Mega party and protest: Cologne CSD under the shadow of hate crime!

Mega party and protest: Cologne CSD under the shadow of hate crime!

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, Cologne will be in the sign of Christopher Street Day (CSD). Over a million people are expected to become the largest CSD demo in Germany. This makes the citizens a strong sign of diversity and equality. However, this year's Pride party begins a day before, on Friday, July 5, with a colorful program on several stages in the old town. From 6 p.m., Kati K, Culcha Candela and the popular Kölschrock-Band Kasalla are expected as "Secret Act" on the hay market.

celebrations and focus of topics

The CSD in Cologne is not only shaped by its diverse stage acts, but also by committed speeches and emotional moments. This year, the topic of Trump policy and its effects on the right queer people are focused on. According to a board member of Cologne Pride, Hugo Winkels, there is justified concern about the increasing hostility against the LGBTQIA+community. In recent years, hatred against queer people has increased noticeably, which is also reflected in the current mood.

The numbers speak a clear language: According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), 1,765 cases of crimes in the area of ​​sexual orientation were documented, which corresponds to an increase of 18 percent compared to 2023. The increase in crimes against transpo- or non-binary persons is also worrying by 35 percent. The organizers and supporters of the CSD make these developments thoughtfully and illustrate the need for more solidarity and commitment.

a sign against queer hostility

The CSD will be accompanied by around 250 groups with around 60,000 participants this year. The festive atmosphere is clouded by the serious background that the increase in queer -anti -querean crimes. The numbers make it clear that the pressure on queer people in Germany is increasing. Extremism researcher Patrick Wielowiejski emphasizes that hostility to queer people are ideologically motivated and often come from the right spectrum.

A worrying trend is the increase in violent attacks on the queer scene: in 2023 alone, the BKA recorded 1,785 cases against LSBTIQ*people, which corresponds to an increase of almost 50 percent in the previous year. The most common crimes were insults, acts of violence, incitements, coercion and threats. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has therefore called for consistent persecution of queer -hostile violence.

The mood on the hayarkt and the preparations for the CSD show that in Cologne not only celebrated, but also a decisive position against intolerance. As it was years ago, it is today: "Many, together, strong" - that is the motto of this year's CSD, which is more up to date than ever. The streets of the cathedral city will not only become a stage for music and dance at the weekend, but also a place for courage and solidarity.