Berlin: Thousands of people take part in the 45th Christopher Street Day - politicians are committed to equality rights and warn of increasing discrimination

Berlin: Thousands of people take part in the 45th Christopher Street Day - politicians are committed to equality rights and warn of increasing discrimination

Berlin. On Saturday afternoon, thousands of people gathered to 45th Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin. The event was opened by the Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD), which emphasized how nice it was to see such a colorful picture. She described the CSD as a clear sign of freedom and emphasized that there was still a lot to do. At the opening event on Leipziger Strasse, BAS criticized a party that would not recognize the progress in freedom. She thanked the participants for coming and emphasized the importance of solidarity with queer people who are locked up, tortured or killed in other countries. The speech of BAS was recognized by the participants with great applause.

The ruling mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner (CDU), then spoke and campaigned for the recognition of queer life. He announced that the Berlin Senate would work for the expansion of equality rights in the Basic Law. Wegner emphasized that the CSD was an important voice in the struggle for freedom, diversity, tolerance and acceptance. He complained that freedom rights worldwide and queer people were often among the first destinations of repression and agitation. Therefore, the use for equality and respect is so important. However, Wegner's speech also came across criticism: some participants showed him the middle finger and chanted "Wegner must go".

Then the demonstration train started to move and led to the Brandenburg Gate on a distance of 7.4 kilometers through several parts of Berlin. A stage program was planned there, which should last until late in the evening. The motto of this year's Berlin CSD was "Be their voice - and our! For more empathy and solidarity!" According to the organizers, 77 vehicles and around 100 foot groups from all over the world were involved. There was also a Ukrainian truck to set a sign of freedom. The Ukrainian ambassador Oleksii Makeieev emphasized that freedom was the key word and he wanted to work for it.

Although the CSD is a feast of freedom and diversity, queer people do not always feel safe in Germany. Stefan not, one of the participants, emphasized that there were bans and laws against gays in Arab and African countries. He wanted to show that gay life is enriching. A drag queen called Lgkety Pink said that the CSD means freedom for them, but they still have to be careful when driving home in the evening.

The police were on site with 1,000 emergency services to ensure security. The newly appointed queer representative of the city of Berlin, Alfonso Pantisano, pointed out the police that crimes could take place, especially when departed. He emphasized that it was an alarm sign for the city if queer people don't dare to drive on such a day by public transport.

In the run -up to the CSD, there were already anti -queer incidents in which people were insulted and attacked homophobic. The police therefore strengthened their presence and explained that it would consistently act against criminals.

The Berlin CSD is one of the largest events of the LGBTIQ community in Europe. It stands for the fight against the disadvantage and discrimination of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans- and intersex people and is celebrated worldwide. His roots were in the events in June 1969 when the police in New York stormed a bar in Christopher Street and thus triggered an uprising.

The CSD in Berlin is not only a festival, but also a sign of solidarity and freedom. Despite progress, there is still a lot to do to make queer life in Germany and all over the world more secure and accepted.