The CEO of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ counseling service, Marcel de Groot, has received the Tempelhof-Schöneberg District Office’s “Award for Queer Diversity.” The prize, which carries a €1,500 purse, was presented on July 3 at Schöneberg Town Hall, the district announced on Monday. About 120 guests from the community, politics, and administration attended the ceremony.
The second-place prize, accompanied by €500, went to the L-Support association. In total, five candidates were nominated for the award, including not only de Groot but also LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg, trans artist and activist Misi Hoogvliet, and the organization transsexwork.
District Mayor Jörn Oltmann praised the work of the queer community in the district at the ceremony. “We host not only one of the largest rainbow neighborhoods in Europe, but also a wide array of facilities, clubs, and queer institutions,” said the Green Party politician, according to the announcement. “Your daily work makes our neighborhoods safer, more beautiful, and more democratic. We want to make this commitment visible, celebrate it, and honor it — every year, every month, every day!” (mize)
Marcy Ellerton
