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Mega party and protest: Cologne CSD under the shadow of hate crime!
The largest CSD demo in Germany will take place in Cologne on July 6, 2025. Over 250 groups advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Mega party and protest: Cologne CSD under the shadow of hate crime!
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, Cologne will be marked by Christopher Street Day (CSD). Over a million people are expected to attend the largest CSD demonstration in Germany. In doing so, citizens are sending a strong signal for diversity and equality. However, this year's Pride party begins the day before, on Friday, July 5th, with a colorful program on several stages in the old town. Kati K, Culcha Candela and the popular Kölsch rock band Kasalla are expected to be the “secret act” at the Heumarkt from 6 p.m.
Celebrations and thematic focus
The CSD in Cologne is not only characterized by its diverse stage acts, but also by committed speeches and emotional moments. This year, the topic of Trump's policies and their impact on the rights of queer people is coming into focus. According to a board member of Cologne Pride, Hugo Winkels, there is legitimate concern about the increasing hostility against the LGBTQIA+ community. In recent years, hatred against queer people in society has noticeably increased, which is also reflected in the current mood.
The numbers speak for themselves: According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), 1,765 cases of crimes in the area of sexual orientation were documented in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of 18 percent compared to 2023. Also worrying is the 35 percent increase in crimes against trans or non-binary people. These developments give the organizers and supporters of the CSD pause and highlight the need for more solidarity and commitment.
A sign against queer hostility
This year the CSD will be attended by around 250 groups with around 60,000 participants. The festive mood is marred by the serious background of the rise in anti-queer crimes. The numbers make it clear that the pressure on queer people in Germany is increasing. Extremism researcher Patrick Wielowiejski emphasizes that hostility towards queer people is ideologically motivated and often comes from the right-wing spectrum.
A worrying trend is the increase in violent attacks on the queer scene: in 2023 alone, the BKA recorded 1,785 cases against LGBTIQ* people, which corresponds to an increase of almost 50 percent compared to the previous year. The most common crimes were insults, acts of violence, sedition, coercion and threats. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has therefore called for consistent prosecution of anti-queer violence.
Given these developments, CSD is even more important to draw attention to the ongoing difficulties facing the queer community. It is a call for solidarity at a time when the social mood is tense.
The mood at the Heumarkt and the preparations for the CSD show that Cologne is not only celebrating, but also taking a firm stand against intolerance. As it was years ago, it is the same today: “Many, together, strong” – that is the motto of this year’s CSD, which is more relevant than ever. At the weekend, the streets of the cathedral city not only become a stage for music and dance, but also a place for courage and solidarity.