In Lower Saxony, queer-phobic incidents can now be documented for the first time through a centralized civil-society reporting center, the Queer Network of Lower Saxony (QNN) announced. It has established the MIQ—the Reporting and Information Center on Queer-hostility—in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Social Affairs and the network.
The goal is to make the scale and forms of queer-hostility more visible and to support those affected as they seek assistance. Social Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) described the rising number of queer-hostile attacks as an “alarm signal for our society.” When people are attacked because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, it affects democratic coexistence, the minister said. The new reporting center makes an important contribution by documenting incidents systematically and by giving those affected a safe and anonymous space.
From the perspective of QNN, such a structure is necessary. “Many incidents go unreported and remain invisible,” said board chair Lisa Kühn. “With the reporting center, a low-threshold way is created to report and document experiences. Only on the basis of a well-founded situational picture can we develop effective prevention measures.”
According to the organizers, queer-hostility incidents from across Lower Saxony can be reported via an online form as well as a dedicated reporting hotline. Online and offline incidents—from discriminatory remarks to acts of violence—will be recorded. The reports can be submitted anonymously and will be evaluated under strong data privacy standards to reveal developments and patterns. Those affected can also receive a one-time referral to further supportive services as part of the reporting process.
Upon request, anonymized accounts of individual incidents may be published in a chronicle on the website. The reporting center is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, Health, and Equality.
