Over two hundred thousand individuals participate in the CSD event in Hamburg
Record-Breaking CSD in Hamburg Celebrates LGBTQ+ Rights and Visibility
Hamburg, Germany, played host to the largest Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstration in its history on August 2, 2025, as part of an extended Hamburg Pride celebration. This vibrant event, known for its colourful parade and strong political messages, has grown over the years into a major cultural and political occurrence in northern Germany[2].
This year's CSD in Hamburg was met with an overwhelming response and turnout, with over 120 groups registering for the demonstration, covering an approximately 4.3-kilometer route[1]. According to a police spokesperson, around 260,000 people were on and around the CSD demonstration[1]. The parade included over 60 trucks from associations, parties, companies, and churches[1].
The motto of this year's CSD in Hamburg was "We are here to stay. Protect queer people." This slogan encapsulates the event's essence, serving as a powerful sign for queer visibility[1]. The term "queer" in this context refers to individuals who are not heterosexual and/or do not identify within the categories of "female" and "male."
The CSD in Hamburg is a significant part of the broader German and international LGBTQ+ rights movement. It commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, in New York City, which sparked the modern gay rights movement globally. In Germany, CSD events are not only celebrations but also platforms for political advocacy, especially in light of rising homophobic incidents and increasing cultural conflicts around LGBTQ+ issues[1][3].
The Hamburg Pride association, the organizers of the CSD, are proud to have set a record for the largest CSD demonstration in Hamburg's history. The spokesperson for the association, Manuel Opitz, expressed feelings of pride and support from the Hamburg community[1]. Hamburg's Mayor Peter Tschentscher and various city politicians participated in the CSD[1].
This year's CSD in Hamburg was the 45th time the event has taken place in the city. It marks a significant milestone in Hamburg's history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, embodying the city's culturally rich history and ongoing struggle for equality and freedom of speech[2]. The CSD in Hamburg was colorful, loud, and political, with participants fighting for the rights and protection of queer people.
- The Hamburg community is encouraged to maintain a supportive stance towards the LGBTQ+ community, as demonstrated by their active participation in the annual employment policy, which includes the Community policy as part of the CSD celebration.
- The vibrant lifestyle displayed during the CSD event in Hamburg has become a magnet for social-media attention, with users sharing photos and videos of the colorful parade, entertainment, and political messages.
- As the CSD in Hamburg grows, general-news outlets and crime-and-justice sections continue to cover the increased occurrences of homophobic incidents and the ongoing importance of the event as a platform for advocacy and addressing these issues in German politics.
