In the run up to Christopher Street Day (Pride) in July this year, a new rainbow bench was unveiled in the centre of the Munich. The location in St-Jakobs-Platz, facing the city's synagogue, is significant, and the inscription on the bench: 'Für Vielfalt, Akzeptanz und Offenheit' (for diversity, acceptance and openness) can be seen as equally relevant to the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities.

The unveiling was led by Thomas Michel, President of GOC München, and 89 year-old Charlotte Knobloch, leader of the Jewish community in Munich and former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. The Burgermeister (Mayor) of Munich also took part in the ceremony and made a speech.

Members of GOC München stood behind the bench and waved rainbow flags after the unveiling.

Thomas has been the driving force behind the project, particularly in forging an alliance with the local Jewish community in order to persuade the city council to put the bench next to the synagogue.

GOC München was set up in 1986 by the late John Heeley, previously a member of Transpennine Group. See previous news item: https://stage.goc.org.uk/news/munich-goc-comes-of-age/

Chris Loy