Unconventionality in sexuality or gender identity - The organizers of CSD are patiently waiting for financial support to arrive.
The termination of the Christopher Street Days (CSD) in Wittenberge isn't shocking, as per the state coordination office "Queeres Brandenburg." Jirka Witschak from the state coordination office revealed to the German Press Agency that funds are frequently approved for a brief period.
This scenarios applies to lottery funds, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Brandenburg Social Ministry. "It's like a lottery game with lottery funds," Witschak stated. In Potsdam, for example, grant certificates were only acquired one week before the event. Nevertheless, the moneys were previously pledged orally.
CSD Prignitz: The lack of funds led to cancellation
The coordinating team behind CSD Prignitz announced on May 10 that they had to call off the slated event for LGBTQ+ individuals in Wittenberge due to financial reasons. Jessika Muhs from the Kreisjugendring Prignitz in Perleberg mentioned that they were not able to secure enough funding six weeks before the event date. Approximately a third of the required funds were still absent. In the previous two years, new funding sources arose to help rejuvenate events following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these resources are no longer accessible.
Applying for some of these financial resources is time-consuming, with grant certificates not always turning up until after the applicant has waited. "If it takes that long, I can't do anything," Muhs said. This form of payment poses a financial risk for small associations. Although the Kreisjugendring applied for funds well in advance, they didn't apply for lottery money, Muhs said.
Possible augmentation of funds post-state election hopeful
The issue of lengthy application procedures, particularly for lottery funds, has grown more prevalent in recent years. Bengal's Christopher Street Days have sprung up across the state, each requiring substantial funding. They are hoping that 100,000 euros per year will be added to the state's event funding following the state election in September.
This potential solution could take effect as early as next year. Witschak mentioned that it would be "exciting for all those who have applied for funds," and that whether the funds will be authorized at the requested amount is questionable. Even though the Social Ministry has stated that all grant applications will be accepted, it's uncertain whether this can be practically implemented and whether organizers on-site will be able to maintain their calm, he wonders.
CSD Oberhavel with backup plan
Candy Boldt-Händel, joint organizer of the CSD Oberhavel in Oranienburg, said they were still waiting for replies on certain grant applications, including lottery funds. "We're juggling our finances, but we have a Plan B," she said. The demonstration will take place regardless, and they have an alternative plan that can be enacted for a reduced budget.
Wittingerge is just one instance of the many Christopher Street Days in Brandenburg that require funds. The application process for these resources is both time-consuming and uncertain. In the case of CSD Oberhaven's recent event in Oranienberg, securing financing worked out successfully in the end. However, preparations had to begin early, Boldt-Händel mentioned.
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- Despite the anticipation of financial support, the organizers of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Prignitz are still awaiting subsidy money, which could potentially impact future events.
- Demonstrations and celebrations, such as those during the CSD in Demonstrationsstraße in Wittenberge, face challenges in securing sufficient funds, often leading to cancellations like the one in 2023.
- The German Press Agency reported that the state election in Brandenburg might lead to an increase in event funding, potentially benefiting minorities and promoting celebrations like the Christopher Street Day in Potsdam.
- Transgender individuals and allies in Prignitz are actively seeking alternative sources of funding, following the example of the Kreisjugendring in Potsdam, who successfully secured financing for Christopher Street Day celebrations in Wittenberge.
- The German Press Agency covered the challenges faced by CSD events in Brandenburg, highlighting the implications of lottery funds on the allocation of state subsidies for demonstrations and celebrations, including the Christopher Street Day in Prignitz.
Source: www.stern.de
