Berlin CSD before the end? Sponsors withdraw!

Berlin CSD before the end? Sponsors withdraw!

Schönebeck, Deutschland - The Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD) is serious after several former sponsors, especially US companies, have set their support abruptly. The organizing association Berliner CSD e. V. reports considerable financial losses caused by a decline in sponsorship money and a shortfall of around 200,000 euros. This development falls into the time of the 2025 Pride season, which was already overshadowed by two scandals and the demolition of the first German CSD in Schönebeck near Magdeburg. There the event was demolished prematurely by the police and the regulatory office, since the assembly classified it as not politically enough and the city administration did not ensure sufficient security, such as nd -aktuell reported.

The increasing difficulties in financing the CSD in Berlin are not only due to sponsorship. German companies also show reluctance. Marcel Voges, the board of directors of the association, attributes this development to economic uncertainties and a changed social mood towards queer topics. Rising costs for infrastructure, sanitary and staff also have a negative impact on the event, which is why restrictions on the offers are expected. The association has already saved 100,000 euros by reducing production costs and staff, but savings in accessibility, such as pedestal tests for wheelchair users and interpreting services in sign language, are a serious concern.

financial and social challenges

In view of the tense financial situation, the Berlin CSD e. V. started a call for donations, from which around 10,000 euros have been collected so far. Positive feedback on the donation campaign suggests that further actions are planned. Nevertheless, the question remains how the balance between political demands, a celebration character and commercial presence on the CSD can be designed, while many companies withdraw their financial commitments, as well as of course Magazin reveals.

The enemy climate towards queer people is also reinforced by the current social discussion. In Schönebeck, for example, where the first CSD of the year took place, organizers complain about bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate protection. Right attacks on CSDs are not an isolated case in Saxony-Anhalt; Actions by neo-Nazi groups and right-wing extremists aim to suppress queer life. These developments were discussed by Sven Lehmann, the Federal Government's queer officer, who warned of the threat of authoritarian and right-wing extremists. He describes LSBTIQ* as a symbol of freedom that has to be defended, according to the reporting of Tagesschau.de .

a lively sign of hope

Despite the critical situation, there are voices of hope among the organizers. José Förster from the CSD Burgenlandkreis said optimism knows that hostility can also be expected. The need for visibility and support is particularly strong in rural areas. Ocean Hale Meißner from the CSD Döbeln refers to an enemy climate that is characterized by past attacks. Nevertheless, as an important part of the Pride season, the CSDs must continue to be defended, even if they are increasingly under police protection, as in the case of Döbeln, where there is a tightened security situation after a dam last year for a butyric acid attack.

The challenges are diverse: from financial bottlenecks to a threatening political climate. The Berlin CSD e. V. plans a realignment in order to be less dependent on large sponsors and to expand cooperation with local companies and the urban society. The board of directors is convinced that there will continue to be a Berlin CSD, even if the size of the event remains uncertain. The struggle for visibility and rights for queer people is considered essential and must be maintained.