Sophie Koch, Germany’s federal commissioner for the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity, said she hopes to see Chancellor Friedrich Merz aboard the government’s vehicle at the coming CSD. “We will definitely invite him” Koch (SPD) told the Sunday editions of the Funke Media Group’s newspapers. “I would be pleased if he could join us”.
Until now the commissioner claims she has not had a chance to speak with Merz about the queer community’s concerns. She has, however, met with Cabinet Minister Thorsten Frei and Minister for Volunteering Christiane Schenderlein, noting that “the conversations with both were good”.
When asked about arranging a meeting with the chancellor, Koch said “we are working on it”. She wants to propose that around International Day Against Homophobia, Biophobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) the rainbow flag be flown over all ministries and the Bundestag, ideally as part of a broader program. “My goal isn’t to spark a debate over the flag, but to have the government present itself to the community and our many queer employees with this symbol” she explained.