Pride Month: UAS Technikum Wien launches “Queer Engineer” network

In the run-up to Pride Month 2022, the UAS Technikum Wien has launched a network for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students and staff under the title “Queer Engineer”. Allies are also welcome in the network – these are people who are not part of the queer community themselves, but support it and stand up against homophobia and discrimination.

“Queer Engineer stands for acceptance, tolerance and inclusion. In order to give discrimination and exclusion no place, there is still a lot to do in our society,” said Managing Director Gabriele Költringer at the kick-off of the internal network.

“I want to say a special thank you to two students who came to us with a simple question: Why don’t you tell everyone that this is a queer-friendly place to study?” said Mark Adams, languages competency field director and community liaison at the university. “One of them even came out within a course. I’m proud of the student, but I’m also proud of the fact that the atmosphere here at Technikum encourages people to be who they are.”

“We want to show that we are a safe space for this community, that we welcome everyone, both students and staff*, and that we live an open culture,” said Nicole Sagmeister, Equality Manager at FH Technikum Wien.

In addition to Adams as a contact person in person, the community also finds points of contact within the “Students support Students” network on Discords. In addition, an anonymous feedback form has been set up. Activities are to take place several times a semester. The first will be participation in the Rainbow Parade on June 11 together with other universities. With a “Museum of Queer Engineer” in cyberspace, a special accent in terms of visibility will be set in June. More information will follow.