The Luxembourg government has affirmed its support for addressing LGBTQIA+ issues in schools, a move welcomed by Tom Hecker, president of Rosa Lëtzebuerg, following a parliamentary debate that highlighted the need for inclusive education.

The President of Rosa Lëtzebuerg, a non-profit organisation advocating for the rights of the local LGBTQIA+ community, Tom Hecker, also known by the name of his drag persona Tatta Tom ('Aunty Tom'), spoke to our colleagues from RTL Radio on Thursday, following a parliamentary debate that concluded with the government's commitment to integrating LGBTQIA+ topics into school curricula.

The debate was sparked by two opposing petitions. One called for LGBTQIA+ issues to be excluded from schools or restricted to certain age groups, while the other advocated for greater inclusion of these topics in education. After discussions, the government affirmed its support for addressing LGBTQIA+ issues in schools.

"The fact that LGBTQIA+ issues will be given greater prominence in schools is, of course, a success," said Hecker.

Hecker believes the debate only started in the first place because MP Tom Weidig of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) criticised his participation in a school event where he read stories to children as Tatta Tom. This criticism led to a petition opposing LGBTQIA+ topics in schools, which was later countered by a petition supporting their inclusion. Hecker noted that Weidig's reaction ultimately backfired, as it brought attention to the issue and prompted the government's decision.

The two petitions garnered a similar number of signatures, but Hecker argued that this does not reflect broader societal attitudes. "I think many people signed the first petition without fully understanding its implications," he said, emphasising that "the majority" of Luxembourg's population supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

Hecker has welcomed the Luxembourg Ministry of Education's plan to seek opinions from various associations and experts regarding educational reforms. An initial meeting between several organisations and the Ministry took place on Wednesday. Hecker clarified that he deliberately chose not to participate in his capacity as President of Rosa Lëtzebuerg. However, he noted that if asked for feedback based on his experience as drag artist Tatta Tom, he would be more than willing to share his insights.

The government also plans to review school curricula with an aim to incorporate LGBTQIA+ topics more comprehensively. Hecker believes these subjects should not be confined to a specific course but integrated across all subjects, tailored to the age of the pupils. "It's about moving beyond just Max and Marie," he explained, "So that it can be Max and Pit as well."

Ensuring that teaching staff are adequately prepared to address these topics is another key concern for Hecker. He emphasised the importance of equipping teachers with both knowledge and sensitivity. While the National Education Training Institute (IFEN) offers relevant training courses, participation is currently voluntary and tends to attract those already interested in the subject. Hecker argued that such training should specifically target educators who may not yet be engaged with LGBTQIA+ issues.

Despite this progress, Hecker acknowledged that the situation for the LGBTQIA+ community is not uniformly positive worldwide. He remains optimistic, however: "I have faith in humanity, especially in our neighbours, that they will not drift in another direction, as is happening in other countries." He pointed out recent developments in the United States, where President Donald Trump banned transgender individuals from serving in the military and signed an executive order recognising only two genders.

In conclusion, Hecker reiterated his optimism and highlighted the strong support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Luxembourg.