CSD Pforzheim 2025: Celebration and counter-protest – safety is a top priority!

CSD Pforzheim 2025: Celebration and counter-protest – safety is a top priority!

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Christopher Street Day (CSD) will take place in Pforzheim, an important event for the queer community. Around 1,000 people came to demonstrate for diversity and against discrimination. This year’s motto speaks volumes: “Don’t be quiet, be a riot – solidarity against hate”. The organizers want to send a strong signal for open and respectful cooperation. The decision is justified by the fact that the CSD in Pforzheim is taking place for the third time, as SWR reports.

The first rally starts at 12 p.m. on the market square. The demo procession will then start through the city, the exact route of which has not yet been determined. Interestingly, this will be the first time that a mayor, Tobias Volle, will give a speech at the CSD. The celebrations will be undisturbed with music and programs on the market square until around 10 p.m. Throughout the day, numerous artists, including drag queens and DJs, will liven up the atmosphere.

Increased security measures

However, the event has a special security aspect. A right-wing extremist group called “Störtrupp Süd” has announced a counter-demonstration in the immediate vicinity of the CSD. This event, which is taking place at the same time, is a cause for concern and is leading to increased security measures by the police. They have already mobilized an extensive team to ensure the safety of all participants. Around 150 people are expected at the counter-demonstration, which is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on Bertha-Benz-Platz, as the Badische Neuesten Nachrichten reported.

The organizers of the CSD had to react to the situation and requested additional security personnel, which put a strain on the event's budget. The CSD is currently in the red by 2,000 euros, despite various new sponsors. Public support comes from both the Pforzheim SPD and the CDU, whose federal representatives Katja Mast and Gunther Krichbaum have announced their participation. However, Mayor Peter Boch has canceled and a replacement is still pending.

CSD: origin and meaning

The CSD has historical roots that go back to the 1969 Stonewall Inn riot in New York. This uprising was the trigger for a global emancipation movement that soon made waves in Germany too. The first CSD parade in this country only took place in the late 1970s, but the movement has expanded rapidly since then. Today, the CSD is a day of celebration and remembrance that advocates for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people and intersex people, and in addition to countless participants, it is also attracting more and more political attention Bpb.

The Pforzheim events show that despite the challenges that continually arise, the community stands together. Today is not only a celebration, but also an important symbol against discrimination and for the visibility of queer lifestyles. It remains to be seen whether the CSD will be as celebratory and peaceful as usual despite the threat of disruption, but there is great anticipation and the will for solidarity. The people in Pforzheim do not let such challenges get them down. Walk part of the way with them and show your support!