Oliver started his career as a cook and confectioner before transitioning into IT systems engineering around age 40. While programming was always part of his journey, he focused more on project management and IT operations. He worked in a university data center for two years, and his role has continued to evolve over time. His transition into tech involved both formal education and self-study.
Oliver expresses concerns that certain aspects of transgender activism, particularly the emphasis on "wokeness," are causing harm to the broader LGBTQ+ movement. He believes that focusing heavily on transgender issues has led to division and backlash, even from within the community, and that it risks undoing the progress made over the past 20 years. He contrasts this with recent advancements in LGBTQ+ rights in countries like Thailand and Singapore, where significant strides have been made in areas like gay marriage. Oliver feels that the direction of activism in Western countries, including the U.S., Great Britain, and parts of Europe, may be damaging the movement's overall goals.
Oliver is actively involved in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Germany through several initiatives. He founded his own companies this year with the goal of promoting a more accepting and understanding view of LGBTQ+ people in schools and workplaces. He emphasizes the importance of changing societal perceptions, particularly around LGBTQ+ issues, which he feels are often misunderstood. Additionally, Oliver offers mentoring and coaching services, and has developed a "safe emergency call" system where individuals in distress can reach out to him for immediate support through video calls. He believes in the power of communication and personal connection, dedicating a significant amount of time to this advocacy, with over 100 hours a week spent on outreach efforts. Through these actions, he aims to foster a more normalized and supportive view of the LGBTQ+ community.
Oliver acknowledges that while Germany’s university system does provide resources for LGBTQ+ students, there is a deeper issue at play. He believes that the focus on "wokeness" has created divisions within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to more infighting rather than solidarity. According to Oliver, this conflict extends beyond universities to companies and schools, with people increasingly at odds over how activism should be approached. He suggests that certain parts of the community may not be as accepting of others, particularly when it comes to differing views on activism, and he personally feels the impact of this divide when discussing these issues.
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