Berlin's queer representative on bullying of gay teacher: Jehovah's Witnesses also use violence

Now, Berlin's queer commissioner, Alfonso Pantisano, is also responding to a report of homophobic incidents at the Carl Bolle Elementary School in Moabit . "He will never accept queerphobia, regardless of whether it is religiously motivated or fueled by right-wing ideologies," Pantisano told the Berliner Zeitung. "Schools, in particular, must be places where children, teachers, educational staff, and parents can learn, live, and work without fear of hostility."

A homosexual teacher claims to have been verbally abused, insulted, and bullied by students at the Carl Bolle Elementary School for months. He told the Süddeutsche Zeitung, which published an article about the case earlier this week, which has since garnered nationwide attention.

According to the report, the teacher was repeatedly insulted by students. They included statements like "Gay is disgusting, Mr. Inácio-Stech is disgusting." He was accused of "hating" or "killing" women. Muslim students also called the teacher "a disgrace to the family" or "a disgrace to Islam." The man was also physically threatened.

As the Berlin state government's queer representative, Pantisano says he has followed the media coverage and contacted the teacher. They are in personal contact. He has also contacted the administration of the Carl Bolle Elementary School, the responsible school inspectorate, and the chair of the General Parents' Association (GEV) with an "urgent request for a meeting." The Berlin Senate administration states that the conflict surrounding the teacher has been known for some time.

As the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports, the school on Waldenserstrasse has a very high proportion of students with a migrant background (95 percent). The teacher said that before coming out to the students, he considered whether he should "protect" himself because many of the parents were "very religious" and came from "traditional cultures."

Alfonso Pantisano: “Queerphobia in all classes and cultures”

"When children express queerphobia, it usually has a direct connection to their parents and families," says Pantisano. "Since we know that queerphobia occurs in all social classes and cultures, our focus must be on society as a whole." However, it also has a direct connection to religions.

“Part of this bitter truth is that when violence against the queer community is religiously motivated, This comes from Islam as well as the Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Orthodox Churches, and recently, increasingly, from Evangelicals," says Berlin's Queer Commissioner. Therefore, "intersectional prevention concepts" must be promoted and "active engagement in schools, education, and religious communities" must be demanded.

When asked how homophobic incidents in schools can be better prevented, Pantisano cites a "state strategy for queer safety" that is currently being developed. "These measures must also be implemented at the grassroots level, including in schools."