Kiel celebrates CSD with over 5,000 participants: Glitter against queerphobia!

Kiel celebrates CSD with over 5,000 participants: Glitter against queerphobia!

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the 27th Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place in Kiel, with the haunting motto “Glitter instead of queerphobia”. Over 5,000 people flocked to the city center to demonstrate for the rights of the LGBTQI* community as well as against discrimination and right-wing agitation. Organizer Saskia “Sasso” Gebauer emphasized how important it is to set an example for diversity in politically tense times. The procession started at the train station and set in motion after the police counted more than 4,500 participants at the starting signal, which is double the number of participants of 2,600 in 2022.

No fewer than four rainbow flags flew on the Kiel town hall, a visible sign of support and acceptance of the queer community. While the participants took part in the impressive procession, Luisa Galli from the Young Council gave an emotional speech that touched many and encouraged them to fight for equal rights.

A celebration of diversity

The street festival took place from 2:00 p.m. at the Place of Children's Rights on the Hörnspitze, where the atmosphere was exuberant and happy. The decision to move the procession from Town Hall Square to Sailors' Square was made to accommodate the summer theater “La Traviata”. However, security was even more important, as the CSD in Kiel was not affected by right-wing groups or attack warnings. According to the police and municipal security service, there were no reports of disruptions, and no counter-demonstrations were registered.

This positive development is particularly important, especially given that rainbow flags on Rendsburger Landstrasse in Hassee were kicked down last week. The increasing attacks on queer symbols are a sign that there is still much to be done to protect the rights and visibility of the LGBTQI* community.

The historical context of the CSD

The CSD in Kiel has developed over the years into an essential expression of equality. Pride parades are not just parties, but result from a long struggle. The history of discrimination and persecution of queer people shows that there are still a variety of challenges that need to be fought against. Historical events, such as the resistance to the police raid on the “Stonewall Inn” in 1969, illustrate how essential the commitment to the rights of the LGBTQI* community was and continues to be.

Currently, the threats to queer rights, especially for trans* and intersex people as well as for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, have increased significantly. Historians urge vigilance because the achievements of recent years are not certain. In view of the increasing number of anti-queer crimes, it is becoming even more important, as with the Kiel CSD, to send a strong, visible signal for tolerance and acceptance.

Many people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are invited to take part in these events. The behavioral instructions for participants - such as waste disposal, respect and keeping safety in mind - are all elements that contribute to the success of such events. Over the next few weeks, more information will be provided on social media and the CSD Kiel websites to raise awareness and further strengthen the community.

At a time when the rights of the LGBTQI* community are increasingly being questioned again, the Kiel CSD is an encouraging sign of diversity and cohesion. It remains to be hoped that such events serve not only as celebrations but also as platforms for political and social change.

For further details and information about the Kiel CSD, please visit the official CSD Kiel website at csd-kiel.de as well as reporting kn-online.de or deutschlandfunkkultur.de.