Cologne in festive fever: CSD parade combines over one million for diversity!

Cologne in festive fever: CSD parade combines over one million for diversity!

Köln, Deutschland - On Sunday Cologne once again becomes the linchpin of the LGBTQ community when more than a million people are expected to the Christopher Street Day (CSD). With around 250 groups and 60,000 participants, the colorful parade will move through the city center from 11.30 a.m., accompanied by 90 festive cars. The organizers set a clear signal: the demonstration is intended to put the rights of the queer people into the spotlight and indicate the growing threat that this community is currently experiencing. According to Welt , the police have mobilized a strong security requirement to protect the event.

The CSD in Cologne is not only one of the largest events of its kind in Germany, but also an important event for the LGBTIQ community in Europe, comparable to the CSD in Berlin. This year, however, the parade has a special urgency. The Cologne Pride association emphasizes that queer people are increasingly exposed to hostility. The police recorded an increase in queer anti -queer, which are particularly right from right -wing extremists. This development ensures a tense climate, as a report by ZDF

growing threats in society

As the extremism researcher Patrick Wielowiejski explains, the hostility against queer people are ideologically motivated and in the context of right -wing ideologies. In recent years, the numbers have increased highly anti -queer attacks. In 2023 alone, 1,785 crimes against LSBTIQ people were registered, which accounts for an increase of 50 percent compared to the previous year. This worrying development is evaluated by politicians and scientists. Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser has already demanded consistent persecution of queer -anti -violence.

Current numbers clearly show that violence against queer people in Germany does not decrease. In particular, insults, violent attacks and threats are increasing. In 2023, 212 people were victims of violence, an increase compared to 197 in the previous year. Über diesen dramatischen Anstieg berichtete auch Tagesschau.

a sign of resilience

Especially in times when the hostility increase, Christopher Street Day is an important sign of resilience and solidarity within the queer community. Beyond the festivities, the CSD is a platform to fight against discrimination and equality. The event is reminiscent of the historical events of 1969 when the uprising in Stonewall Inn marked the beginning of modern LGBTQ movements.

The Cologne CSD is not only a festival of colors and diversity, but also a powerful statement against discrimination and for acceptance. This year it is all the more important that the voices from the community are loud and unmistakable. Only together can a sign be that the further development of the rights of queer people is not irrevocable.