Tens of Thousands Rally Across Germany to Defend Queer Rights Ahead of Bundestag Election

Nationwide Winter-CSD demonstrations call for solidarity, protection of LGBTQ+ rights, and a stand against rising extremism.

Over 50 cities in Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Mainz, hosted Winter-CSD demonstrations with tens of thousands of participants advocating for queer rights and democracy.
Demonstrators urged voters to support democratic parties in the February 23 Bundestag election, emphasizing themes of diversity, tolerance, and equality under the slogan 'Wähl Liebe' ('Choose Love').
Key demands included adding protections for sexual and gender identity to Germany’s constitution, stronger safeguards for queer spaces, and combating hate speech and hate crimes.
Organizers highlighted growing concerns about the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights, citing political shifts and increased hostility toward minorities both nationally and internationally.
Prominent figures, including Berlin's Social Senator and queer activists, underscored the importance of defending hard-won rights and resisting the influence of far-right ideologies.