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Queer election criteria on social issues, education, infrastructure and security
The Darmstadt-based association vielbunt eV is using the Hessian municipal elections on March 15, 2026, as an opportunity to formulate concrete demands for city politicians. The proposals are to be published as election litmus tests and offer citizens guidance on how parties position themselves on LGBTQ+ issues.
The non-profit organization has been working on a voluntary basis since its founding in 2010 to promote a diverse and tolerant Darmstadt. vielbunt sees itself as a contact point and voice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex, and queer people and actively shapes queer life in the city.
Social security, health and education in focus
A key focus of the demands is social security and healthcare. vielbunt calls for targeted support for LGBTQ+ youth who have to leave their homes due to discrimination or violence. This includes a dedicated, specialized contact person at the youth welfare office and safe accommodation in cooperation with youth welfare organizations.
The association also sees a need for action regarding older queer people. They are calling for a city-wide "Queer in Old Age" concept that includes, among other things, queer-sensitive care services, training for caregivers, and social meeting places for senior citizens.
In the health sector, vielbunt advocates for the establishment of a PrEP practice in Darmstadt, as well as for the maintenance of low-threshold testing services at the health department and the Darmstadt AIDS support organization.
In the education sector, the association calls for regular awareness-raising programs for staff in daycare centers and primary schools regarding gender diversity and rainbow families. Furthermore, it advocates for greater research into and visibility of the city's queer history.
Infrastructure, administration and violence prevention
Further demands concern public infrastructure. vielbunt advocates for unisex toilets, showers, and changing rooms in municipal buildings. The Queer Center Darmstadt should also be made fully accessible.
At the municipal level, the association calls for the strengthening of the LGBT*IQ coordination office, non-discriminatory administrative language, and active participation of the city in the Hessian "Network against Violence" for the prevention of queerphobic attacks.
Supporting queer structures in Darmstadt
Furthermore, vielbunt is calling for a third part-time position at the Queer Youth Center to meet the needs of the growing number of young people, as well as annual funding for Christopher Street Day in Darmstadt. Currently, CSD is organized by volunteers but has to pay high fees to the city.
According to its own statements, vielbunt intends to strengthen the dialogue with city politics with the formulated election criteria and to contribute to ensuring that issues of the queer community remain visible in the local election campaign.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM7vb)
