School
of Diversity

Respectful and accepting

Dealing with non-binary, trans and intersex children and young people

We want to create an accepting and respectful environment in which children and young people are seen and taken seriously in terms of their gender identity. Decisions that affect them should take their wishes into account in accordance with their age and maturity. Schools can and should help children and young people to find themselves.

Excerpt from the ad hoc recommendations of the German Ethics Council on trans identity in children and young people (Berlin, 21 February 2020)

"For the adults involved – the parents with custody and the treating professionals – this also means taking into account the child's ideas and wishes while protecting their well-being."

"The general right of personality also includes the right to live a life in accordance with one's own subjectively felt gender identity and to be recognised in this identity.
In all decision-making processes, the child must be heard and their ideas and wishes must be taken into account in accordance with their maturity and age. This rule is all the more important as it concerns questions of personal identity, which ultimately must be decided by the person concerned."

Legal basis for the name change

Self-Determination Act (SBGG)

The Self-Determination Act (SBGG) has been in force since 1 November 2024. Important for everyday school life:

Under 14 years of age: The parents with custody submit the declaration of change to the registry office.
From the age of 14: The person concerned can submit the declaration of change themselves – with the consent of their legal guardians or via the family court.

There is a waiting period of three months; one change is possible per year.

Even at school, the consent of legal guardians is no longer mandatory for a name change from the age of 14! However, the aim should still be to support the parents.

Dual naming

Application

Application (from age 14): Pupils should contact their form teacher, preferably with the consent of their parents or guardians. The counselling team will assist with the decision.
Implementation in school operations:
- Adjustments in school administration: Entry of gender (e.g. "diverse") and first name.
- New email address/IServ and class lists with first name.
- Class teacher informs subject teachers.
School reports: Until the civil registry has recognised the change, the birth name must appear on school reports. After the official name change, the reports can be reissued to prevent disclosure obligations.

Note: The contact persons are class teachers and guidance counsellors, the school social workers and the school management.

Procedure for subsequent requests

Request by the pupil to class teachers/form tutors, school social workers or school management.
From age 14: Application for first name (see above).
Under age 14: Informal statement by parents; information about counselling services and support measures.
Parental support available?
- Yes: implementation of the agreements.
- No: Conflict mediation between legal guardians and pupil; individual support services.

Your contact persons

Lucas Sieberg

Schulleiter

Dirk Sydow

Stellv. Schulleiter

Sophia Beckmann

Schulsozialarbeiterin

Fidelis Amo-Antwi

Beratungslehrer

Melanie Kamps

Beratungslehrerin, Deutsch als Zweitsprache, Ganztag

Melanie Lenger

Beratungslehrerin