The division for queer policies; sexual and gender diversity is the coordinating unit within the Federal Government for matters and tasks relating to sexual and gender diversity. In addition, it regularly works with the federal states, LGBTIQ+ organisations and associations at national and international level.
Commissioner for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity
In January 2022, the Federal Government appointed its first Commissioner for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity - the Commissioner acts as a liaison between the LGBTIQ+ community and the Federal Government. The Commissioner's tasks include coordinating LGBTIQ+ policy projects.
LGBTIQ+ Action Plan
In November 2022, the Federal Government implemented, for the first time, a federal LGBTIQ+ Action Plan. The Queer Commissioner is in charge of overseeing the implementation of this plan. It contains measures in six fields of action (legal recognition, participation, security, health, strengthening of counselling and community structures, international affairs). In an extensive process launched in March 2023 (including civil society actors, all relevant ministries and the federal states), the steps for the implementation of these measures were agreed upon. This process concluded in September 2024 with detailed recommendation papers in particular from civil society for further prioritising and implementing these measures. As of December 2024, nearly two-thirds of the 134 proposed measures had already been implemented or were in progress. These are the findings of a detailed report issued by the Federal Government concerning the progress of the Action Plan's implementation.
Self-Determination Act
In April 2024, the Bundestag passed the Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz, SBGG), allowing trans, intersex, and non-binary people to update their gender marker through a simple declaration at the registry office, based on self-determination. This new law replaced the Transsexuals Act (Transsexuellengesetz, TSG). On various occasions the Federal Constitutional Court outlawed various provisions of the TSG as unconstitutional. On november 1st 2024, the Self-Determination Act came into effect, introducing a process according to which trans, intersex, and non-binary people aged 18 and older can change their records by making a personal declaration, with only a three-month waiting period required. It is no longer necessary to go through court proceedings or submit medical certificates or psychological evaluations. Minors over the age of 14 can also change their gender marker with parental approval or legal recourse, while younger children can have their parents act on their behalf. An evaluation of the Self-Determination Act is ongoing.