As hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Berlin on Saturday for the city's annual Pride parade, its organizers are warning against a harsher social climate, reported dpa.
"Queer people are under increasing pressure worldwide," board member Thomas Hoffmann told dpa. In some countries, existing rights are being rolled back, while hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are increasing.
With the two-day event, known locally as Christopher Street Day (CSD), Hoffmann said the organizers want to send a clear message in response. "We're not getting quieter, we're getting louder – and we'll keep it up until everyone in Germany can live freely, safely, and on their own terms."
This year's motto is "Having convictions is hot." The Berlin CSD is one of the largest events of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTQ) community in Europe.
Hoffmann is calling for effective measures to combat hate crimes.
He also expressed concern about polling figures for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt, where a new state parliament is due to be elected in early September. "This party's positions are clear, and the queer community is afraid."
The CSD commemorates events in New York in 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn bar on Christopher Street, triggering several days of uprising by gay men, lesbians and transgender people – and sparking a global rights movement.
Mayor Kai Wegner is expected to attend the parade. Berlin's state government will also participate with its own float for the first time.
Police expect a small far-right counter-demonstration during Saturday's event, with around 100 participants registered.
Hoffmann said organizers are not currently alarmed, noting that a similar demonstration in Berlin last year attracted little support. "We are also in close and trusting contact with the Berlin police," he said.
Even so, he described the broader trend as deeply concerning.
"In the past, there were no counter-demonstrations against Berlin CSD or other Pride events," Hoffmann said. "But in 2024, the far-right was able to mobilize significant opposition to Pride marches in cities such as Bautzen and Leipzig."
"That is a development that should concern not only our community, but everyone who believes in freedom and diversity."
- Berlin Pride
- LGBTQ rights
- Under pressure
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
