Lesbian-Gay City Festival in Schöneberg this weekend

Berlin's Schöneberg district is preparing to host its 32nd Lesbian-Gay City Festival this weekend, with organizers expecting tens of thousands of attendees. The event, taking place in the heart of the 'Rainbow Kiez' around Nollendorfplatz and Motzstraße, serves as a prelude to the larger Christopher Street Day parade scheduled for the following week.

From Saturday morning through Sunday, six stages will feature a diverse lineup of musicians and artists, alongside political discussions and talk rounds. The vibrant atmosphere extends to the local bars and pubs, which will spill out onto the streets with outdoor bars, transforming the area into open-air parties by evening.

Former Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit will officially open the festival on Saturday afternoon in his capacity as patron. Following the opening ceremony, a panel discussion will take place featuring prominent figures such as Muslim feminist Seyran Ateş, musician Luci van Org, and Kurdish transgender woman Berfin Çelebi, addressing contemporary issues.

The festival is a significant cultural event in Berlin, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and community, while also providing a platform for political discourse and artistic expression.