Concerns are mounting ahead of this weekend’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations in Cologne, with officials highlighting a concerning rise in incidents targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Sophie Koch, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for LGBTQ+ Affairs, expressed deep worry regarding a palpable shift in the atmosphere, stating that the situation has demonstrably worsened.
Koch, in comments to the “Rheinische Post” noted the increasing need for police protection at CSD events, particularly in rural areas. She emphasized the escalating prevalence of hate speech, harassment and attacks against members of the queer community, describing it as “the reality in Germany in 2025.
The commissioner urged a move away from divisive debates surrounding symbols like rainbow flags or the use of event structures, advocating instead for a focused and serious engagement with the critical issues of safety and legal equality. She called on both political leaders and society to prioritize these concerns.
Echoing these anxieties, Julia Monro, a board member of the Queere Vielfalt (LSVD) association, also highlighted the growing pressure faced by the LGBTQ+ community from multiple fronts. Monro emphasized the expectation that a democratic government should assume responsibility for the well-being and safety of all its citizens.
