First Christopher Street Day in Brühl: a festival for diversity and tolerance

First Christopher Street Day in Brühl: a festival for diversity and tolerance

An important event is imminent: The first Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Brühl will take place on August 24th. The aim of this event is to set a strong sign of diversity and tolerance. The organizers, consisting of Şirin Seitz, Julian Wortmann, Bo Divine (name changed) and Ida Görlitz, would like to bring together the Queere Community and its supporters in the Rhein-Erft district and draw attention to the needs and concerns of this group.

The relevance of the CSD for small cities

CSD events are widespread in larger cities such as Cologne, while smaller communities are often empty. "Such demonstrations are particularly important in small cities like Brühl to make queer life visible and promote acceptance," explains the Pride Brühl organizational team. It offers a platform for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trans people, and contributes to the fact that all of these groups feel belonging in the community.

challenges and resistance

A look back at the experience of the past year shows that such events do not always cause positive memories. In an attempt to carry out a CSD in Kerpen-Horrem, there were negative reactions and insults. Despite these setbacks, the organizers are optimistic: "We cannot be stopped," says Wortmann. "The great encouragement of the queer regulars' table in Brühl encourages us in our project."

The interest in the city seems to be great, and the organizers expect around 500 participants who want to support the move. Starting at 3 p.m. on Balthasar-Neumann-Platz, the demo train will pull through the city and end in front of the town hall. A varied supporting program with speeches, live music and dance performances should be offered that day.

versatile activities and celebrations together

Information stands and actions are planned to exchange people and learn more about the queer community. The final party begins at 8 p.m. in the Bistro Hollywood, under the motto "Pride", which reflects the pride of your own sexual identity.

Support of the Community and Partner

The CSD in Brühl is supported by various organizations, including the Brühler initiative for international understanding and the promotion of action for the strengthening of democracy and anti-racism. The Federal Ministry of Family also promotes the event, which underlines how important this type of event is to strengthen the community.

An act of visibility and the protest

The first CSD in Brühl is not only a celebration of variety, but also a critical protest against discrimination. Unfortunately, in this part of the Rhein-Erft district, people are still affected by discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. With this event, the organizers want to set a clear sign and draw attention to the fact that the Queere Community stands for their rights.

– NAG