Press release: Queermed Germany receives award as cultural and creative pilot 2023 / 24

Honouring the cultural and creative pilots (Kultur- und Kreativpilot*innen)
The pioneering initiative Queermed Deutschland will be honoured on 19 February as part of the Cultural and Creative Pilots Awards at the Alte Münze in Berlin. The founder, Sara Samson Grzybek, will be honoured for her outstanding work with social and economic impact, particularly in the fight against discrimination in the healthcare sector.

This award is presented annually by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media to 32 exceptional business models, organisations and projects. ‘The award recognises entrepreneurial personalities who use their innovative drive to harness the transformative power of the cultural and creative industries to solve and tackle social and economic challenges,’ according to a press release from the u-institut für unternehmerisches Denken und Handeln e.V., whose project is the Kultur- und Kreativpilot*innen Deutschland award. The association is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection as part of the Federal Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Initiative.

In addition to nationwide attention, the title winners in the cooperative creative pilot network inotiv benefit from the expertise of specialist experts, previous jury members and over 400 alumni companies. They also receive a tailor-made, one-year mentoring programme that accompanies and supports them in their entrepreneurial development.

All 2023 / 24 title holders can be found online.

Previous award-winning projects include TEBALOU, femtasy, gobanjo, &töcher Verlag and detektor.fm.

Queermed Deutschland sets standards in medical care for people who face discrimination. The initiative not only creates an inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, but is also actively committed to ensuring that all people have access to sensitised healthcare, regardless of their identity or orientation.

The online directory on Queermed’s website, through which people can independently make positive recommendations from the healthcare sector and in turn conduct their own research, is used by around 5000 – 6000 users every month. At the same time, there are offers for empowerment measures for patients as well as awareness work for interested doctors and therapists. It is particularly noteworthy that Grzybek has managed the organisation almost single-handedly since it was founded, with the exception of one-off support from volunteers or pro bono support from self-employed people.

In November, Queermed Deutschland received three outstanding awards that underline its pioneering role: the German Diversity Award in the LGBTIQ* Change Maker category, an award in the active competition organised by the Federal Agency for Civic Education and the Respect Award from the Berlin Alliance Against Homophobia.

Sara Samson Grzybek, founder of Queermed Germany, has brought about striking change for people who have experienced discrimination in the healthcare sector through her passionate work. Her tireless dedication to promoting equality and raising awareness in the medical field is reflected in her recognition as a cultural and creative pilot.

Grzybek explains the significance of the awards for the founder as follows: ‘Almost 2 ½ years after launching the website, with so much time and energy put into it, it’s a great feeling to receive this award. For me, it has once again become much clearer what a positive influence Queermed has on so many people in Germany!’

The award at the Alte Münze marks a milestone for Queermed Germany and emphasises the relevance of Grzybek’s work for society. The press is invited to attend the event and learn more about the inspiring mission of Queermed Germany. Please note the relevant accreditation requirements, which will be communicated by the organisers.

Requests for interviews or further information will be accepted from this date. A press kit can be found on the website under ‘Press’.

For press enquiries please contact:

Sara Samson Grzybek (no pronouns, neutral form of address)

sara.grzybek[@]queermed-deutschland.de