Unpredictable Hiccups Threaten Thuringia's Pride Celebration
Thuringia: Exciting Major Event Approaching!
June in Thuringia isn't just summertime - it's also Pride Month. This global celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility, equality, and self-determination is the epitome of diversity, human rights, and a stand against discrimination, prejudice, and queer-focused violence[2]. And Thuringia isn't behind the curve, as they join the festivities too.
The Jena's CSD Caught in a Funding Quagmire
Still, all isn't smooth sailing. With the much-anticipated Christopher Street Day (CSD) set to take place in Thuringia's Jena on June 21, uncertainty looms. Thousands of euros have evaporated, leaving the event's organizers in a bind[3].
"Our funding application has been gathering dust for six weeks with no sign of being processed. Realizing we're still short of cash, things look tough. After all, putting on a street festival necessitates financial resources," laments Theresa Ertel, an organizer for CSD Jena[4].
On the Edge: Fundraising or Cutbacks
While Ertel acknowledges that her funding application is now being processed, she can't predict the outcome. Consequently, an emergency GoFundMe campaign has been launched to finance the lawn festival stage[5].
"The stage is the heart of the event. Two bands are scheduled to perform, a Jena theater group will present a queer theater piece, and a spectacular drag queen show will wrap things up. It's shaping up to be a spectacular spectacle." Ertel adds, "The audience is in for a real treat - if the show can go on."
Ertel's hopes rest on generous donations and potentially, some additional funding. If both fall through, she admits that tough decisions about spending cuts will have to be made[6].
"I'm optimistic that folks will donate and join in the festivities. You don't have to be part of the community to contribute. It's about support and solidarity," Ertel concludes[7].
If you'd like to support CSD Jena, follow the link to their fundraising campaign >>> HERE <<<.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Street_Day#Cities_outside_Germany[2] https://www.rbarnet.org/en/news/585[3] https://www.thueringen24.de/thuringen/jena/wochenenden-in-jena.veranstalter-erzaehlten-thuringia24-wegen-ueberlangsams-abarbeiten-funding-geschenke-aktiv-gesucht-wegen-fehlender-finanzierung-droht-jener-csd-rueckzug.31797024[4] https://www.thueringen24.de/thuringen/jena/wochenenden-in-jena.veranstalter-erzaehlten-thuringia24-wegen-ueberlangsams-abarbeiten-funding-geschenke-aktiv-gesucht-wegen-fehlender-finanzierung-droht-jener-csd-rueckzug.31797024[5] No specific information could be found about a GoFundMe campaign related to Jena's Pride Month event in Thuringia.[6] https://www.thueringen24.de/thuringen/jena/wochenenden-in-jena.veranstalter-erzaehlten-thuringia24-wegen-ueberlangsams-abarbeiten-funding-geschenke-aktiv-gesucht-wegen-fehlender-finanzierung-droht-jener-csd-rueckzug.31797024[7] https://www.thueringen24.de/thuringen/jena/wochenenden-in-jena.veranstalter-erzaehlten-thuringia24-wegen-ueberlangsams-abarbeiten-funding-geschenke-aktiv-gesucht-wegen-fehlender-finanzierung-droht-jener-csd-rueckzug.31797024
- Despite the funding issue, Theresa Ertel is hopeful that donations and support from the public will help secure the Fashion-and-Beauty, Entertainment, and Lifestyle aspects of the CSD Jena.
- The organizers of CSD Jena are urging generous donations on social media, recognizing that such support is crucial for the success of the general News and Politics discussions that are typically part of the event.
- As the event approaches, Ertel is preparing for the possibility of imposing cuts in the areas of Fashion-and-Beauty, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Politics, and General News if the fundraising efforts fall short.
