Cologne CSD: 60,000 celebrations set a sign of queer rights!

Cologne CSD: 60,000 celebrations set a sign of queer rights!

On Sunday it was once again: one of the biggest moves to Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cologne provided a colorful parade that meandered through the city center. In total, tens of thousands of people took part in the celebration, and even the temporarily rain could not cloud the mood. The organizers had hoped for a high number of participants of up to 60,000 and were able to set up really impressive numbers with around 90 festival cars. A feast for the senses, and not only the onlookers in the streets came to enjoy the hustle and bustle, also numerous politicians showed presence, including the Federal Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas (SPD) and the former Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD).

Every part of the parade lived this year's motto “for queer rights. Many. Together. strong”, which is particularly important in the current political climate situation. According to ZDF , the Queer representative of the federal government, Sophie Koch, was concerned about the increase in queer-fine crimes and attacks on the LGBTQIA+community. Jens Pielhau, the board of the Cologne Pride Association, emphasized the importance of freedom and self -image to walk peacefully for his own rights.

a historical background

The roots of the CSD go back to the 1960s and are closely linked to the Stonewall uprising in New York, which is considered the turning point for the LGBTQIA+movement. In 1969 there were severe clashes between activists and security forces, and since then the CSD has become an important platform for visibility and right -wing people. As German digital library , the Stonewall Inn was not just a meeting point for the community, but also a place where resistance was formed Discrimination and repression that were omnipresent at the time.

The CSD in Cologne is now one of the largest of its kind in Europe, only the CSD in Berlin can keep up. Every year, the event attracts queer people, but also their supporters, which underlines the need for equality and visibility. It is a shop window for the diversity of society and a request to continue to be involved in discrimination.

security and challenges

Despite the positive mood, the security concerns cannot be ignored. The police were on site to protect the event to protect the event, and there were clear warnings regarding impending hostility to the LGBTQIA+community, as in Stern is reported. The trans- and queer anti-violence not only affects individuals, but also represents a serious threat to the entire community.

The Cologne CSD, however, remains an impressive sign of hope and cohesion. With this parade we not only have a festive event, but also a call for solidarity support that sounds in the hearts of people. This means that the queer rights are also very popular in Cologne today, and the community cannot be stopped.