CSD Sonneberg: A sign of diversity and against queer hostility!

CSD Sonneberg: A sign of diversity and against queer hostility!

Sonneberg, Thüringen, Deutschland - In a few days, Christopher Street Day (CSD) will take place in Sonneberg, Thuringia. For the first time, this colorful festival of diversity was celebrated in 2024 and quickly developed into an important event. The CSD, which is under the motto "Colorful Province", is organized by a variety of creative minds that are strong for the rights of the LGBTQ+community. According to Insuedthueringen.de The parade will once again bring many people onto the streets who want to set an example against discrimination and violence.

The situation in Thuringia is tense. Mountains against queer people, especially trans people, are increasing. This was also a reason for the foundation of the CSD in Sonneberg, which was originally launched in response to the election of the district administrator, which belongs to a right -wing extremist party. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation, which supports the event, has classified the situation in the region as worrying. Over 600 people took part in the last CSD, although many queer people have not yet come out in Sonneberg and live for fear of hostility in the shadows ( Amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de ).

political dimensions and discrimination experiences

In the political discourse on the rights of the LGBTQ+persons, the names of well-known politicians are not far away. Alice Weidel from the AfD, Jens Spahn from the CDU and Guido Westerwelle from the FDP, were often cited in this context. This discussion reflects the deeply rooted tensions that many queer people experience in Germany. According to a current study by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), around 38 % of the LGBTQ+community in Germany feel discriminated against in Germany due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is particularly clear that 65 % of the trans* women and 64 % of the trans* men reported to be discriminated against ( LSVD.de ).

The last survey on experiences of LGBTIQ*also shows that almost every sixth respondent has been exposed to physical or sexual violence in the past five years. This illustrates how important the CSD is in Sonneberg and the associated visibility of the queer community. The activists not only rely on demonstrations, but also to the education and sensitization of society.

The way forward

The organizers in Sonneberg are already working on a second CSD and planning to found a queer meeting point or club. This meeting could help strengthen the community and encourage many people to proudly live their identity. At the same time, the mayor of Altenburg, who had the rainbow flag at the town hall, strengthens the support for Queere concerns and sets another sign of a cosmopolitan Thuringia.

The challenges that the queer community faces are considerable, but the spiritual cohesion and the commitment are strong. Even if times are difficult, hope remains. It will be as so often - together you are strong, and the upcoming events show that the community cannot be stopped!