Massive Turnout Expected for Berlin Pride Amid Political Tensions
This weekend, nearly 500,000 people are expected to gather in Berlin for Christopher Street Day (CSD), the country’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration. However, the event’s future was uncertain earlier this year, facing serious financial hurdles. Several major corporate sponsors, particularly from the United States, pulled their support, citing backlash following Donald Trump’s re-election and growing anti-woke sentiment in U.S. political and business circles. By May, organizers were still short €200,000. Thanks to a last-minute crowdfunding campaign, the event was saved and will go ahead as planned.
Bundestag Bans Rainbow Flag for the First Time
In a break from tradition, the German Bundestag will not display the rainbow flag during this year’s CSD celebrations. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner from the CDU party defended the move, stating it was necessary to preserve institutional neutrality. The decision sparked widespread criticism across the country, even drawing backlash from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who likened the exclusion to turning Parliament into a “circus tent.” The controversy reflects a growing shift in political attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ visibility, both in Germany and internationally.
Pride Resilience in Eastern Germany Faces Far-Right Threats
While Berlin prepares for its landmark celebration, the LGBTQIA+ community in rural eastern Germany continues to face severe challenges. Over the past year, numerous Pride events were disrupted by neo-Nazi groups. These included incidents of verbal harassment, physical violence, flag burnings, and, in some cases, forced cancellations over safety concerns. In response, activists in these regions have united under the slogan “We are the Colorful Hinterland!” to reclaim visibility and safety in their communities.
Over 50 Local Pride Events Planned This Year
Driven by grassroots solidarity, activists have organized more than 50 regional Pride events across eastern Germany, stretching from spring through late October. “As queer people in East Germany, we’re speaking for those who cannot safely be visible,” reads a statement from the network’s official page. These events offer vital support and community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in areas where far-right political influence—especially that of the AfD—creates a climate of fear. Every weekend, volunteers travel to small towns to stand proud and create safe, visible spaces for queer expression.
Support From Berlin Fuels Rural Pride Movement
Several Berlin-based initiatives are stepping up to support these efforts in rural areas. Pride Soli Ride coordinates transportation for activists to attend Pride events in more remote regions. Another group, CSD verteidigen (“Defend CSD”), provides a platform for carpooling and safe travel to marches. Their rallying cry—“Together we confront the fascist threat”—has gained momentum across social media, strengthening the link between urban and rural LGBTQIA+ activism.
Ongoing Violence Highlights Continued Risk
Despite the surge in solidarity, violence and intimidation remain persistent threats. In June, a group of masked neo-Nazis attacked attendees at a Diversity Festival in the town of Bad Freienwalde, near the Polish border. Then, in early July, a Pride gathering in Falkensee took place under heavy tension due to a simultaneous far-right rally nearby.
Still, activists remain undaunted. The LGBTQIA+ calendar in eastern Germany continues through October 25, ending with a final Pride march in Cottbus, close to the Polish border. In a shifting political environment, Germany’s queer communities are standing firm—drawing on collective strength, resilience, and grassroots support to push forward in the face of adversity.