Pride and Protest: East Germany celebrates CSD despite right-wing attacks!

Pride and Protest: East Germany celebrates CSD despite right-wing attacks!

Last Saturday, June 22, 2025, several East German cities celebrated Christopher Street Day (CSD) with varying numbers of participants. A total of around 10,000 people took part in the celebrations in Berlin-Marzahn, Eberswalde, Jena and Dresden. According to the police, in Berlin-Marzahn there were around 1,100 participants who enjoyed themselves with concerts and speeches after a colorful parade. Interestingly, at the same time there was a right-wing extremist counter-event from “German Youth Forward”, which was only represented by 50 people, although 300 had been registered in advance. This was canceled early because the neo-Nazis were not allowed to march behind the Pride event.

A symbol of diversity that is particularly worthy of protection was set at the CSD in Bautzen, where the event took place under police protection - a clear indication of the tensions that accompany these celebrations. At the same time, an AfD summer festival was taking place in Eberswalde, where 2,000 people came together, but it went off without incident. In Jena, the organizers recorded 5,000 participants, the highest number since 2022, and in Dresden more than 1,700 people celebrated the fifth Queer Pride under the motto “Queer and antifascist – holding our bridges”. After the parade, a party with performances and live music took place.

Right-wing extremist attacks and their consequences

However, the mood was not peaceful everywhere. On Sunday, the “Bad Freienwalde is colorful” rally was attacked by right-wing perpetrators, resulting in at least three injuries. René Springer, the AfD state chairman, condemned this outbreak of violence and called for clarification. Critics, including the Association of Those Persecuted by the Nazi Regime - Association of Antifascists (VVN-BdA), described his reaction as hypocritical. In recent years there have been more and more frequent disruptive actions against CSD events. In 2024, security authorities counted numerous operations against LGBTQ+ celebrations, often organized by classic right-wing extremist groups.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is observing an increase in anti-queer agitation, with a particular focus on Pride Month. Right-wing extremist groups abuse the LGBTQ+ movement as an enemy in order to spread their nationalist and racist ideologies. In the protests against the CSDs last year, the number of participants was in the three-digit range, for example when around 700 people demonstrated against the Pride events in Bautzen.

Demand for more diversity

The increasing attacks and disruptions are all the more alarming because they are predominantly directed against diversity in sexual orientation and the fight for equality. Right-wing activists promote heterosexuality as “natural” and try to portray the view that diversity is an enrichment as a social threat. In this context, it is important that the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters continue to show solidarity and offensiveness. The VVN-BdA calls on people to take part in upcoming events in order to send a clear signal for human rights and the rights of minorities.

The events surrounding the CSD and the associated right-wing extremist attacks should not only make us think, but also motivate us to actively participate in this social discourse. Any event that celebrates diversity is a step in the right direction, and it is up to society to make these voices loud and unmistakable.