Queer by the numbers Understanding LGBTQ+ realities and how to support

For more than 10 years, The DO has been accelerating change inside leading organizations, from H&M to Mercedes-Benz to the City of New York, by focusing obsessively on the one thing that a sustainable and equitable economy needs: people who implement it.  

Today, DEI programs and LGBTQIA+ initiatives are facing increasing backlash – driven by complex political dynamics, polarized discourse, and rising fear of reputational risk.

We’re feeling it ourselves.

Even though our organization's core purpose is rooted in building a more equitable economy, we’ve found ourselves debating: How much can we share? What can we talk about?

Suddenly, we’re navigating difficult conversations, that weren't so difficult a little while ago.

And maybe that’s exactly the point. In moments like these, the ability to sit with discomfort, listen deeply, and understand the facts becomes a crucial capability.

So we decided to pause and listen. To step back and ask:
What are the actual-lived realities of queer communities today? 

This is our open source research.
Please feel free to read, share act or add to it.

Facts & figures

an illustration for staggering numbers related to LGBTQI+ wellbeing

Being open at work is still a struggle

31%
of LGBTQI* individuals in Germany are not openly out to their colleagues
40%
are not out to their superiors
What you can do

- Add your pronouns to your email signature, Zoom name, and LinkedIn.  

- Use neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse”

- Participate in Pride Network events even if you’re not LGBTQ+

- Avoid jokes, stereotypes, or assumptions (e.g., about clothing, voice, or relationship roles) and interrupt these comments when you hear them.

- Credit ideas shared by LGBTQ+ colleagues in meetings and nominate them for speaking opportunities or recognition

Proudr

Proudr is the career network for queer people who no longer want to choose between their career and identity. They bring queer talent together, create visibility and open doors.

Become a member or partner here
an illustration with striking numbers related to violence and hate crimes against LGBTQI+ people

Violence is on the rise

1,785
police-reported hate crimes
against LGBTQI+ in 2023
18%
Violence played a role in around 18% of the cases of hate crime against this group
What you can do

- Support local, national, and workplace policies that: Recognize and track hate crimes, increase protection for LGBTQ+ people in public spaces, housing, schools, and healthcare, improve police and emergency services’ handling of LGBTQ+ issues.

- Volunteer with or donate to LGBTQ+ crisis centers and anti-violence programs.

- Learn how to safely intervene when witnessing harassment or hate for instance by using the 4D: distracting the perpetrator, documenting safely (with consent), delegating (getting help), direct intervention if safe.

Maneo logo

Maneo is the most experienced and best-known gay anti-violence-project in Germany. They offer advice to more than 300 victims of violence annually, records anti-gay acts of violence and provides violence-prevention public relations work.

Donate here
an illustration for staggering numbers related to LGBTQI+ and discriminations

Discrimination goes unreported

83%
of inter* individuals in Germany did not report their last discrimination incident
90%
This number rise up to 90% for trans* people

Fighting the lack of discrimination reporting, especially against LGBTQ+ people, requires creating conditions where people feel safe, believed, and supported—and where reporting actually leads to change.

What you can do

- Encourage openness without pressure: Make it clear that concerns will be taken seriously—without fear of retaliation or judgment. Use phrases like:“If something feels off, you have a right to say something.” or “We’ll believe you, and we’ll act on it.”

- Advocate for: Anonymous reporting options, multiple channels (email, hotline, online form, in-person), clear step-by-step guides on how to report and what happens next.  Ensure reporting tools are accessible (language, disability, digital access).

- Create an anonymous climate survey at your workplace that tracks experiences of discrimination and trust in the reporting process. Use this data to spotlight gaps and build the case for improvement.

MinaS, the largest association representing nonbinary and agender people in Germany.

MinaS is the largest association representing nonbinary and agender people in Germany. They have been involved in different forms of activism, such as lobbying the federal government during the drafting of its self-ID law, hosting workshops and talks, or challenging instances of discrimination by corporations.

Participate
an illustration for staggering numbers related to LGBTQI+ and mental health

Mental health struggles

1.5
LGBTQI+ are 1.5 more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorder than the rest of the pouplation.
18%
Violence played a role in around 18% of the cases of hate crime against this group

LGBT+ people face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population. Gay and bisexual men are four times more likely to attempt suicide, and 13% of LGBT+ people aged 18–24 have attempted suicide in the past year. These disparities aren’t because someone is LGBT+, but are often the result of stigma, discrimination, and violence.Despite the need, only about half of LGBT+ people with mental health concerns access support—similar to non-LGBT+ populations. Historically mislabelled and marginalised, LGBT+ communities are still coping with the impacts of prejudice, which continues to drive mental health and substance use issues today.

What you can do

- Don’t dismiss things as “just stress” or “not a big deal.” Avoid “toxic positivity” (e.g., “Just focus on the good stuff!”). Say instead: "That sounds hard. I’m really glad you told me. Want to talk more about it?"

- After a difficult event (e.g., anti-LGBTQ+ law or hate crime in the news), say “I saw what happened—just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.”

- Know a few LGBTQ+ mental health orgs, hotlines, or therapists.

- Model emotional openness at work: Talk about your own ups and downs, encourage therapy, self-care, and rest without shame.

Schwulenberatung logo

Schwulenberatung Berlin is a counselling center that offer help to gay and bisexual men, trans* and inter* people, people living with HIV/Aids and their relatives or partners. All services are confidential. They can provide services in many languages such as Arabic, English, French, Greek, Polish, Slovak, Spanish, Czech, Russian or Turkish and are here to help those seeking advice, counselling and long or short term support

Donate here
picture with people celebrating

Want more info?

Check out this database of studies on queer life in Germany.
You can download infos and ask questions!

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Want to start DOing? See our open Positions.

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