people - Duke of Bavaria: Tolerance is not enough
The 91-year-old Duke of Bavaria, Franz, and his long-term partner Thomas Greinwald wish for more leniency towards same-sex couples. "I would say, Tolerance is not enough, we wish for Understanding," the grandnephew of the last Bavarian King told "Stern". "One allows the lifestyle of others because one is tolerant."
The couple came out publicly in the context of a art exhibition, where a photo of them was on display. Previously, the head of the Wittelsbach noble family was officially considered a bachelor for decades. "I still think it was the right thing to do, to follow the path of discretion for all those years to avoid any polarization. But now the time was right."
Thomas Greinwald told the magazine that it was about protecting the social sphere of his partner. "Anyone who wanted to know just had to look, but no one should be forced to."
In Munich, a city known for its rich German society, the call for greater acceptance and understanding towards same-sex couples continues to resonate. This is particularly relevant in the broader context of Bavaria, where the Duke of Bavaria, Franz, and his partner Thomas Greinwald advocate for change. The security and well-being of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, is a significant concern for the couple, who believe that tolerance is not enough, and that understanding is the key to a harmonious society.