LGBTIQ+ Employee Group Celebrates 25 Groundbreaking Years

In 1996, we did something unheard of at any large-scale company in Germany: we established an in-house group for Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees – GLOBE.

 

The initiative came from three employees who were inspired by the founding of Ford GLOBE in the US in 1994. 

 

The first meeting, at a pub in Cologne, Germany, was an awkward one, with a handful of people unsure what to say to each other. It was all such new territory. They were nervous, but happy the meeting was taking place and that the group was established. 

 

Today, GLOBE has 854 members worldwide. The group has brought about significant changes regarding diversity and sexual orientation – including gaining equal rights within the company in 2001 – and has also helped other companies set up in-house groups for their LGBTIQ+ employees. 

“The 1980s and 1990s are not that long ago,” said Jochen Trempler, who started as a toolmaker in 1960, was a founding member of GLOBE Germany and retired in 2003. “Homophobia was widespread. I’m sure I speak for other LGBTIQ+ colleagues of that era when I say I often felt safer and more included at work than in public life.”   

Jochen was interviewed for a special virtual event on July 1 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of GLOBE in Germany, along with other interviewees who shared their experiences of coming out. 

 

For more than a century, we have been a pioneer in providing equal opportunity to people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and background. 

 

GLOBE is one of several Employee Resource Groups that provide support for our employees, agency personnel and contractors, and it exemplifies our commitment to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive work environment. 

 

We are currently providing a training programme specific to sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Also in development are programmes and policies that will assist with the integration and smooth transition of transgender employees. 

 

Since 2016, we have offered training on unconscious bias to help employees understand when they might be forming stereotypes about certain people outside of their conscious awareness and showing bias as a result.  

“As a global company, Ford can help raise awareness that human rights are indivisible and apply everywhere at all times, including LGBTIQ+ people of course,” said Eva Reifschneider, GLOBE Germany. “We as a minority need to fight for and defend our rights globally and be visible. Those who speak up can be heard and can help bring about positive change.”

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