- Rainbow flag hoisted at the start of CSD Leipzig
The Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Leipzig is celebrating its 32nd edition this year. Kicking off the CSD week, the rainbow flag was raised alongside the flags of the EU, Leipzig, and Ukraine at the New Town Hall. Until August 17, daily events such as films, workshops, lectures, and discussions will be offered under the theme "We Choose Diversity".
Social Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) stated: "Every person should be free to love as they choose - whether in the Erzgebirge, Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, or the Muldental. And we want to stand together and support this, not just at CSD, but in everyday life as well."
The highlight on August 17 will be a rally on the Augustusplatz with a demonstration and a street festival. Last year, according to organizers, around 18,000 people attended the demo. The program week will conclude once again with the Pride Ball at the Täubchenthal venue.
The Christopher Street Day is held annually in many cities around the world and commemorates events on June 28, 1969: Police raided the New York gay and lesbian bar "Stonewall Inn" in the Christopher Street, sparking multiple days of protests by gays, lesbians, and transgender people. The CSD aims to remember the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersex, and queer people.
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The EU has shown its support for the CSD in Leipzig by raising the EU flag during the opening ceremony, along with the flags of Leipzig and Ukraine. The Christopher Street Day is a global event organized by the EU and other cities, aiming to commemorate the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
