Cologne CSD 2025: 1.4 million for queer rights against regression!

Cologne CSD 2025: 1.4 million for queer rights against regression!

Things are colorful and lively in Cologne, because the big Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade is taking place today. Around 1.4 million visitors are expected in the city to stand up for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Under the motto “Queer rights are human rights and indivisible,” the parade is led by around 250 groups with around 60,000 participants. This year the event is particularly important because the queer community is increasingly confronted with hostility and discrimination. According to ZDF, the Cologne Pride association warns of an increase in anti-queer hate speech that is spilling over onto the streets directly from social media.

Cologne has established itself as a supportive place for the LGBTQIA+ community and the CSD is the largest pride parade in Europe. Every year the city celebrates self-confidence and joy of life in numerous events that last two weeks. This year, visitors can look forward to a three-day street festival that takes place in downtown Cologne and is characterized by colorful parades. Cologne Tourism emphasizes that Cologne Pride is not only a celebration of diversity, but also a symbol of equality and acceptance.

Security concerns and increasing violence

Despite the festive mood, the security situation and social conditions are worrying. Insiders report an increase in anti-queer crimes, particularly from the right-wing spectrum. Extremism researcher Patrick Wielowiejski explains that hostilities against the queer community are ideologically motivated and linked to an outrageous idea of ​​an ethnically defined national community. Young men are also specifically mobilized via social media to take part in demonstrations against CSDs. The police responded and took security precautions to enable participants to celebrate safely.

The current situation is compounded by incidents in other cities. The CSD in Gelsenkirchen had to be canceled for safety reasons, and in cities like Regensburg there were changes to the route. The Cologne parade remains an important anchor point for solidarity and diversity.

Weather and mood in the city

The weather couldn't be more suitable on such a festive day or not, because in North Rhine-Westphalia there are lots of clouds forecast for today as well as heavy showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Temperatures will be between 15 and 23 degrees, suitable for the festivities, while thunderstorms in the evening could bring a surprising turn of events. Maybe one more reason to enjoy the atmosphere even more today!

It looks like today's CSD in Cologne will once again be a sign of the progress of queer rights - in a climate that raises awareness of both the challenges and achievements of this community. The event could be seen not only as a celebration, but also as a call for solidarity. So let's see what the parade and the people in the city will do today.