Demands of the Berliner CSD e. V. for the Demonstration on July 26, 2025

Rainbow Capital in Acute Danger!

Berlin is considered the rainbow capital both nationwide and internationally – a place of diversity, visibility, and freedom for queer ways of life. Berlin itself also proudly and confidently carries this title outward. But this diversity is in acute danger. Accordingly, the forum of Berliner CSD e. V. has once again formulated key demands this year to strengthen the rights and safety of the queer community.

Credit: Brigitte Dummer

“The status of rainbow capital not only makes Berlin a place of longing for the queer community, but also contributes significantly to its diversity and international reputation. However, these achievements are under acute threat. More and more queer organizations, projects, and venues are facing existential financial crises,” says Marcel Voges, member of the board of Berliner CSD e. V.

The effective fight against hate crimes and the legal equality of queer people also cannot be postponed any longer. Thomas Hoffmann, member of the board of Berliner CSD e. V., adds:
“What we are currently experiencing is more than alarming: the voices of those who rise against us are growing louder and more confident. Since 2014, hate crimes against queer people have been increasing significantly every year. And queer spaces are regularly subjected to attacks and assaults. Is this the world we want to live in?”

The demands of Berliner CSD e. V. to the Berlin state government for strengthening Berlin as the rainbow capital this year are:

🔒 Preservation of our community and counseling structures: Community and counseling structures are severely at risk. We call on the Berlin state government to take immediate action and to establish a rescue package for queer spaces to ensure the short-term survival of queer cultural, social, and educational projects. We also demand the continuation and expansion of existing funding programs, particularly in the areas of queer youth work, anti-discrimination, psychosocial care, and culture.

📃 Inclusion of queer people in the Basic Law: We welcome that the Berlin state government has initiated the Federal Council initiative to expand Article 3 of the Basic Law almost two years after its promise. Now the state government must not let up and must actively seek support from other states, especially those governed by the CDU. Queer people must no longer be left waiting for constitutional recognition!

📢 Effective fight against hate crimes: The rainbow capital must once again become a place of safety for queer people. The first draft of the “State Strategy for Queer Safety and Against Queerphobia,” presented on July 2, 2025, after a lengthy participation process, must include concrete measures and sufficient funding.

The safety, visibility, and self-organization of queer people in Berlin is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a democratic, open, and inclusive urban society. Without stable structures, queer people cannot be protected, informed, connected, or politically represented. When queer spaces disappear, so do lived realities from public consciousness.

The state bears the responsibility to actively protect marginalized groups – especially in times when right-wing, anti-feminist, and queer-hostile forces are gaining strength. Berlin can only live up to its claim as a rainbow capital if queer lived realities are publicly safeguarded, protected, and promoted.

👉 The rainbow capital is not a given. It needs protection, funding, and political will. At the Berlin CSD on July 26, 2025, we will march under the motto “Never Silent Again!” – colorful, loud, and confident in support of our rainbow capital.