“Visibility is particularly important when it cannot be taken for granted”

Frank Bartels, Head of Event & Travel Management and DITO spokesperson For many, Christopher Street Day is a colourful celebration. Above all, however, it is a demonstration for equal rights, diversity and an open society. This message is becoming increasingly important, particularly at a time when queer people are once again facing heightened hostility and public debates are becoming more heated.

Since the founding of our LGBTIQ staff network, DITO, Frank Bartels has been campaigning for greater visibility and acceptance both within and outside the REWE Group. In this interview, the Head of Event & Travel Management and DITO spokesperson discusses why CSD is more important today than ever before, why he would like to see a stronger return to the movement’s roots, and what impact the employer’s visible support has on many colleagues.

one: The social climate surrounding diversity has changed. Why is it particularly important right now to be visible at CSD?

Frank Bartels: I believe visibility is particularly important when it cannot be taken for granted. Whilst queer people in many parts of the world still have to fight for basic rights and democratic values are coming under increasing pressure, we must not take progress for granted. The CSD reminds us that freedom, equality and social participation must be defended time and again. For me, therefore, being visible means showing solidarity and standing up clearly for an open, diverse and democratic society. That is precisely why we should not take the achievements of the past decades for granted. They depend on people continuing to campaign for freedom, equality and democratic values. Current social developments give me cause for concern in this regard.

one: What does the CSD mean to you personally today – and has that changed over the past few years?

Frank Bartels: Quite clearly – and this is what matters most to me personally – it’s the chance to meet people you rarely see, or perhaps only once a year at the CSD. Fundamentally, I think the CSD should return to its roots. When we take to the streets, supported by straight allies, and stand up for diversity, acceptance and democracy, what’s needed above all are clear messages: what does diversity actually mean? Where do queer people still experience exclusion or discrimination? And what are we taking to the streets for together today? Many buzzwords have now become so abstract, or have been watered down by commercialisation, that sometimes you no longer even know what you’re taking to the streets for or against. I therefore hope that the political origins of the CSD will once again take centre stage. More substance, less marketing.

one: What does it mean for colleagues when their employer is visible at CSD?

Frank Bartels: For queer colleagues, their employer’s visibility at the CSD is a strong sign of support. It shows that the company stands by its values and sees diversity as a strength. For queer staff in particular, this can convey a sense of being seen, respected and welcome. But it also makes it clear to all other staff that a respectful and open approach to one another is actively encouraged, that it makes day-to-day working life easier and that it is key to a company’s success.

On 5 July in Cologne, we once again felt that Pride generates a very special energy. The atmosphere on the float and in the marching group is almost impossible to put into words, and many participants feel proud to be part of an employer that visibly supports and celebrates diversity.

DITO thrives on the commitment of its members. Colleagues from various areas of the RWE Group are dedicated to ensuring that diversity is visible and tangible within the company. Two of them explain what drives them, why this commitment is important to them, and what DITO means to them personally.

DITO helps me balance my work and personal life

Cem Yildiz works in the store refurbishment team at REWE Ost. He has been one of the DITO spokespersons for the East region since January 2026. | Photo: ©private “For me personally, DITO has made a big difference. Being a member gives me the reassurance of knowing what sort of company I work for. For me, DITO is a network, a safe space, and a place to connect with people who have had the same or similar experiences and who understand me. It’s often not easy to talk to heterosexual colleagues about your love life or personal concerns. But work is a place where you spend most of your day. DITO enables me to balance my professional and private life.

With DITO, we’re not just active externally at CSD demonstrations, flying rainbow flags in the shops or through donations. We’re available to all staff as points of contact. I often think to myself: if I’d known back then that these points of contact existed, it would have helped me a great deal during my training.

Through my involvement with DITO, I want to give something back. So much has already been fought for, and I’ve benefited from it too. Continuing this work is my way of saying thank you to the community. So that what we’ve achieved so far is at least preserved. And, in the best-case scenario, gets even better.”

Julia Abshoff is Head of Sales for the full-range division at REWE West and DITO spokesperson for the West region. | Photo: ©private one: Julia, why are you involved with DITO to promote diversity and visibility?

Julia: For me, there’s no alternative to diversity and visibility. Why should I hide who I am? Who would that help? Certainly not me. If you simply are yourself and show who you are, you’re not taking anything away from anyone. On the contrary: you encourage others to be who they are.

one: How exactly do you at DITO champion these causes and support your colleagues?

Julia: For us, diversity and LGBTIQ issues are a natural part of our corporate culture. It’s important to us that everyone can be themselves without having to hide. That’s why we’ve raised awareness of these issues across all our departments and subsidiaries.

Our trainees, too, are given the information and knowledge they need right from the start. We also regularly support staff and external organisations – such as CSD organisations – with their events, for example through donations.

one: What impact can DITO have, both within the RWE Group and externally?

Julia: We shouldn’t underestimatethe extentof our external impact. Every rainbow flag, every sticker and every logo attracts attention. People recognise that the REWE Group isn’t just engaging in marketing or ‘pinkwashing’, and our clear stance is valued – by customers, staff and potential applicants.

Especially now, given the changing political climate, we will not abandon this stance. We remain true to our values, because for us, diversity is a genuine strength and a source of power.