AI technology for people affected by racism.
A sensitive, specialized AI chatbot for everyone who has experienced racism — or wants to learn how to offer better support.
YOUNA empowers people who experience racism — with an AI chatbot that provides safety and creates clarity.
More than an AI chatbot.
YOUNA accompanies you through initial questions, doubts, or feeling overwhelmed — for anyone seeking stability, knowledge, or clarity after experiencing racism.
YOUNA runs on a multi-agent system that's specifically trained for racism-related situations and undergoes regular quality checks. YOUNA recognizes discriminatory language, responds sensitively to psychological distress, and provides legal orientation.
Digital self-help that empowers those affected.
We're changing how people affected by racism find support. YOUNA was born out of lived experience — and out of a desire to break new ground.
As a BIPOC-led social tech business, we're doing pioneering work in digital support for people affected by racism.
Developed by our interdisciplinary team of tech, psychology, and legal experts, YOUNA brings innovation exactly where support is needed.
YOUNA stays independent — thanks to fundings and donations. Support a social tech business that makes digital self-help possible for people affected by racism.
Was that actually racist?
Racism isn't always obvious. Sometimes it's a sentence, a look, or a question that unsettles you or stays with you for a long time.
YOUNA helps you make sense of these situations. Whether you want to respond, set boundaries, or simply understand: digital self-help starts here.
"Do you really wear the headscarf by choice?"
Why it's problematic: It reproduces stereotypical images, like suggesting that Muslim women are oppressed and unable to make their own decisions about their appearance. This denies them their diverse range of motivations and reflects a one-sided focus.
Better: Respectful communication is the key to empathy: "Is it okay if I ask you something about your headscarf? I don't know much about it and would like to understand better what it means to you."
"Black people are such good dancers!"
Why it's problematic: This statement reduces people of African descent to physical traits and stereotypical assumptions. It erases their individuality and reduces them to a cliché.
Better: Speak from your own perception without generalizing. For example: "You're a great dancer — I really like that!"
"I don't see color, to me everyone is the same."
Why it's problematic: At first glance this sounds tolerant, but it overlooks the reality of people who are discriminated against because of their skin color. It fails to recognize that people of color often have fewer social privileges and regularly experience exclusion and disadvantage.
Better: Acknowledge that racism operates structurally — even if you don't experience it yourself. Listening and understanding matters more than downplaying it.
"It was just a joke!"
Why it's problematic: The message that comes across is: I don't really belong — and others feel entitled to make fun of me. Situations like this hurt, and often leave those affected speechless.
Better: If you want to respond but don't know how: YOUNA helps you find the right words and options for action — respectfully, clearly, and at your own pace.
Made for those affected. Open to everyone.
Whether you're looking for guidance after an experience of racism or want to better support someone who is affected — YOUNA works together with counseling services to find the right help for your situation.
Still have questions?
What counts as racist? How does YOUNA work? What are the chatbot's limits? You'll find answers to common questions in our FAQ.
What to do about racism in everyday life?
- Safety first. If possible: get away from the situation, go to allies, breathe, ground yourself.
- Set boundaries. Short & clear: "That's racist. Stop." — only if it feels safe for you to do so.
- Preserve evidence. Note the date/time, location, quotes, screenshots, and possible witnesses.
- Get support. Trusted people, counseling services, communities; psychological relief matters.
- Report it & check your rights. At work: supervisors/works council/AGG (German Equal Treatment Act) complaints office. Online: report to the platform. If it's criminally relevant: consider filing a police report.
- Practice self-care. The aftereffects are real — rest, movement, sleep, a warm drink, talking to someone. YOUNA helps you sort out your next steps, find the words to set boundaries, and locate the right places to turn to.
How does the YOUNA chatbot work?
YOUNA isn't a "general-purpose chatbot." It's specialized in experiences of racism and combines several perspectives.
- Immediate support: calm, clear steps for safety and relief.
- Legal orientation: explains your options (e.g. the AGG/ German Equal Treatment Act, reporting, documentation) in simple language.
- Bystander coach: shows how to support those affected or intervene — without escalating the situation.
- Language help: wording for emails, complaints, and reports.
- Protective logic: recognizes discriminatory or abusive language and sets boundaries.
Is YOUNA just ChatGPT with a different topic?
No. YOUNA uses a multi-agent system with specialized "expert teams" (e.g. immediate support, legal, bystander support). The focus is on racism, emotional relief, and legal orientation — not general knowledge. YOUNA takes a clear stance against discrimination rather than treating "both sides" as equal. Inputs are checked for abusive language; responses prioritize safety, dignity, and practicality.
Can I use YOUNA even if I'm not affected myself?
Yes — please do!
- Allies & teams: learn to offer respectful support, intervene, and find the right words.
- Leadership & HR: guidance on fair processes, reporting channels, and documentation.
- Education & community: exercises for raising awareness, guides, and do's-and-don'ts examples.
Anyone who isn't personally affected can use YOUNA to build confidence in how to act — without putting extra work on those who are affected.
What can't YOUNA do?
- YOUNA is not an emergency service. In case of acute danger: call 110/112 (or your local emergency number).
- No substitute for legal or therapeutic services. YOUNA offers orientation, not binding legal advice or psychotherapy.
- No guarantee of completeness. Laws and procedures change; double-check important steps independently.
- No acting on your behalf. YOUNA doesn't file reports, contact institutions, or delete posts for you.
- No perfect neutrality toward hate. YOUNA consistently shuts down abusive content — your dignity comes first.