Christopher Street Days 2024 in Saxony-Anhalt: A strong sign of diversity

Christopher Street Days 2024 in Saxony-Anhalt: A strong sign of diversity

hall (Saale). - In the summer of 2023, Christopher Street Day in Magdeburg experienced an impressive participation with almost ten thousand people who went through the city for the right -wing queer. But the variety of CSD events in Saxony-Anhalt extends far beyond the larger cities and also includes smaller places that have established themselves as a platform for political messages.

It is particularly noteworthy that ten CSDs will take place in Saxony-Anhalt for the first time this year, many of them in cities with fewer than 40,000 inhabitants. This illustrates the increasing interest and commitment to the rights of the LGBTQIA+community in the more rural regions of the state.

Safe CSDs in Schönebeck and other cities

The first of these CSDs took place in Schönebeck in the Salzland district, where an event under the motto "self -determined and confidently united for the fourth time!" was carried out. Around 1,000 people were on site to set an example for equality. It was particularly gratifying that the police acted in an exemplary manner after several people had been attacked at the final party last year. Falko Jentsch, board member of the CSD Saxony-Anhalt association, praised the police for their quick reaction when a larger group tried to disturb the event.

The year 2024 seems to be a positive sign of the CSD events in Saxony-Anhalt. While violence and attacks at CSDS shaped the public image last year, the previous CSDs in Schönebeck and other cities show a peaceful and respected atmosphere. The CSD in Dessau-Roßlau, which took place on May 18, was also followed by a street festival, and the CSD in Salzwedel, which took place on June 1st, was successful with a peaceful atmosphere, although smaller incidents were registered.

for the first time CSD in Köthen with different challenges

Köthen was the first time of a CSD this year. With the motto "Queer - we have always been here", about 400 people moved through the city. Before the event, however, there were also hostility from the right -wing extremist scene, and queer -anti -queer smearings and insults were registered. Fortunately, physical conflicts failed to materialize, but butter acid was distributed, which threw a regrettable shadow on the event. Julian Miethig, the main organizer, expressed his relief that no participants were injured and is already thinking of future events.

The CSD in Magdeburg, which is planned on August 24, 2024, should be given special attention not only because of the high number of participants of around 8,000, which the organizers expect, but also on the basis of the tightened safety precautions. In view of the increase in legal mobilization against queer events, the CSD Saxony-Anhalt has developed a comprehensive security strategy that focuses on the protection of the participants.

In addition, it is important to look at the background of these mobilizations. The Magdeburg Association "Together" has already urged and called on the police to work increasingly for the security of the CSD events. The reports over 700 neo -Nazis, which found a rainbow flag during a counter -demonstration in Bautzen, illustrate the challenges with which queer -friendly events are faced.

A look into the future of the CSDs in Saxony-Anhalt

Despite the challenges, the CSD events in Saxony-Anhalt set a clear sign of integration and equality. With a wide range of events that take place not only in large cities, but also in smaller communities, the queer community strengthens its visibility and promotes open and respectful coexistence.

With the positive developments in Schönebeck, the first CSD in Köthen and the planned events in cities such as Halle and Zeitz, the community will continue to set a strong sign of diversity. In particular, the upcoming CSDs in the next few months offer a valuable opportunity to hear and celebrate the voices of the Queeren Society that diversity and acceptance in Saxony-Anhalt find their way around.

political and social background of the CSDS

The Christopher Street Day (CSD) has its roots in the LGBTQIA+movement, which was created in the 1960s, especially after the events of the Stonewall riots in New York City. These unrest was a reaction to police raids in Stonewall Inn, a bar that was a retreat for members of the LGBTQIA+community. Since then, the CSD has developed into a significant symbol for the recognition of the right -wing queer people and is used as a platform in many cities to draw attention to discrimination and social grievances.

In Germany, the CSD has grown to a large-scale social event, especially in recent years, which is visited not only by LGBTQIA+people, but also by supporters, families and friends. The increasing number of CSDs in smaller cities, such as in Saxony-Anhalt, also reflects the progressive awareness and acceptance within society, but also the fight against regalal ideologies.

Current challenges and security situation

The security situation around the CSD events has changed significantly in recent years. In 2023 there were several queer-anti-queer attacks in Saxony-Anhalt, which caused serious concern with regard to the safety of the participants. In response, the organizers and the police have revised their strategies for upcoming events. Police missions were reinforced to protect the participants and prevent disorders by extremist groups.

Falko Jentsch from the CSD Saxony-Anhalt association emphasized that in 2024 the police commitment and implemented the CSDs. The goal is to ensure safe and peaceful space for the celebrations. Here, the regional police precision during the events is also considered crucial in order to create a feeling of security among the participants.

numbers and statistics on CSD events

The demand and participation in CSD events in Germany has increased in recent years. An example of this is the CSD in Magdeburg, where the organizers expect around 8,000 participants. This number reflects growing support from the LGBTQIA+community within the population.

According to a survey by the "German Aidshilfe" from 2021, 70 % of those surveyed stated that they support the equality of LGBTQIA+. Studies also show that more and more people in Germany consider schools and families to be important to promote tolerance and acceptance. This could benefit the increasing participation in CSDs in rural areas such as Saxony-Anhalt and lead to broader acceptance.

These positive developments, however, are in contrast to the incidents during the CSDs, which indicate the continued existing problem of discrimination and violence against queer people. The statistics on such incidents show the need to fight for acceptance and protection.