United in bronze, four figures stand here. They mark the Ort für die Erinnerung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt. This place is a monument in Düsseldorf. It honors the memory and acceptance of gender and sexual diversity.
Düsseldorf’s queer community long desired this visible symbol. It stands near the Rhine River on the Apollowiese. The figures stand back-to-back. They hold hands forming a circle. Some raise a fist while others show the victory sign.
Claus Richter created this bronze sculpture. He titled it “Ein seltsam klassisches Denkmal” meaning “A strangely classical monument”. It is a place for the LSBTIQ+ community. LSBTIQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer. The monument remembers the exclusion and persecution these groups faced. It also celebrates their fight for emancipation. They fought against discrimination and oppression. It is meant to be a lively place. It fosters openness and acceptance.
The location is significant. It is in the government district. The NRW-Staatskanzlei is nearby. So is the Rheinkniebrücke. Thousands stroll along the Rhine promenade here. The community also celebrates its annual CSD nearby. CSD is Christopher Street Day.
Dr. Stephan Keller is Düsseldorf’s Oberbürgermeister. He spoke at the unveiling. He said Düsseldorf is open and tolerant. This artwork fits here. It commemorates discrimination. It also symbolizes the city’s diversity. He hopes it reminds everyone. Tolerance is not guaranteed. He encourages people to stand up for respect. He urges them to fight against hate.
Gabriele Bischoff spoke for the LSBTIQ+ Forum Düsseldorf. She noted the long journey to realize this Ort für die Erinnerung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt. The idea started in 1996. An exhibition highlighted the fate of homosexuals during the Nazi era. It took over 20 years to complete. Movements need time.
Bischoff hopes future generations understand the figures’ message. People fought for the right to love. Love should not limit itself to a man and a woman. There are more than two genders.
Claus Richter is the artist from Cologne. He is happy his work became reality. He says the figures hold hands. They show unity. This shows something humanistic. It represents the power of community.
Heike van den Valentyn is the Kunstkommission Düsseldorf’s chairwoman. She thanked those involved. They included the LSBTIQ+ Forum and the Mahn- und Gedenkstätte. The Ort für die Erinnerung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt is Düsseldorf’s artistic symbol. It stands for diversity and tolerance.
Laura Rohrbeck hosted the unveiling. She remembered Karl Carduck. He was a gay Nazi victim. Düsseldorf honored him with a Stolperstein. The queer youth center PULS also participated. They presented the past, present, and future of the LSBTIQ+ situation.
The LSBTIQ+ Forum Düsseldorf created a website. It provides information about the Ort für die Erinnerung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt. The address is www.lsbtiq-erinnerungsort-duesseldorf.de.
This Ort für die Erinnerung und Akzeptanz geschlechtlicher und sexueller Vielfalt stands as a reminder. It is a symbol of hope. It champions a future of acceptance for all.