At the beginning of the 1970s, the German gay and lesbian movement emerged around universities and colleges. The first gay student groups were founded in Bochum, Münster and West Berlin. The first demonstration for gay rights took place in 1972 in the university town of Münster. A good ten years later, the gay department was also formed at the University of Düsseldorf.

The autonomous department for bisexual and gay students in Düsseldorf celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2018. The team of speakers of the joint student representation at Heinrich Heine University and the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf advises young students and plans events such as the traditional semester kick-off or lecture and cinema evenings. | facebook.com/autonomesreferatfuerbiundschwulstudis

GAY COUNSELLING DÜSSELDORF was founded in 1998 in the then lesbian and gay centre Café Rosa Mond e.V.. Until today, a team of professional counsellors offers its help on a voluntary basis. Open meetings on the 1st Wednesday of month. | www.schwulenberatung-duesseldorf.de

The VÖLKLINGER KREIS is the network of gay executives and self-employed people. The Düsseldorf regional group has more than 60 members – craftsmen and academics, doctors and lawyers, service providers and producers.

The VK is committed to holistic diversity management in business, administration and organisations and has been organising the DiverseCity congress in Düsseldorf for several years on the opportunities and challenges posed by diversity in work and society. The monthly meetings focus on networking and the exchange of experiences. | www.vk-online.de

The Gay Assault Hotline (SCHWULES ÜBERFALL-TELEFON – "SÜT") has existed since 1997 and offers anonymous counselling and help for gays and bisexuals who have experienced violence. It does not only have to be about the classic "assault", the SÜT also helps with bullying, stalking or domestic violence. | Phone: 0211 / 19228 | Mondays 6-8 p.m. | Thursdays 2-4 p.m.