The Federal Youth Council criticises the termination of the framework agreement with the Lambda Youth Network
The Lambda Youth Network has been carrying out nationwide work with queer youth organisations for decades. The organisation enables young queer people to organise themselves, represent their interests and take on responsibility. Its work includes, amongst other things, counselling services, educational and empowerment events, youth exchanges, and the support and training of volunteers.
The termination sends a disastrous signal for youth association work as a whole, and for queer youth association work in particular. At a time when anti-queer discourse is growing louder and young queer people are increasingly experiencing discrimination and exclusion, there is a need for reliable spaces for support, participation and self-organisation.
The Lambda Youth Network is currently in discussions with the Ministry regarding alternative funding options. However, these cannot replace long-term and reliable funding through a framework agreement. Youth association work requires planning certainty so that staff and volunteer structures can be maintained and services secured in the long term.
The Federal Youth Council therefore supports the demand made by the Lambda Youth Network: the Federal Ministry for Youth must withdraw its termination of the framework agreement. At the same time, members of the German Bundestag are called upon to campaign to ensure that nationwide queer youth association work continues to receive reliable funding.
Further information and ways to support this cause can be found in the open letter and on the Lambda Youth Network’s information page.