CSD in Bautzen: 3,000 for human dignity, 450 rights on the other side!

CSD in Bautzen: 3,000 for human dignity, 450 rights on the other side!

The third Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place in Bautzen, Saxony, on August 10, 2025, this year under the powerful motto “Human dignity is inviolable. Even in Bautzen!” stood. Almost 3,000 people took part in the parade, with the organizers even talking about up to 4,300 participants. This is a remarkable increase because two years ago, at the first CSD in the city, there were only 350 participants. The police, on the other hand, counted around 2,000 people in the crowd, which is still a strong sign for the queer community.

The CSD is not only seen as a celebration of diversity, but also as a warning. Queer resistance dates back to the 1969 events on Christopher Street in New York. The event was particularly important in Bautzen because right-wing extremist protests and aggressive behavior caused a closing party to fail last year. The Saxon police were therefore well prepared and ensured that the basic rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression were preserved. She accompanied the meetings with a large contingent and ensured that the different groups remained separated from one another.

A strong solidarity

Among the participants was Jonas Löschau, a queer activist and city councilor for the Green Party, who spoke to those present at the Maria and Martha Church. He emphasized the high number of participants as an expression of solidarity for queer life in rural areas. This solidarity was necessary: ​​parallel to the CSD, a counter-demonstration of around 450 right-wing extremist participants took place. The police also took this gathering seriously to avoid possible conflicts. Despite isolated verbal disputes and minor crimes, the CSD was largely carried out peacefully.

Despite the encouraging number of supporters, the situation for the queer community in Germany is still tense. A recent report shows a rise in anti-queer crimes, which have increased tenfold since 2010. Shockingly, CSDs and other LGBTQI* events are often the target of such threats. Historians also warn of a possible regression in queer rights after a long history of struggles for equality.

Political support and challenges

The political support for the CSD was shown, among other things, by the presence of Sophie Koch, the federal government's queer commissioner, and Karsten Vogt, the mayor of Bautzen. Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster also didn't miss the opportunity to set an example for the integration and visibility of the queer community.

Of course, this year in particular, the planning of the CSD was characterized by additional regulations. The Bautzen district had issued legal restrictions by general decree, which included, among other things, bans on uniform black clothing and marching in lockstep. These measures were aimed at regulating the gatherings of individual groups in order to nip possible conflicts in the bud.

Given the challenges that queer people face in Germany, the CSD remains an important symbol of resistance for rights and equality. While the rainbow shone vividly in Bautzen, it was also a reminder of the ongoing battles against discrimination that still need to be waged.

For many it will also be clear in the future: There is something important for the visibility of queer people! Participation in rallies is not only a sign of courage, but also a call to stand together against intolerance and exclusion.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the CSD in Bautzen, regardless of whether it was attended by 3,000 or 4,300 people, was a clear sign of solidarity and hope.

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