Michael Reichel (ari)
On International Men’s Day on 19 November, the focus is particularly on men’s health and wellbeing.
International Men’s Day offers an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight different perspectives on topics such as men’s health, equality and social roles.
We warmly invite you to the events on Thursday, 19 November 2026.
10.00–11.30 am | Online | Speaker: Thomas Altgeld, Managing Director of LvG AfS Niedersachsen Bremen e.V.
Men are often portrayed in a negative light when it comes to health, both in the media and in their private lives. They are said to be “health-averse”, paying less attention to their health and wellbeing than women. But is health really not an issue for men? During this event, we will examine the reasons behind men’s health behaviours and whether looking after oneself fits in with traditional role models of the ‘strong man’. A key focus will be on issues surrounding work-life balance. Transitional phases in particular – such as starting a career, becoming and being a father, career stages, or the transition from working life to retirement – can take their toll. How can men cope with all these demands? What can men do when their work-life balance is thrown off kilter or everything becomes too much? Speaker Thomas Altgeld will explore these questions and discuss with you what meaningful and appealing health-related strategies for men might look like.
No advance registration is required; click here to go directly to the event
Online yoga session
1.00 pm – 2.00 pm | Online | Instructor: André Mittelsdorf
Under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher, we’ll practise mindful yoga. This will involve practising asanas (physical exercises) and pranayama (breathing exercises). These exercises are carried out mindfully, in the here and now, with awareness of the body and the breath. The aim is to reduce stress, improve body awareness and feel more at one with oneself. Scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of yoga exercises and their role in reducing stress. No prior experience is required to take part in the yoga session. Whether you’re at home or in the office, everyone is warmly invited. We recommend having a blanket, yoga mat or meditation cushion to hand.
No advance registration is required; click here to go directly to the event
These digital events are open to participants from all universities and are partly supported by the ‘Healthy Universities in Thuringia’ network – the ‘From University to University’ exchange forum, funded by the Techniker Krankenkasse.
Talk: “Relaxed Fathers – Relaxed Children”
7.00 pm – 8.15 pm | Online | Carsten Vonnoh, fatherhood expert, Chair of LAG Jungen- und Männerarbeit Thüringen e.V.
Why does the mood often take a turn for the worse just when everyone is tired? And what helps fathers to stay calmer themselves, so that this calmness rubs off on their children? The focus is on how much a father’s own attitude and approach to stress shape the atmosphere within the family, and how fathers can interact with their children in a more relaxed and confident manner in everyday life. An evening to mark International Men’s Day, exploring the influence fathers have on the family atmosphere.
No advance registration is required; click here to go directly to the event
Film screening: “Jim Queen”
9.00 pm – 10.30 pm | Helmholtz Lecturehall | In cooperation with the Hochschulfilmclub e.V.
Admission is free. The film will be shown in French with English subtitles.
Paris is in a state of emergency: Lady Gaga has had to cancel her concert, panic has broken out in the Marais gay district, and gym-goers are complaining that their abs are disappearing. The reason: Heterosis, a new virus that turns gay men into straight men. Fitness influencer Jim has also been infected and is now desperately searching for a solution before even his last follower turns their back on him. Together with the recently out twink Lucien, the ‘Gym Queen’ sets out in search of a cure – not just to save himself, but to prevent the extinction of the entire queer community. ‘Jim Queen’ premiered at the midnight screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where the film was met not only with thunderous applause but also with hearty laughter.
Travelling exhibition: Gender-sensitive medicine
17 November – 16 December 2026 | University Library
To accompany the action day, the travelling exhibition ‘Gender-Sensitive Medicine’ will be on display at the University Library from 17 November to 16 December 2026. The exhibition comprises 13 posters that explore gender differences across ten different medical fields, as well as topics such as the influence of environmental factors on health. Also noteworthy is the critical examination of socially relevant issues, such as medical training or the appointment of new leadership roles.
The exhibition complements the program of events and invites visitors to explore the topics of men’s and women’s health in greater depth.
We look forward to welcoming many visitors and to some interesting encounters!
