia invited me about once, I gave a lecture for police students at the time and there was a lot of interest.

What do you hope for the future?
I wish no one would be discriminated against because of their sexuality, their gender or their pronouns. And that the LGBTQ+ community is not only seen as “normal”, but that no more discussion is needed.