Lübeck celebrates colorful CSD: 10,000 set an example for equality!

Lübeck celebrates colorful CSD: 10,000 set an example for equality!

On August 16, 2025, Lübeck experienced a dazzling spectacle: Christopher Street Day (CSD) attracted over 10,000 people to the city, far more than the organizers had originally expected with up to 5,000 participants. Under the motto “#Never quiet again” the participants sent a powerful signal against exclusion and at the same time for solidarity and equality. The parade was colorful and peaceful, commemorating the queer community's achievements and the challenges it continues to face. The CSD in Lübeck has been celebrated since 2002 and has now developed into an important event in the city's calendar.

Events like this show how important the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community is. At a time when human rights continue to be under attack, as in a Human Rights Watch report on human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ communities in the United States (see Human Rights Watch ), people don't stop fighting for their rights. According to the report, which highlights various discrimination and legislative policies, many LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of mental illness and homelessness, which is particularly concerning among youth.

A celebration of solidarity

At the parade in Lübeck, not only individuals but also numerous organizations showed their support. The CSD provides a forum to talk about important issues such as mental health. Similarly, the Burlington Pride Festival 2024 focused on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. There, local organizations presented their services, ranging from medical and psychological support to legal advice. The importance of such initiatives is also clear in Lübeck, where there is a need for additional information and support structures.

The Burlington Pride Festival, held on September 8, 2024, was a celebration of joy and solidarity. The participation of local universities and the appearance of drag performers added to the colorful atmosphere. One of the goals of these events is to break down barriers in the healthcare system and unite the community, which is also the aim in Lübeck.

A look into the future

The CSD events not only represent celebrations, but also the pursuit of equal opportunities. The commitment to LGBTQ+ rights goes hand in hand with social change. In the past, various presidents in the USA achieved significant changes for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, but unfortunately many of these advances were jeopardized by political decisions. The current debate over transgender rights, including barriers to access to health services, remains central to movements worldwide, as addressed in the Human Rights Watch report.

It is all the more important that events like the CSD in Lübeck and other pride celebrations continue in order to hear the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness in society. Because one thing is clear: a commitment to equality and acceptance is still needed to create a more inclusive future.