In order to support trans* and inter* students, Leipzig University already recognises first names and gender identities ahead of the official amendment (Rectorate decision dated 12 August 2021). This recognition is essential to uphold the general right to protection of personality and to prevent gender discrimination.
Respect and recognition
In order to support trans* and inter* students, Leipzig University already recognises first names and gender identities ahead of the official amendment (Rectorate decision dated 12 August 2021). Besides addressing the person with their new first name, their personal data also needs to be adjusted in university processes. This applies to personal data, for example:
- in the central campus management system,
- on the UniCard,
- class participant lists,
- examination results
- and on internship certificates.
Requirements and procedures
This requires a signed statement that the name and gender change will be used by the university on an irrevocable basis. If the change has already been made officially, the corresponding documentation shall suffice. The adjustment is carried out as follows:
- Students are given an appointment for the adjustment at the Office for Equality, Diversity and Family Affairs.At the appointment, students will receive information on the procedure, the technical adjustment, the consequences thereof and assistance in completing the adjustment form. The adjustment form contains the statement to be signed as mentioned above. The changes apply to the personal student file, the UniCard, the university login ( where applicable), email inboxes, digital certificates, management systems, etc.
- Implementing the changes
The adjustment form is forwarded internally to the relevant offices (student office, University Computer Centre). Students will be informed by email about the corresponding cut-off times and deadlines for the adjustments, e.g. when their old account is deleted at the University Computer Centre, UniCard is reissued, etc
Allyship
The third gender has been legally recognised in Germany since the end of 2018. This means that the civil status law permits the entry "divers" along with male and female, or it can also be left blank. This recognition enables people with differences of sex development to have their gender and first name legally changed. Since then, the Transsexuals Act has also made it possible to have one's first name legally changed. This applies to people who no longer feel that they are a member of the sex indicated on their birth certificate, but to the opposite sex. Institutions are obliged to recognise the new first names or gender identity by no later than when the official change is made.
What may sound straightforward in theory is, in practice, often a process that takes several years for trans* and inter* people, as the changes have to be substantiated by means of expert opinions, medical certificates and, in some cases, court proceedings. The lived identity and its official recognition do not coincide during this period. Those affected are repeatedly confronted with this problem, faced with having to explain their situation regularly, being addressed using the incorrect first name and having to repeatedly out themselves in front of strangers. This often leads to great distress, impaired academic performance and, in the worst case, to dropping out of university. That is why it is important to support trans* and inter* students as an ally.