CSD in Brandenburg: Colorful parades despite rain and right-wing counter-demonstration!

CSD in Brandenburg: Colorful parades despite rain and right-wing counter-demonstration!

This year, Sunday, July 13, 2025, this year's Christopher Street Days (CSD) took place in several cities in Brandenburg - despite uncomfortable, continuous rain. It is a tradition that enjoys strong support in the region and attracts many dedicated people who celebrate the colorful parades and messages of acceptance and diversity.

In Bernau near Berlin, a place that has also made negative headlines in recent years, around 800 participants gathered to stand up for the rights of the queer community. The motto "Queer stays here. Together against the right" illustrated the fighting spirit and determination that characterized this day. The police reported that the CSD parade and a smaller right-wing extremist counter-demonstration were peaceful and without disruption, an important aspect that was positively highlighted by Mayor André Stahl.

Safe demonstrations despite right-wing provocations

In Bernau, the counter-demonstration was organized by around 40 people who carried a banner with the inscription “German Youth Forward”. This group is known to the police as right-wing extremist and violence-oriented. Two participants were found by police to have banned symbols, including SS runes, and investigations are ongoing. Such incidents are not the exception, but part of a worrying trend: According to the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, there were a total of 55 attacks on CSDs in Germany in 2024, which were often accompanied by right-wing extremist mobilizations.

For example, there have been violent clashes in the past, such as a brutal attack on a festival for diversity in Bad Freienwalde. The demonstrations of the last few weeks also showed a worrying pattern of aggressive protests against the queer community, particularly in cities like Falkensee and Bautzen. These mobilizations are often characterized by a massive police presence to ensure that CSD participants are protected. This information highlight the need for increased vigilance.

CSDs in other cities

In addition to Bernau, CSDs also took place in Bad Belzig, Luckenwalde and Neuruppin, where participants paraded through the streets with colorful umbrellas and rain jackets. In Luckenwalde, the organizers estimated the number of participants at 500, while the police spoke of only around 70. In Neuruppin there were up to 150, and in Bad Belzig the estimates fluctuated between 180 and 350, depending on whether you take into account the information from the police or the organizers.

The peaceful gatherings in Brandenburg show that the queer community is determined to raise its voice and not be intimidated by threats. Reports about today's events make it clear that despite the bad weather there was a lot of solidarity and joy, and that's what counts in the end. A beautiful day for everyone who stands for love and acceptance!