KVB station on Rudolfplatz: Rainbow design gets stuck longer!

KVB station on Rudolfplatz: Rainbow design gets stuck longer!

In Cologne city center, a very special stop sign causes a sensation. The Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) installed the colorful signs designed in the rainbow design on Rudolfplatz, which were originally only intended for three days. The reactions to this were mixed, such as Rundschau Online. While many people express their support and enthusiasm, there were also hostility, one -off -insulting comments and personal attacks.

Board of Directors Stefanie Haaks emphasizes the importance of showing attitude and underlines KVB's commitment to an open, diverse and non-discriminatory society. Due to the overwhelming positive feedback, the KVB decided to let the signs hang for longer than planned, even if it is still unclear how long exactly. "Be dear 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 from KVB, which already started with the "variety" on the occasion of the Colognepride and CSD 2019. This path, which is reminiscent of the Stonewall uprising 50 years ago, ran on several lines until recently and was decorated with terms that emphasize openness and appreciation. The KVB informs CityNews Köln about its almost 3,600 nations who enrich the company with its diverse backgrounds.

At the CSD 2019, Cologne was decorated by around 250 rainbow flags, and the city took part in the parade for the first time with its own car and a group of foot. With a strong motto - "50 Years of Pride - many. Together. Strong." - A sign of tolerance and acceptance was set. The supporting program had already started on June 22nd and resulted 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 homosexual couples in Germany since 2017, reality is still challenging for many LGBTQI*people. Discrimination and violence are still sad companions in everyday life of these people, like the ARD Mediathek. Moderator Christina Wolf addresses the acceptance of queer forms of life and examines the difficulties that people like Elli or Patricia have to experience in their everyday life.

elli, a non-binary chimney sweep, ensures that often underrepresented voices are heard, while Patricia tells about the changes in her marriage after her coming out. It shows that despite the social progress of acute educational needs, there is a need for both schools and universities to reduce prejudices and promote respectful coexistence.

It remains to be hoped that the signals of the diversity, which are sent out by the KVB and its actions, bring a lasting light into the dark corners of intolerance and pave the way for sustainable acceptance.