Show solidarity: Straight Against Hate” parade for queer rights!

Show solidarity: Straight Against Hate” parade for queer rights!

Preparations for the “Straight Against Hate” parade next Saturday, July 19th are in full swing. The Summer of Queerfulness action alliance is organizing this special event, which is aimed specifically at cis-gender heterosexual allies. How Victory Column reported, the message is clear: Solidarity needs visibility, especially in times of the shift to the right in our society.

The organizers Cornelia Fleck and Nathalie Krüger emphasize that it is time for heterosexual people to take an active position and show their solidarity with the queer community. Many heterosexual cis people hesitate to express themselves clearly. The parade is intended to send a signal that this group is also ready to fight against discrimination and for the visibility of queer people.

Solidarity and visibility

Through various campaigns, including a postcard campaign, LGBTIQ* people are invited to recognize and encourage their allies. Use the hashtag#StraightAgainstHateon social media to show your support. However, the parade is not only open to straight allies. Groups that show solidarity, so-called “solicules,” are expressly welcome. These include, for example, parents with their trans children, gays and Gabys or the collective group “Dyke on Bike” with their “Boy Buddy”.

Well-known speakers such as Ferda Ataman, Matthias Lohenner and Ellen Dosch-Roeingh, as well as representatives from various political groups are also expected. The parade starts at the memorial for homosexuals persecuted under National Socialism on Ebertstrasse in Berlin-Mitte. Afterwards you have the opportunity to go to the lesbian and gay city festival at Nollendorfplatz. More information about the event and the campaigns is available at travestiemachtbeliebt.de.

A historical review of queer rights

The fight for equality and visibility for the LGBTQI* community has a long history, dating back to the Empire. The historical review, as described in an article by Deutschlandfunk culture documented shows that discrimination and persecution of people based on their gender identity or sexual orientation have been part of our society for decades.

From the beginnings of the movement, starting with Karl Heinrich Ulrichs in 1867, through Magnus Hirschfeld's founding of the first homosexual organization to the struggles in the Federal Republic of Germany, the story has taken many turns. Even though progress has been made since 2001, experts urge vigilance and emphasize the need to actively stand up for the rights we have fought for.

Especially today, when anti-queer crimes have reached a new high, there is an urgency to show solidarity and fight against hostility. Many historians warn that achievements, often hard-won, cannot be taken for granted and can be lost at any time.

The “Straight Against Hate” parade on July 19th is not just a celebration, but an urgently needed step to stand up for the rights of all queer people and to take action against the increasing enemy image. If you also want to be part of this important event, come by and show your solidarity!