Utan Schirmer

Utan Schirmer serves as Professor of Sociology at ASH Berlin (Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin), where he has held a faculty position since 2018. His academic career spans multiple German institutions with a consistent focus on gender studies, queer theory, and social work applications. Schirmer's work bridges theoretical scholarship with practical social service contexts, particularly regarding transgender communities and gender diversity.

His educational background includes:

• Diploma in Sociology (1997) from Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
• Doctorate in Sociology (2009) from Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
• Systemic Consulting certification (DGSF) (2016)

Schirmer's research centers on critical examinations of gender structures and social inequality. He specializes in queer and transgender studies, with particular attention to how gender identities are constructed and negotiated in social contexts. His work critically examines heteronormativity through sociological lenses, exploring bisexuality, transgender lifestyles, and embodiments within social work frameworks. Employing qualitative research methods, he investigates how gender relations shape social experiences and institutional practices, often connecting academic knowledge production with social movements.

His extensive publication record reveals an evolving scholarly trajectory that increasingly focuses on the institutionalization of transgender activism and the complex relationship between social services and gender-diverse communities. Schirmer's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary discourse on gender diversity within German social work education and practice, establishing him as a leading voice in German-speaking transgender studies.

While specific scientific awards aren't explicitly mentioned, Schirmer's influence is evident through his founding roles in significant academic networks including the Gender Studies Association and the Network Inter*Trans*Science (ITW). His work appears in leading German academic journals and presses, indicating recognition within his field.

Schirmer's professional experience includes research assistant positions at the University of Göttingen (2011-2017) and teaching roles at multiple institutions including RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, and Goethe University Frankfurt. He has participated in various research projects funded by organizations including the German Research Foundation (DFG), particularly within the Research Training Group 'Public Spheres and Gender Relations. Dimensions of Experience.'

As an active member of several professional organizations including the German Sociological Society (DGS), the Section for Women's and Gender Studies in the German Sociological Association, and the Section Gender and Queer Studies in Social Work of the German Society for Social Work (DGSA), Schirmer contributes significantly to shaping academic discourse in his field. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in social services, particularly focusing on creating more inclusive practices for gender-diverse individuals.