Increasing violence against CSD parades: How safe are we in the north?

Increasing violence against CSD parades: How safe are we in the north?

Christopher Street Day (CSD), which stands for diversity, human rights and tolerance, has been an important symbol in the fight against discrimination and violence since its creation in New York in the 1960s. But in recent years, the CSD events, including here in northern Germany, have been exposed to a growing threat.

What is worrying is the increase in threatening messages and violent incidents against participants, which can no longer be seen as isolated cases. Kai Bölle, board member of CSD Germany, highlights that many cities are being targeted by right-wing extremist groups. The incidents in Emden in particular, where a CSD participant was attacked by several young people during the parade, mark a deep break in the tradition of peaceful festivals. The police are investigating three minors for grievous bodily harm. These incidents cast a shadow over the emerging CSD events in the north, which continue to be planned amid increased security.

Increasing violence and threats

The numbers speak for themselves: In 2020, 37 crimes against the LGBTQ community were registered in Lower Saxony, while this number rose to 165 in 2023 and a shocking 212 in 2024. This proves the overall alarming development, which is reflected by a growing willingness to report and at the same time an increasing anti-LGBTIQ* attitude in parts of society.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reports a massive increase in anti-queer crimes. In 2023, a total of 17,007 hate crime cases were recorded, including 1,785 crimes against LGBTIQ*. These often involve insults, acts of violence and threats. Against the background of such static data, it almost sounds reassuring that security concepts have currently been strengthened in cities like Hamburg and Bremen in order to give participants the protection they deserve. Up to 60 security forces have been mobilized in Emden to secure the events.

A strong sign of solidarity

The motto of the CSD in Hamburg 2025, "We are here to stay. Protect queer people," speaks volumes about the community's determination. Supportive voices from society are invaluable during this time. The financing of the CSDs in Hamburg and Bremen has been secured thanks to numerous allies, despite the withdrawal of some US companies as sponsors. This financial support is now more important than ever to maintain the series of planned events.

• Bremerhaven: 13. Juli
• Hamburg: 2. August
• Bremen: 24. August
• Verden: 7. September
• Vechta: 14. September
• Walsrode: 20. September

The challenges may be real and threatening, but the unbroken will of the CSD organizers shows that they will not give in without a fight. It remains to be hoped that through these courageous arrests and the increasing support from society, an expression of solidarity and a clear message will be sent to all opponents of discrimination. Social acceptance is a constant journey and the current situation requires everyone to stand together - for tolerance, diversity and an end to violence.

For further information on the problems, az-online.de reports. Further insights into the nationwide situation are provided by Spiegel and BKA.