Organizers of CSD: Queer people under more pressure

Organizers of Berlin's Christopher Street Day (CSD) are sounding the alarm about a more hostile social climate, stating that queer people worldwide are facing increased pressure. Thomas Hoffmann, a board member of the CSD Berlin, told the German Press Agency (dpa) that existing rights are being rolled back in some areas and hate crime is on the rise.

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Queer people are under more pressure worldwide.

With their two-day event, the organizers intend to make a clear statement: "We are not getting smaller, but bigger. We are not getting quieter, but louder," Hoffmann declared, adding, "and that is until all people in Germany can live freely, safely, and self-determinedly." The CSD in Berlin is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants. The motto for this year's event is "Haltung ist hot" (Attitude is hot). The main demonstration is scheduled to begin at midday and proceed to the Brandenburg Gate. Rapper Ikkimel performed on Friday evening, and singer Sarah Connor is slated to appear.

The demonstration's demands include effectively combating hate crime and securing safe spaces for the queer community. Hoffmann also voiced significant concern regarding the recent poll numbers for the AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt, where a state parliament election is approaching. "The positions of this party are clear, and the queer community is afraid," he stated.

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We will not get smaller, but bigger. We will not get quieter, but louder.

Police anticipate counter-demonstrations from the right-wing spectrum on Saturday, with approximately 100 participants announced for a counter-event. Hoffmann, however, expressed less concern about this specific counter-demonstration, expecting it to have minimal turnout in Berlin, similar to the previous year. He noted a trusting exchange with the Berlin police regarding security. "Nevertheless, this is of course a very worrying development," Hoffmann admitted. He recalled a time when counter-demonstrations against the Berlin CSD, and other CSDs, were non-existent. The increasing success of the right-wing movement in mobilizing against CSD events in cities like Bautzen and Leipzig in 2024 is a development that should concern not only the queer community but all advocates for freedom and diversity.

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The positions of this party are clear, and the queer community is afraid.

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) is also expected to attend the CSD. The Senate will participate with its own float for the first time. The event takes place against a backdrop of political tensions and concerns about the rise of far-right sentiment in parts of Germany.

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This is of course a very worrying development.