Cologne's CSD becomes the European Championship: Where is the tolerance? Criticism is growing!

Cologne's CSD becomes the European Championship: Where is the tolerance? Criticism is growing!

Cologne is facing major challenges, especially with regard to tolerance and safety in the queer community. Hape Kerkeling and his husband will return to the Rhine metropolis in 2024 after ten years in Berlin. Given the “significantly more homophobic” atmosphere in the capital, the popular comedian describes Cologne as a place characterized by a “live and let live” mentality. But this reputation is increasingly being put to the test.

Uwe Weiler, the chief organizer of Cologne Pride, is concerned about the current developments. He reports an increase in attacks in the Cologne scene, such as insults and even spitting. These worrying trends are supported by the latest statistics from the Cologne public prosecutor's office, which noted an increase in hate crimes against queer people: 156 proceedings were initiated in 2023, an increase of 17 percent compared to the previous year. At the CSD 2024 there was also an incident with rioters who chanted right-wing extremist slogans and wanted to tear down rainbow flags; Fortunately, the police were able to intervene quickly.

The future of the CSD in Cologne

To ensure the safety and smooth running of the parade, Weiler praises the close cooperation with the police, who even let queer police officers drive to the parade in their own cars. Cologne's strong solidarity is also reflected in the collaboration with organizations such as Aidshilfe and the participation of city employees, who are participating in the CSD for the seventh time this year. Financing is secured by sponsors such as Rewe, Rheinenergie and Ford as well as by the support of the respective workforces.

An important issue that is currently dealing with the city of Cologne is the postponement of Christopher Street Day (CSD) in 2024, as the event is getting in the way because of the UEFA European Football Championship. This will take place from June 14th to July 14th, 2024. City director Andrea Blome has already indicated in a response to a citizen's query that the CSD cannot take place on the first weekend in July as usual. During the European Championships, the city will have public viewing on the Heumarkt and a cultural program on Roncalliplatz and the Alter Markt, which makes it impossible for the CSD to take place at these locations.

Discussions about alignment

The discussion about a time or location postponement is already underway between the city and the organizer, with Blome favoring a time postponement while the organizer prefers a local move. But as press spokesman Hugo Winkels confirms, the exact details are still up in the air: an agreement is only expected in the coming months. In addition, a local relocation could result in additional costs for the organizer.

Cologne has an excellent reputation in the queer community and produces many prominent supporters, including Kerkeling. A 2019 study shows that around 10.6 percent of Cologne's population between the ages of 18 and 75 are queer, which equates to more than 87,000 people. But the pressure on this community is growing, and Weiler's renewed criticism makes it clear that tolerance and safety must be maintained in this colorful city.