Queer community in Hesse shows itself at CSD after Berlin terror attack – Munich vigil with 4,000 participants

Under the motto "Jetzt erst recht", demonstrators showed their colors in several cities in Hesse. The organizers emphasize that the demonstrations are setting a deliberate signal especially this summer. In addition to the protest against violence, the CSD traditionally stands against discrimination and for the rights of LGBTIQ persons.

"Jetzt erst recht" as a signal

The cohesion within the community has visibly grown after the attack. "Nach dem Anschlag in Berlin wächst der Zusammenhalt", it was said in this regard. In many places, people showed solidarity, and events were carried out with additional security precautions.

In parallel to the CSD events in Hesse, a central vigil took place in Munich. According to the organizers, around 4,000 people gathered there. The vigil is thus one of the largest public reactions to the Berlin attack in southern Germany.

Vigil in Munich

The debate over the security of Pride events has come to the forefront again with the attack. In several federal states, including Schleswig-Holstein, mourning flags were ordered on public buildings. Emergency pastoral care is also deployed according to its own statements to accompany those affected.

Police and private security services accompanied the CSD parade and the vigil with additional personnel. Authorities announced that they would review the protective measures around further Pride events in Hamburg and Magdeburg. Concrete numbers on the deployed forces have not been named so far.

Investigations and security situation

Investigations into the alleged act in Berlin are ongoing. No definitive information has been provided so far on the course of events, possible backgrounds, and the status of the manhunt. A possible motive has also not yet been established.

Representatives of the community have meanwhile announced that they will continue the program around the CSD despite the incidents. The focus is on the signal that the community will not be intimidated, it was said from organizations that coordinate events in the capital and surrounding areas.

The reporting highlights that the CSD in Hesse this year takes place under special auspices. The demonstration route, speeches, and commemorative formats were adapted to the situation, without changing the demonstrative character.

Overall, it is evident that the civil society response to the attack is broadly supported. In addition to the major cities, smaller places in Hesse, Hamburg, and Magdeburg have become venues for rallies, vigils, and expressions of solidarity in recent days.

The coming weeks are considered politically sensitive. Further Christopher Street Day events in other federal states are upcoming, and authorities are preparing themselves for possible follow-up actions according to their own statements.