Berlin Pride at the InterPride World Conference 2024 and the EPOA General Assembly 2024

As a member of the international and European Pride associations InterPride and EPOA (European Pride Organizers Association), the Berliner CSD once again took part in both important international meetings this year. Patrick Ehrhardt, CSD Berlin’s International Advisory Board, represented our organization at the InterPride World Conference 2024 in Medellín and the EPOA General Assembly (AGM) in Porto in October.

The InterPride conference, which took place in Colombia for the first time, brought together over 200 delegates from six continents. The Berliner CSD once again held a workshop on the topic of “Diplomatic Support”, which focused on the exchange with Prides from Asia and Latin America. Detailed feedback on the conference has already been submitted to the Executive Board. The meeting with the partner organization “Let’s Walk Uganda”, with which CSD Berlin has been working together since 2022, was particularly moving. With the support of LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg, activists from Ghana, Namibia and Uganda were invited to Berlin.

In addition, CSD Berlin supported important resolutions of the HIV+, Trans and BIPOC Caucuses that were presented at the conference. In the exciting vote to select WorldPride 2028, Berlin decided to support Guadalajara, but emphasized that both candidates would have a positive impact on the LGBTIQA* community in their region and deserved to win. In the end, Cape Town narrowly prevailed as the venue in the WorldPride 2028 vote.

Immediately after the InterPride conference, we traveled to Porto for the EPOA General Assembly. There, a more diverse board was elected and the interim president was confirmed. The EuroPride host for 2027 was also decided: Congratulations to Turin for their impressive campaign! The Berliner CSD is calling on the community to support the upcoming EuroPrides: 2025 in Lisbon, 2026 in Amsterdam (as part of WorldPride) and 2027 in Turin. The Berlin CSD e. V. is considering applying for EuroPride. We will discuss a corresponding application in the team and, if necessary, submit it after consultation with the other CSDs.

Our Berlin Pride resolution on geopolitical crises was also adopted by a large majority in Porto. This is an important sign of solidarity within the Pride community, especially in light of developments in the USA and worldwide. The resolution could be implemented in the near future, as it is intended to provide space for exchange and support and is welcomed by the members.

The meeting also offered inspiring workshops on sustainability, safer spaces and many group activities. In addition, the members adopted important changes to the statutes that will keep EPOA future-oriented and adaptable. A big thank you to the hosts in Porto for their warm hospitality!

The Berliner CSD e.V. is currently working closely with Amsterdam and other Prides on the recognition of Pride as a UNESCO cultural heritage and continues to promote international exchange. Patrick and Thomas will be happy to answer any questions you may have.