Leipzig celebrates the CSD 2025: A colorful sign of diversity!

Leipzig celebrates the CSD 2025: A colorful sign of diversity!

On June 28, 2025, Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Leipzig converted Augustusplatz into a colorful hustle and bustle, which attracted thousands of people, including many from the Queeren community. From 10 a.m. there was a lot of hustle and bustle when numerous stands of initiatives, parties, unions and companies were built up. Visitors were able to find out and exchange information about a wide range of topics related to LGBTQ+ Community. The organizer, the CSD-Leipzig e.V., had organized an extensive program that was well received by the participants.

Exciting speeches and statements sounded from a large stage, on which representatives of the AIDShilfe Leipzig and the Leila specialist advice center had their say. Sandra Bischoff from AIDShilfe emphasized the importance of health prevention and strengthening the queer scene. Political topics such as the pressure on the right in Europe and the custody of the rainbow flag on the Reichstag building were also initiated by the participants.

a plea for visibility

The demonstration started at a perfect time, the sun was shining and the mood was exuberant. Decorated vehicles and musical accompaniment made the demonstration train appear alive. Speakers like Holger Mann from the SPD and Sascha Krieger from Bündnis 90/The Greens clarify about discrimination and the current challenges for queer people. On the stage, the Schülis reported impressively about discrimination against the right in schools.

A special focus was on acceptance and legal protection of the LGBTQ+ community. In connection with the topic of hate crime, it is important to point out the sensitization of law enforcement and enforcement authorities. [CSD-Leipzig] clarifies that both queer people can be victims and perpetrators of crimes. A balanced sensitization is therefore of the greatest importance to recognize and punish hate crimes from a perspective of affected.

hate crime in focus

The increasing numbers of queer -hostile crimes in Germany make you take notice. According to the BKA, a total of 17,007 cases of hate crime were recorded in 2023, including 1,785 crimes that were proven to be against LSBTIQ* - a striking increase compared to 1,188 cases in 2022. This increase is often a reaction to the growing visibility of the queer community and the increasing willingness to advertise criminal offenses.

The most common forms of crimes directed against LSBTIQ* include insults, acts of violence and threats. 212 victims were found in violent clocks. In addition, a dark field study shows that 96% of the LSBTIQ* HATE Speech and 87% do not report physical or sexual assault-often for fear of discriminatory reactions or because they do not find the incidents seriously.

The BKA actively campaigns for the security and rights of the LGBTQ+ community and promotes an open, tolerant society. Particular attention is paid to the creation of contact persons for queer topics in the law enforcement authorities. This is a step in the right direction to strengthen the trust between the community and the authorities.

Overall, the CSD 2025 in Leipzig was a clear sign of solidarity and cohesion within the queer community. At a solemn street festival with a colorful stage program, the day ended happily, and the many participants went home more grateful and optimistic.