The fight for rights and tolerance has been long and arduous for queer people. Despite growing societal understanding today, the impact on queer individuals remains profound. In her Bachelor's thesis, Melissa Ockelmann, a 26-year-old graduate from IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), tackled the crucial topic of inclusion in old age, developing queer-sensitive guiding principles for senior care. This effort earned her the IU Diversity Award from IU, Germany's largest university with over 130,000 students.
Nicola Schmidt-Geheb, Equal Opportunities Officer at IU, said, "We chose Melissa Ockelmann's work because it highlights the vital importance of considering the needs of queer seniors in social work. By creating queer-sensitive guiding principles, she sets new standards and significantly raises awareness of queer seniors as integral members of our society. Her work is a significant step towards greater inclusion and respect for queer people."
Melissa’s guiding principles provide a framework for professionals and managers in senior care, encouraging them to offer and institutionally anchor services and spaces for queer seniors. These principles are based on literature about queer theory, historical backgrounds, and generational and age-related needs.
"The aim is to highlight the importance of a queer perspective in working with older people, incorporating their specific needs and lifestyles," Melissa stated.
Her interest in this field was sparked by attending a queer film festival in Hamburg focusing on lesbian literature, where projects like "Älter werden unterm Regenbogen" ignited her passion for addressing the needs of older queer individuals.
"I want to draw attention to the lack of spaces for queer seniors and encourage institutions to engage with their histories to create acceptance and safety," Melissa explained. "My work aims to build supportive institutional structures, promoting openness and respect in dealing with queer individuals. Older generations should no longer need to hide; every person should be supported and valued for who they are."
Following an initial dropout from a state university degree, Melissa's federal voluntary service at a children’s and youth organisation led her to IU’s dual study programme in Social Work.
"The dual study programme at IU was an ideal continuation of my voluntary service, allowing me to gain practical experience. My previous university experience lacked variety, but IU’s approach of combining study with practice convinced me. In social work, practical experience from the start is invaluable," she shared.
As Germany's largest academic training institution for social work, IU currently educates around 30,000 students in health and social sectors, offering comprehensive qualifications through distance learning, dual study programmes, and continuing education at the IU Academy.
About the IU Diversity Award:
Since 2018, the IU Diversity Award has been presented biannually by a jury of a ten-member team of employees from various departments. It is open to both local and international IU students who submit their Bachelor’s or Master’s theses. With a prize of €500, the award aims to raise public awareness of diversity research.
For more information on IU’s equality and diversity initiatives, please visit: https://www.iu.de/en/university/diversity/
