Queer and refugee: two identity characteristics that pose challenges in themselves – and, when combined, create a multiply discriminated, often overlooked target group. Alina Klein, a resident of Bochum and a graduate of the dual degree programme in Social Work at IU International University of Applied Sciences in Dortmund, dedicated her bachelor's thesis to queer refugees in Germany and was honoured with the IU Diversity Award 2025 for her work.
In her thesis, titled "LGBTQIA+ in the Context of Refuge," Alina Klein explores the intersectional challenges and needs of queer people with refugee experience. The goal of her work is to create visibility, promote understanding, and provide professionals with concrete practical options.
"Many queer refugees experience double marginalisation - because of their origins as well as their sexual orientation or gender identity," explains the 28-year-old graduate. "My work aims to demonstrate that more is needed than symbolism - namely, real spaces, protection concepts, and awareness-raising in everyday working life."
Her thesis was closely linked to her practical work at the Protestant Youth Welfare Service in Bochum. There, she works in a self-sufficiency project for unaccompanied minor refugees. She also conducted interviews with professionals from a network partner in Bochum that provides educational work on sexual and gender diversity and targeted services for queer refugees.
IU's dual study model offered her the ideal foundation for combining theory and practice: "I was able to directly apply my knowledge to my everyday professional life – and, conversely, to work on the topics that concern me in practice in a scientifically sound manner. The high degree of flexibility in the design of the examinations allowed me to translate my passion into an academic work."
Even during her studies, Alina Klein was already involved beyond the curriculum. She organised training courses on discrimination protection and implemented awareness-raising campaigns in her own work environment, such as workshops for young refugees, flyers, stickers, and rainbow pins. "It's often the little things that have a big impact. One client told me that our campaign made her feel truly seen. That was very touching," she recalls.
Awarded the IU Diversity AwardAlina Klein’s work was honoured with the IU Diversity Award 2025 for its particular social relevance and practice-oriented depth.
"Alina impressively succeeds in illuminating a highly sensitive topic not only with a scientifically sound approach, but also with tangible empathy and practical relevance. Her work highlights what is often overlooked in everyday life – and provides concrete ideas on how professionals can better support queer refugees. An outstanding example of how science can help shape social change," says Ariane Weber, employee in the Equal Opportunities Office and project manager of the Diversity Award at IU International University of Applied Sciences.
Even beyond her graduation, Alina Klein continues to pursue her vision. She recently began a master's degree in social work with a focus on trauma education, refugee issues, and migration, and she also envisions pursuing a doctorate in the long term. Her goal: to share her own experiences with students and encourage them in their future roles as social workers.
IU currently trains around 30,000 people in the health and social care sector, making it the largest academic provider in this field. Through distance learning programmes (Bachelor's , Master's , MBA), dual study programmes, and continuing education courses at the IU Academy, interested students can acquire in-depth knowledge and qualify for a variety of careers in the social sector.
IU International University of Applied Science has been presenting the IU Diversity Award twice a year since 2018. The IU Diversity Award jury consists of a ten-person team of employees from various departments. IU students from Germany and abroad have the opportunity to submit their bachelor's or master's theses. In 2024, Felix Würkner from Berlin and Melissa Ockelmann from Hamburg received this prestigious award. While Felix Würkner impressed with a cross-media campaign for gender and sexual diversity to prevent homophobia and transphobia, Ockelmann addressed the topic of inclusion in old age and presented a queer-sensitive mission statement for open senior citizen work. The IU Diversity Award aims to contribute to raising public awareness of the research field of diversity and carries a prize of 500 euros.
Further information on equality and diversity at IU can be found at: https://www.iu.de/en/university/diversity
