Zurich

Description of the city

Population: 413.619 inhabitants (August 2016) 

Goal

The city of Zurich is committed to the task of making the diversity of sexual identities and sexual preferences visible in our society, as well as encourage a public debate. As a modern and cosmopolitan city, Zurich is determined to support the elimination of all kinds of discriminations based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

Policy

In order to support the legal and actual equality of the LGBTI population in all areas of life and within the municipality the City Council extended the specific mandate of the Office for Gender Equality (Department of the Mayor) to LGBTI issues (resolution of the City Council from March 20th 2013). 

Focus areas

  • Consultation and participation in preparing administrative tasks, measures and issues of personnel law, concerning sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Exchange and cooperation with NGOs on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity 
  • Free of charge legal advice and consulting for employees of the municipality on discriminations concerning LGBTI-issues 
  • Promotion, coordination, and support of information exchange on LGBTI-issues within the municipality 
  • Audit mandate to clarify financial support of NGOs working on LGBTI-issues (in collaboration with the Social Services Department of the municipality of Zurich) 
  • Support of consciousness-raising campaigns towards LGBTI-issues 

Collaboration partners

  • City of Berne
  • City of Geneva
  • Transgender Network Switzerland (TGNS)
  • HAZ – Queer Zurch
  • Dachverband Regenbogenfamilien (Rainbow Families)
  • Pink Cop
  • Queeraltern

Publications and other materials