Meeting adversity with resilience
These are difficult times for queer people. “Not just in the U.S., but also in European countries like Poland and Hungary, many hard-won rights have been recently taken back,” says Jacobo López Carballo. A doctoral researcher in Professor Michael Gotthardt’s Translational Cardiology and Functional Genomics research group, López Carballo has been actively involved in building a strong LGBTQI+ community at the Max Delbrück Center.
Jacobo Lopez Carballo. Image: private
Three years ago, he and colleagues organized the first “Pride at MDC” symposium to make people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities more visible and empowered at the Max Delbrück Center. This year, the LGBTQI+ community and its supporters are once again inviting people to a symposium that will focus on the issues of queer individuals. The symposium will be held on July 18. The theme is “resilience in times of change.” The event is supported in part by Friends of the Max Delbrück Center and the Helmholtz Association.
Building resilience: Our contribution to Pride Month
For those unfamiliar with the acronym, LGBTQI+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Intersex. The plus sign indicates the inclusion of other gender identities, such as pansexual or asexual. “At a time when more and more people are failing to accept this diversity, our goal must be to strengthen our resilience – our ability to withstand difficult times,” says López Carballo.
The symposium will begin at 1 p.m. in the large conference room at the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (MDC-BIMSB) and is part of Pride Month, which officially starts on June 27. Throughout the month, the Max Delbrück Center has raised the rainbow flag in a show of support.
Scientific Director Professor Maike Sander will open the symposium. Several speakers will highlight the experiences of queer people – whether in different parts of the world or in later stages of life. Dr. Ines Medved of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) will speak on diversity and equal opportunity, particularly in the natural sciences. A closing panel discussion is scheduled for 4 p.m.
A call to action – and a party to follow
There will be a bake sale throughout the afternoon, with proceeds going to the organization Schwulenberatung Berlin. After the symposium, the annual Pride After Hour will kick off. López Carballo and his organizing team have put together a colorful program featuring DJs, dancers, an opera singer, a comedian, and drag performers.
“This day isn’t just about connecting and having fun,” says López Carballo. “It’s a call to action – a reminder that even in times of change, we have the strength to support one another and stand united for equality, diversity, and inclusion.” He also has a hope: “I would love to see more senior scientists take part in the symposium this year and set an example for their teams.”
Joining the Berlin CSD as a group
To publicly express the values of the Max Delbrück Center, the LGBTQI+ community will, for the first time, participate as a unified group under the center’s flag at the Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade. This year’s motto, on July 26, is: “We won’t stop until everyone is heard!” López Carballo hopes for a strong turnout. “All researchers and staff committed to diversity are warmly invited to join us.”
Text: Anke Brodmerkel
What:
Symposium: Pride at MDC – resilience in times of change
When:
July 18, 2025, 1–5 p.m.
Where:
MDC-BIMSB
Large Conference Room
Hannoversche Straße 28
10115 Berlin
Registration
https://www.mdc-berlin.de/de/form/pride-mdc-2025
Program and more information
Contact
Jacobo López Carballo
Email: Jacobo.LopezCarballo@mdc-berlin.de
Phone: +49 30 9406-3272
