Homophobic violence in Kreuzberg: 20-year-old seriously attacked!

Homophobic violence in Kreuzberg: 20-year-old seriously attacked!

Early on Sunday morning, November 3, 2025, a homophobic attack occurred in Berlin-Kreuzberg, once again highlighting the dangers that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ*) people are exposed to in public spaces. According to a report by Tagesspiegel, a 20-year-old man who was traveling with a companion of the same age was approached by four unknown people and insulted in a homophobic manner. The couple decided to move on to escape the situation.

But the attackers didn't let up. A short time later, they sprayed irritant gas into the 20-year-old's face, causing him to fall to the ground and be kicked by the perpetrators. The attack left the victim with eye irritation while the attackers fled after the violence. The police are already involved and have started an investigation. Such incidents are part of a worrying trend, as a total of 1,785 anti-queer crimes were reported in Germany in 2023. The most common form of this hate crime is insults and acts of violence, as the Lesbian and Gay Association of Germany (LSVD) notes.

Hate crimes against LGBTIQ* people

The situation shows once again how vulnerable LGBTIQ* people are, especially when they wear visible signs of their identity. The LSVD emphasizes that visible signs of LGBTIQ* identity can often motivate violent perpetrators. This significantly restricts the freedom of those affected, as they often have to check their surroundings for possible dangers. The number of unreported hate crimes against LGBTIQ* is estimated at a shocking 80-90%, which shows that many acts go unreported out of shame or fear of discrimination.

There is an urgent need for reforms in the policing of hate crime in order to develop a sound and effective strategy to combat this form of crime. The interior ministries are called upon to take comprehensive measures against these social excesses.

A look at Katy Perry

At a time when associated negative events such as the above-mentioned incident in Berlin are taking place, more and more celebrities, such as US singer and activist Katy Perry, are encouraging support for LGBTIQ* rights. Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, has established herself as a significant voice for LGBT rights and is an active advocate for social justice. With an estimated net worth of $360 million and countless awards, including 19 Guinness World Records, she uses her influence to bring attention to important issues.

Perry is known not only for her music, but also for her activism. Her majority of hits, such as “I Kissed a Girl” and “Teenage Dream,” have raised awareness of sexual identity and the right to self-determination. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she supports children's charities and fights for the rights of marginalized groups.

The increasing reports of hate crime in Germany and the supportive voices of celebrities like Katy Perry are inextricably linked. As society confronts the reality of violence against LGBTIQ* people, the call for solidarity and change to create a safer environment for all remains urgent.