Peaceful CSD in Frankfurt and Slubice: Crossing borders and diversity!

Peaceful CSD in Frankfurt and Slubice: Crossing borders and diversity!

On September 13, 2025, several hundred people celebrated a sign of solidarity and diversity on the cross-border Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. Under the motto “Borders divide – prides unite” – separate borders, unite prides – the participants marched from Słubice over the city bridge to Frankfurt. This event represents not only a colorful celebration, but also an important step for the visibility and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The event was carried out peacefully, which the police confirmed. Nevertheless, there were some signs of tension: According to a spokeswoman for the organizers, several verbal attacks were recorded on the city bridge. Another critical aspect was that the train on the Polish side was forced to pass through a tent due to border controls there, which the organizers found dangerous and inconvenient.

A symbol of acceptance and diversity

The organizers of Oderwelle launched the parade to send a strong signal for diversity and the recognition of queer realities in the European context. This cross-border demonstration sees the CSD not only as a celebration, but also as a political rally for equality and against discrimination. It is important that the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community are brought into focus, especially at a time when violence against this group is increasing again.

Traditionally, CSD demonstrations date back to the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which is considered a turning point in the history of LGBTQ+ rights. In Germany, too, where the first CSD took place in Berlin in 1979, the movement continues to advocate for equality in the legal system. The CSDs have expanded and become partly commercialized in recent decades, but the political element remains just as important as the celebratory nature of the events, as is also clear in the current Pride situation.

Positive atmosphere and diversity

There were no counter-demonstrations in Frankfurt (Oder) this year, which further increased the positive mood among the participants. Representatives of both cities were present at a panel for the first time, including Frankfurt Mayor Claus Junghanns (CDU), promoting dialogue between the cities.

Another highlight was the subsequent Festival of Diversity, which followed the procession and lightened up the celebrations. At the same time, “Hütte Pride” took place in Eisenhüttenstadt, where around 70 people celebrated – also without counter-protests.

However, this positive development contrasts with the increasingly aggressive attitudes observed at other CSD events in the region. There were recently protests by suspected members of the right-wing extremist scene in cities like Bernau and Falkensee. Such developments highlight how important visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have remained, even in smaller cities.

Overall, the sixth Słubice Frankfurt Pride shows that the movement for equality and acceptance is alive like never before. The participants make it clear that they stand up for their rights and celebrate in order to create an appreciative society for everyone.