Dusseldorf sees surge in anti-LGBTQ+ aggression
New Statewide Reporting Centre Launches in North Rhine-Westphalia to Combat Homophobia
Starting from March 17, 2025, the new statewide reporting and information centre for homophobia in North Rhine-Westphalia (MIQ NRW) will be operational. This centre aims to document and make visible incidents of homophobia and experiences of discrimination that have previously gone unnoticed.
MIQ NRW is funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Flight and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of four new reporting and information centres established in the region with the goal of addressing homophobia and promoting acceptance.
Reports can be made anonymously via the online form at www.miq.nrw. Anyone affected or witnessing homophobia is encouraged to report incidents to MIQ NRW. All reports will be evaluated according to scientific standards.
Benjamin Kinkel, managing director of the Queer Network NRW, emphasises the importance of actively fighting homophobia in a democracy. He explains that the majority of homophobia currently goes unrecorded and remains invisible. The Queer Network NRW is one of the organisations involved in the implementation of MIQ NRW, cooperating with the rubicon counseling centre in Cologne, the LSVD+ NRW, and the Network for Gender Diversity Trans (NGVT NRW).
Laura Becker, board member of the Queer Network NRW, states that MIQ NRW is a measure to reduce discrimination in North Rhine-Westphalia. It understands itself as a step towards shedding light on the dark field and learning more about discrimination in the region.
Reports to MIQ NRW will not replace a police report if a criminal offense is involved. Annual reports from 2026 will be published based on the data collected by MIQ NRW. Measures to reduce homophobia will be proposed based on the data collected, with the aim of strengthening participation and acceptance.
MIQ NRW aims to target this area to make a difference and create a more inclusive society in North Rhine-Westphalia. For more information or to make a report, visit www.miq.nrw.
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