Leipzig celebrates CSD: Over 10,000 people for freedom and diversity!
Leipzig celebrates CSD: Over 10,000 people for freedom and diversity!
This weekend over 10,000 people flocked to Leipzig to celebrate at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in 2023. The motto "We stay here!" Referred directly to the historical peaceful revolution of 1989 and expressed the unbroken commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights. Only a year ago there were considerable disorders from the right counter -demonstrators, but this year the streets remained calm, as the police confirmed. This positive turn was welcomed by the organizers of the CSD, the emphasized that noble values are in the foreground. More than 50 events rounded off the colorful spectacle a week before the big day, an impressive sign of the emancipation movement.
The rainbow flag, which was raised at the new town hall, was particularly symbolic to celebrate equality and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The highlight of the celebrations traditionally took place with a rally on Augustusplatz and a subsequent train through the city. The roots of the CSD go back to the first CSD East Germany in 1992 in Leipzig and at the same time commemorate the events of June 28, 1969 in New York when the police stormed a bar in Christopher Street.The historical context
The CSD takes place in a significant historical context. Over 30 years ago, on October 9, 1989, a peaceful demonstration occurred in Leipzig that was visited by thousands of people and is considered the key event of the peaceful revolution. On this day, the citizens showed their courage and demands for changes in the GDR - this was done at a time when the Stasi and the military were concise. The filmmakers, who documented the events, were convinced that there was a change in Leipzig, which ultimately also fulfilled.
The recordings of this demonstration, which were later broadcast in the news and to this day on various platforms such as the bpb peaceful protest could influence public perception and later changes in state politics. In fact, after October 9, further important political upheavals followed, including the resignation of Erich Honecker.
departure into the future
Today Leipzig stands not only for an urgent memory of the past, but also for the ongoing struggle for equality and the rights of all people. The multitude of events and the broad social support shows that the pursuit of freedom and equality in this city remains alive. A look at the events of 1989 and the constant challenges of the present reminds us of how important it is to actively take part in the values that many of us are important.
This year's CSD was a strong signal that the commitment to human rights and the rights of LGBTQ+ people are still very popular. The entertaining, peaceful day in Leipzig not only symbolizes a celebration of diversity, but also a continuous process in society, which is characterized by courage and the voice of the citizens.
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| Ort | Leipzig, Deutschland |
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