Most of my voluntary social work happens through VDGE e.V., an association I founded and have chaired since its beginnings. Through this work, I lead self-help groups and provide peer counseling for transgender and intersex people.
VDGE e.V. grew out of the only self-help group in the entire Lake Constance and Black Forest region. I founded it in 2016 in Radolfzell under the name "Trans* SHG Hegau". From the very beginning, up to 25 people attended each meeting, which showed me how much this kind of support was needed.
As we grew and opened another group in Villingen (Black Forest), the original name no longer made sense. So in 2021, I founded VDGE e.V. as an umbrella organization for all existing and future groups.
As chairwoman, I am responsible for organizing the association, coordinating the groups, and ensuring reliable support for the people who come to us. I used to run three groups myself. These days I run one in Sulz am Neckar, which allows me to focus on other areas of the association too.
As a woman with a transgender past, I know the problems and hurdles that people face, as well as the social marginalization, discrimination, and hatred they encounter. That is why I also fight politically for the rights and a better life for all queer people.
From October 2021 until February 2025, I was a member of the federal board of the party mut, committed as spokesperson for women's and queer politics. I was also responsible for the party's website and social media presence, work I have continued even after leaving the party in February 2025.
In 2020, I ran for Lord Mayor of Constance. I withdrew my candidacy shortly before the election because a new candidate entered the race with almost the same programme and significantly more political experience. I did not want us to split the vote.
I describe myself as anti-fascist. I fight against right-wing ideology and do everything I can to counter the shift to the right in Germany, particularly for people in marginalized groups.
Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome to look into the mut party's programme and consider joining.
I am an activist and feminist. I fight for the rights of transgender and intersex people, for real equality for all women, and against verbal and physical violence against women.
Above all, I am passionate about fighting for rights, against discrimination, and against violence and hatred targeting trans people. To that end, I try to be as visible as possible.
I give lectures at schools, universities, and social institutions, and I am a regular lecturer in the curriculum of two large clinics, speaking twice a year to nursing students on the topic of "LGBT in nursing".
I also try to reach people through the media. I have made many TV appearances, including in a major documentary on VOX, as a guest on "Britt" on Sat.1, and on Barbara Karlich's talk show on ORF. There are several documentaries about my life, and I am regularly featured in regional newspapers in south-west Germany.
In October 2018, my wife Michelle and I were the first same-sex and transgender married couple in Baden-Württemberg, and that wedding was covered across the media.
All media and press reports can be found here.