Wittenberg celebrates first CSD: 460 participants defy right-wing counter-demonstration!

Wittenberg celebrates first CSD: 460 participants defy right-wing counter-demonstration!

The first Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Wittenberg on June 21, 2025, with around 460 people taking part, sent a consistently peaceful signal for equality and participation. This was confirmed by several sources, including n-tv, which adopted the participant numbers provided by the police. Despite the big celebrations, the organizers also had to face headwinds: a group of around 70 right-wing counter-demonstrators opposed the hustle and bustle. But like the reporting by Time As can be seen, the event was overall calm and without any notable incidents.

The themes of the CSD were clearly defined: equality, participation, democracy and the basic rights of all people were in the foreground. The participants wanted to send a strong signal for acceptance and against discrimination. But despite the positive aspects of today's CSD, the organizers reported a worrying trend: they are increasingly confronted with hatred and agitation, not only in Wittenberg, but in various cities in Germany.

Historical context of LGBTQIA+ rights

A look at history shows how important such events are. The rights of the LGBTQIA+ community have long been criminalized and socially ostracized in Germany. With the introduction of Section 175 in 1871, homosexual acts between men were punished, which led to continued persecution. It was not until 1994 that this paragraph was completely abolished, which represented an important step towards legal equality. In the following years, more and more movements emerged for the emancipation and rights of LGBTQIA+ people, which ultimately led to the introduction of “marriage for all” in 2017.

Despite these achievements, the issue is far from over. The Reporting on LGBTQIA+ rights shows that discrimination remains a serious problem. Particularly in view of the growing influence of right-wing parties that could endanger the rights the community has fought for, it is all the more important to actively work to protect and expand these rights.

In summary, the first CSD in Wittenberg was a symbol of hope and change, even if it was accompanied by challenges. The participants do not want to give up and show that they are standing up for their rights. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, but one thing is certain: the fight for equality will continue.