Suche
Mein Konto
Cologne CSD: 60,000 revelers set an example for queer rights!
Tens of thousands celebrate for LGBTQIA+ rights in a spectacular parade through the city center on Cologne's Christopher Street Day 2025.
Cologne CSD: 60,000 revelers set an example for queer rights!
On Sunday it was that time again: One of the largest parades for Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cologne resulted in a colorful parade that wound its way through the city center. In total, tens of thousands of people took part in the celebration, and even the occasional rain couldn't dampen the mood. The organizers had hoped for a high number of participants of up to 60,000 and were able to achieve really impressive numbers with around 90 floats. A feast for the senses, and not only the onlookers in the streets enjoyed the colorful hustle and bustle, numerous politicians were also present, including Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) and the former Federal Health Minister 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. Loud ZDF Federal Queer Commissioner Sophie Koch expressed concern about the rise in anti-queer crimes and attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community. Jens Pielhau, the board of the Cologne Pride association, emphasized the importance of freedom and the self-image of taking to the streets peacefully for one's 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 a turning point for the LGBTQIA+ movement. In 1969 there were serious clashes between activists and security forces, and since then the CSD has become an important platform for the visibility and rights of queer people. How German Digital Library reports, the Stonewall Inn was not only a meeting place for the community, but also a place where resistance was formed against the discrimination and repression that was 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. Year after year, the event attracts not only queer people but also their supporters, underscoring the need for equality and visibility. It is a showcase for the diversity of society and a call to further work against discrimination.
Security and challenges
Despite the positive sentiment, safety concerns cannot be ignored. The police were on site with strong forces to protect the event and there were clear warnings about impending hostilities against the LGBTQIA+ community, as in the star is reported. Anti-trans and anti-queer violence not only affects individuals, but poses a serious threat to the entire community.
However, the Cologne CSD remains an impressive sign of hope and cohesion. With this parade, we have not only a festive event, but also a call for solidarity support that resonates in people's hearts. This means that queer rights remain very popular in Cologne today, and the community refuses to be defeated.