After Violent Attack in Berlin – Strong Reactions from the LGBTQ+ Movement

Berlin's Christopher Street Day pride event became the scene of tragedy Saturday when a car drove into a crowd, resulting in one woman's death and leaving several others with life-threatening injuries. The violent act has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, drawing strong condemnations and calls for solidarity.

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we must endure showing each other that we will not be intimidated

Swedish actor and drag artist Robert Fux described the attack as an assault on the open society, emphasizing the need to "endure showing each other that we will not be intimidated" ahead of Stockholm Pride week. Malmö Pride shared their condolences on Facebook, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims in Berlin. Actress Eva Röse called the incident an "attack on democracy" and "on everyone you care about and on an open, humanist society."

Johan Hilton, cultural editor at Göteborgs-Posten and author of a book on the 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub attack, noted a "murderous logic" in such attacks targeting places of celebration and community. He believes these acts aim to instill fear, making people hesitate before participating in similar events. Hilton expressed deep dismay but not surprise, linking the Berlin incident to attacks in Orlando and Oslo in 2022, suggesting a pattern of violence against the LGBTQ+ community that has intertwined with their struggle for liberation.

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attack on democracy

As Stockholm Pride approaches, Hilton stressed the importance of gathering and participating in events to demonstrate that the community "will not step back into the closet again" and will not live in fear. However, he also cautioned that these events occur against a broader societal backdrop. He pointed to a concerning trend of rising homophobia and transphobia, particularly among young people in the US and Europe, following decades of political progress for the LGBTQ+ community.

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There is a murderous logic in this, namely to make the places associated with horror, death and grief. It leads above all to thinking twice before engaging in these types of activities.

The LGBTQ+ community's resilience is being tested, with the attack in Berlin serving as a stark reminder of ongoing threats. Bars like The Stonewall Inn in New York sent messages of strength and love to those affected. Alfonso Pantisano, Berlin's commissioner for queer affairs, expressed his shock, extending condolences to the victims and their families.

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It is important to let the creative, collective force express itself and show that we as a community will not step back into the closet again. We will not be intimidated and live in fear and insecurity.