Germany has laws against discrimination. People must not be treated worse because of their sexual orientation. For example, homosexual or bisexual people are not prosecuted in Germany. And they are not punished either. Same-sex relationships are allowed: a man is allowed to love a man. A woman is allowed to love a woman. Same-sex couples can also get married.
The same applies to sexual identity. For example, trans* and inter* (intersex) people are not prosecuted in Germany either. The little star symbol (asterisk) at the end of trans* and at the end of inter* stands for the many different sexual identities that exist. People use different words for them. The * represents all these diverse identities.
Your sexual orientation or sexual identity can change over the course of your life or stay the same. In many towns and cities, there are centres that offer counselling on these issues. You will often also find events or meeting places. Your local ‘Aidshilfe’ support centre will be happy to help you.
You can find more information on sexual orientation and sexual identity in various languages, including English, at www.zanzu.de.
Find out more about sexual orientation and sexual identity in plain German at:
www.regenbogenportal.de/leichte-sprache
www.liebesleben.de/leichte-sprache/
You can find more information on sexual orientation and sexual identity in easy German at:
www.liebesleben.de