Christopher Street Day (CSD) is a significant event on the German LGBT calendar, occurring on the last Saturday of July. In Berlin, this day is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, as well as their allies. Berlin Pride stands out as one of Europe's largest and most vibrant gatherings within the gay and lesbian community. Its primary goal is to advocate for equal rights and fair treatment for LGBT individuals while also fostering pride in gay and lesbian culture.
CSD Demo March & Finale
The demonstration will commence at noon from Leipziger Straße/corner Spittelmarkt and proceed through Mitte to the Bundesrat and Potsdamer Platz. Subsequently, the route will turn towards Schöneberg and Nollendorfplatz. From there, the parade will continue towards the Siegessäule and ultimately conclude on the Straße des 17. Juni around 4:30 pm, with the first vehicles and foot groups arriving at the final area, the Brandenburg Gate. A diverse final rally will take place on stage, featuring speeches, artistic performances, and musical acts. The Berlin Pride festivities will draw to a close around midnight.
Events & Activities
For those who are lucky enough to visit Berlin for longer than a weekend, during the two weeks before the CSD, around 200 events are held, such as exhibitions, shows, lectures, concerts, films, and plenty of parties. A varied closing program will be presented on stage, featuring speeches as well as artistic and musical performances. The Berlin CSD e.V. will once again present the Soul of Stonewall Awards in the categories International Grassroots Personality, Activist Lifetime Achievement, Award for Berlin Community Project, and International Personality in the Fight for Visibility & Solidarity.
History of CSD Berlin or Berlin Pride
Christopher Street Day commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a landmark event in LGBTQ+ history, which occurred in New York City on June 27, 1969. Originating at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street, it marked a pivotal moment in the fight against police oppression. Berlin's inaugural CSD, held on June 30, 1979, under the theme "Gay Pride," saw 450 individuals marching through West Berlin. Unlike previous demonstrations, the atmosphere was vibrant and joyous, devoid of hostility or violence.
