In Frankfurt, over 13,000 people celebrated this year’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) under clear skies, advocating for the end of queerphobia and equal rights for all.
Under sunny weather, more than 13,000 participants celebrated the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Frankfurt with a large demonstration. According to the police, the peaceful parade started in the afternoon and moved through the city center.
The event, themed “We are extremely loving,” aimed to promote the rights and visibility of the LGBTIQ+ community, emphasizing acceptance, diversity, and equality. The acronym LGBTIQ+ represents lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, queer individuals, and intersex people, with the plus sign including additional identities and genders.
Calls for acceptance and end to discrimination
Participants expressed their pride and called for an end to queerphobia and discrimination. Slogans such as “Pride is a Riot” were visible on banners. The term “queer” encompasses non-heterosexual individuals and those who do not conform to traditional gender roles or societal norms regarding sex and sexuality.
In addition to the parade, Frankfurt hosts various events including parties, discussions, and drag shows, with celebrations expected to continue into the night.
Historical context of CSD
The CSD is celebrated globally, originating from the events of June 1969 in New York. The movement began after a police raid on the queer bar “Stonewall Inn” led to riots by gays, lesbians, trans people, and others affected. The subsequent street battles took place on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. Due to overlap with the men’s football European Championship, Frankfurt’s CSD is held in mid-August this year.
