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KVB station at Rudolfplatz: Rainbow design stays put longer!
Cologne's city center celebrates diversity: KVB extends rainbow design at Rudolfplatz after positive feedback and support.
KVB station at Rudolfplatz: Rainbow design stays put longer!
A very special stop sign is causing a stir in Cologne city center. The Cologne Transport Company (KVB) installed the colorful, rainbow-designed signs at Rudolfplatz, which were originally only intended for three days. The reactions to this were mixed, as Rundschau Online reports. While many people expressed support and enthusiasm, there was also hostility, including insulting comments and personal attacks.
CEO Stefanie Haaks emphasizes the importance of taking a stand and underlines the KVB's commitment to an open, diverse and non-discriminatory society. Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the KVB has decided to leave the signs up longer than planned, although exactly how long is still unclear. “Be kind to each other” is the motto of the current respect campaign, which is urgently addressed in Cologne.
A celebration of diversity
The rainbow design is not just a temporary work of art, but part of a long-term commitment by the KVB, which began with the “Vielfalt-Bahn” on the occasion of ColognePride and CSD 2019. This railway, which commemorates the Stonewall uprising 50 years ago, until recently ran on several lines and was decorated with terms that emphasize openness and appreciation. The KVB informs Citynews Cologne about its almost 3,600 employees from over 30 nations who enrich the company with their diverse backgrounds.
At the CSD 2019, Cologne was decorated with around 250 rainbow flags, and the city took part in the parade for the first time with its own float and a walking group. With a strong motto - "50 Years of Pride - Many. Together. Strong." – an example of tolerance and acceptance was set. The supporting program began on June 22nd and culminated in the large street festival at Cologne's Heumarkt, which lasted from July 5th to 7th.
Challenges for the LGBTQI* community
Despite progress, such as the legalization of marriage for gay couples in Germany since 2017, the reality remains challenging for many LGBTQI* people. Discrimination and violence are still sad companions in these people's everyday lives, as the ARD Mediathek shows. Moderator Christina Wolf addresses the acceptance of queer lifestyles and examines the difficulties that people like Elli or Patricia have to experience in their everyday lives.
Elli, a non-binary chimney sweep, ensures that often underrepresented voices are heard, while Patricia talks about the changes in her marriage after coming out. It shows that despite social progress, there is an acute need for education, both in schools and universities, in order to reduce prejudices and promote respectful interaction.
It remains to be hoped that the signals of diversity sent by the KVB and its actions will bring lasting light into the dark corners of intolerance and pave the way for sustainable acceptance.