Cologne Stands in Solidarity with Queer Community After Berlin CSD Attack; Service Held

Cologne has responded with solidarity following a deadly attack at a Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebration in Berlin. The city, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, has affirmed its commitment to inclusivity and safety for all its residents.

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Cologne stands firmly with the queer community.

Cologne's Mayor Torsten Burmester (SPD) denounced the Berlin incident as an attack on the core values represented by CSD, including freedom, diversity, respect, and peaceful coexistence. "Cologne stands firmly with the queer community," Burmester stated, emphasizing the city's dedication to ensuring people can live safely and without fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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As a city of diversity, we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that people can live and celebrate freely, safely, and without fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In a gesture of support, Cologne's queer church community organized a service at the St. Johannes Church on Sunday evening. The event was intended to offer a space for grief, prayer, and solidarity with those affected by the violence in Berlin. Meanwhile, Berlin police continue their search for the suspect, identified as a man known to authorities and associated with the city's Islamist scene, who drove a car into a crowd near the CSD festivities, killing one woman and critically injuring others.

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We want to provide space for grief, lament, prayer, and solidarity.