Queer demonstration in Cologne calls for solidarity after CSD attack

The queer community in Cologne is holding a solidarity demonstration on Sunday, two weeks after a deadly Islamist attack at the Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD). Around 2,000 participants are expected to march through the city center, starting from Deutz.

Cologne Pride, one of the organizing groups, stated that it is more necessary than ever to take a stand. "Whoever wants to challenge and restrict the freedom of the queer community, the freedom of this society, is picking a fight with the wrong people," the organization announced. "We will not be defeated by queer-phobia – no matter where it comes from."

Organizers are calling on federal, state, and local governments to implement measures that will "sustainably protect and strengthen queer structures and queer life." The attack on July 25th saw a 21-year-old man drive a car into several people and attack others with a machete at the Berlin CSD. One woman died, and 31 people were injured. The alleged attacker was shot and killed by police the following day.