A/HRC/55/44/Add.1 gendered stereotypes and expectations that bring discomfort to LGBTIQ+ persons, considered to be outside of “the norm”, as well as to others, as it makes gender roles an issue where it should not be relevant. 70. The Special Rapporteur was told that no education curriculum mentions intersex persons, and sex education does not acknowledge their existence or bodily experience, but instead perpetuates the binary notion of sex. More needs to be done to challenge all forms of discrimination and hate speech, ensure awareness-raising and tolerance throughout education, as well as to provide support for those who, due to past practices and legislation, have not had the possibility to become their full authentic self, and may therefore need specific psychological support. 71. The Special Rapporteur was glad to hear of the possibility of pursuing gender and queer studies at some universities, of efforts to develop research and knowledge on trans, intersex and non-binary issues, and to move away from pathologizing these realities. She was told that the funding provided at the federal level to support teenagers and young people transitioning was greatly appreciated and should continue. The Special Rapporteur commends the Government and encourages it to adopt more initiatives such as the “Live Democracy!” programme. She also encourages the inclusion of culture as a cross-cutting consideration in the implementation of the 2022 national action plan for queer life (Aktionsplan “Queer leben”). 3. Linguistic diversity 72. Thanks to very high numbers of translations from other languages, foreign literature, films and other artistic productions are readily available to German speakers. Conversely, in several fields, the use of a language other than German has negative connotations, even more so in the case of certain languages. The Special Rapporteur was told that artistic productions either in sign language or in any language other than German were generally perceived as threatening, or as directed only at those speaking that language, and not as opportunities for all to engage with other cultural realities. She was also informed that a negative attitude towards linguistic diversity prevails in schools, and that the use of any language other than German had been banned in some school playgrounds. 73. While a common language is important, the diversity of languages present on the German territory should be seen as an asset. Resources and measures to maintain and transmit different languages or to foster their use should be decided on the basis of a fair assessment of the commitment and will of those speaking those languages. An excellent approach was that of Leipzig local authorities which, during the COVID-19 pandemic and upon the request of the local population, worked in seven different languages, thereby ensuring the recognition of vulnerable persons and the general protection of all. 4. Intersectional challenges 74. The stereotyped portrayals and negative images in the media of ethnic minority and migrant women are still a challenge and have undermined the ability of such women to become better integrated into society; another challenge is the non-acceptance of LGBTIQ+ migrants, both by the LGBTIQ+ community itself and migrant projects and refugee spaces in general. The Special Rapporteur was glad to witness the broad variety of civil society organizations addressing the intersectionality of various characteristics. Those organizations not only ensure the provision of important safe spaces, which needs to be encouraged and supported, but can also understand and analyse better intersectional situations and provide guidance for necessary, targeted measures. 75. The Special Rapporteur stresses the need to ensure that broader associations and general public measures, in rural as much as urban areas, fully consider the intersectional forms of discrimination and the diverse challenges they represent, and encourages regular diversity training and campaigns that normalize differences and mutual respect. GE.24-01816 15