Information from Berliner CSD e.V. following the press conference ChatGPT fragen

From left to right: Thomas Hoffmann (Board Member, Berliner CSD e. V.), Steffi Irmen (“Die Amme”, artist), Monique King (Advisory Board Member, Berliner CSD e. V.), Marcel Voges (Board Member, Berliner CSD e. V.).
Photo: Brigitte Dummer

Route & innovations

80 vehicles and around 100 groups on foot will be taking part in this year’s demonstration. The final rally begins at 1 pm with music, speeches and artistic contributions at the Brandenburg Gate.

Demands 2025 of the Berlin CSD e. V.

The queer community will be under considerable pressure in 2025. Queer clubs are in financial difficulties, queer bars are increasingly under attack and political support is dwindling. What is needed now is a joint effort by all democratic forces to secure queer structures and safe spaces in Berlin. The Berlin CSD e. V. therefore demands, among other things

🚀 A rescue package for queer community and counseling structures
🚀 The inclusion of queer people in the Basic Law
🚀 Concrete measures against hate crime

Marcel Voges, board member of the Berlin CSD e. V., explains:

“The Berlin CSD stands for diversity, democracy and cohesion. Queer people, friends and supporters show that diversity makes us strong. Even in challenging times, the Berlin CSD remains a place full of hope, fun, community spirit and protest.”

Duolingo as main sponsor – “Now more than ever”

The language learning app Duolingo is the main sponsor of Berlin CSD 2025 – a clear sign of queer visibility and international solidarity. After it became known that the Berlin CSD e. V. was under financial pressure, Duolingo pledged financial support to the sponsoring association at short notice.

Markus Krätzschmar, Marketing Director Germany at Duolingo, explains:

“At a time when many companies – especially from the USA – are withdrawing their support for CSDs, we believe it is particularly important to take a stand and position ourselves clearly. It was therefore a matter of course for us to step in as the main sponsor of the Berlin CSD at short notice, in line with the motto “Now more than ever”, and to send a visible signal for diversity, acceptance and queer visibility. For Duolingo, diversity is not a trend, but a lived value that is deeply rooted in our DNA and in our language courses with characters from different backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. We are convinced that language connects people and breaks down barriers. That is why it is a central concern of ours to strengthen queer voices and contribute to a society in which acceptance and understanding form the basis of coexistence.”

Further information on why Duolingo is getting involved this year can be found in the blog post: https://csd-berlin.de/aktuelles/jetzt-erst-recht-warum-duolingo-den-berliner-csd-unterstuetzt

Facts, figures and interesting facts about CSD in Berlin:

Opening

The 47th CSD Berlin | Berlin Pride will be opened on July 26, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. by the board of Berlin CSD e. V. and two Bundestag vice presidents: Josephine Ortleb (SPD) and Omid Nouripour (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) have confirmed their participation in the official opening. Former Bundestag Vice-President Petra Pau (DIE LINKE) will also be there – a strong sign of democratic solidarity at a time of growing uncertainty for queer people. The opening speech will traditionally take place on the association truck with the number one. In addition to the aforementioned speakers, the board of the Berlin CSD e. V. and Cansel Kiziltepe (Senator for Labor, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination) are scheduled to give a short speech.

Route, route, expansion of the area Final rally

On July 26, 2025, the demonstration will march from Leipziger Straße through Mitte to the Bundesrat, continuing towards Schöneberg and Nollendorfplatz. As last year, the demonstration will turn off at the Urania.

“This concept significantly relieved the hotspot at Nollendorfplatz last year and thus ensured greater safety for all participants and residents,” explains Thomas Hoffmann, board member of Berliner CSD e. V.

From the level of the Nordic Embassies, the procession will split into even and odd-numbered floats on both sides of the road. From here, the floats head towards the Victory Column, which is also the end point of the demonstration.

At around 3:30 pm, the first vehicles reach the end point at the Victory Column. From there, the march will continue on foot via the final rally to the Brandenburg Gate, where an extensive stage program will take place.

New this year is that some trucks from our partners and community associations will continue to Yitzhak-Rabin-Straße.

“The demonstration will consist of 80 trucks and around 100 foot groups. The total length of the route is 7.6 kilometers. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected again this year. Special thanks go to our inclusion partners Pfizer, Mastercard, Mercedes Benz and Potsdamer Platz, who supported us in financing our barrier-free measures. These include two rollipodiums, sign language interpreters and accessible toilets,” explains Thomas Hoffmann, board member of Berliner CSD e.V.

The line-up of floats for the 47th Berlin Pride can be found on the website at https://csd-berlin.de/demo-route-2025.

Campaign & demands

In 2025, Berlin CSD will remain a political demonstration, not a parade. Under the motto “Never be silent again!”, we are making it loud and visible that queer life is being intensified, endangered, repressed and attacked today – in Berlin, Germany and globally. The current political developments, not only in the USA but also in Germany, make this more than clear.

With this year’s motto “Never be silent again!”, the Berlin CSD e. V. is forming a protective shield for the queer community. Board member Marcel Voges comments: “Queer people exist and, contrary to all claims, the queer community is increasingly exposed to hostility. Queer bars are now being attacked more frequently, hatred on the internet is increasing and rights that have been fought for are being questioned more often. With our motto, we show that we will always remain loud, colorful and visible.”

In view of the challenges, the Berlin CSD e. V. is calling on the Berlin state government to take immediate measures to secure and permanently strengthen the city’s queer infrastructure. The rainbow capital must be strengthened.

Key demands

Preservation of our community and counseling structures: The community and counseling structures are severely endangered. We demand immediate action from the Berlin state government and the establishment of a rescue fund for queer spaces.

Inclusion of queer people in the Basic Law: The Berlin state government has finally launched the Bundesrat initiative to extend Article 3 of the Basic Law almost two years after it promised to do so. Now the state government must work hard to gain the support of the other CDU-led federal states. Queer people must no longer wait for their rights to be recognized in the constitution.

Effective fight against hate crime: The rainbow capital must once again become a safe space for queer people.

This year, the Berlin CSD forum has focused on a few core demands that are of the utmost importance to the entire queer community. In addition, there are many other equally important demands, which are outlined in our list of demands.

All information about the campaign and demands here: https://csd-berlin.de/kampagne

Politics & community safety

The fight against hate crime in particular is one of the demands that is more important than ever in these times. Reports of attacks on queer people and attacks on queer events or institutions are increasing, not only in Germany but worldwide. As recently as the end of June, two queer bars were attacked in Berlin, the self-proclaimed rainbow capital.

“Our rainbow capital is in acute danger. We are in a queer political crisis. Therefore, the decision of the Bundestag administration to withdraw from the CSD with reference to its political orientation is incomprehensible. The Berlin CSD has always been political. Participation is open to anyone who wants to stand up for human rights, diversity and queer visibility. Withdrawing at a time of increasing anti-queer attacks sends a regrettable and discouraging signal. We are not convinced by the often-used neutrality argument and it seems to be a pretext – rather, it gives the impression that neutrality is not being maintained here, but that queer visibility is being deliberately avoided,” emphasizes board member Marcel Voges.

Thomas Hoffmann, board member of the Berlin CSD e. V., comments: “We CSD organizers and activists are currently very tense. We are in contact with other CSD associations. There is a different threat every week. Right-wing extremists mobilize for CSDs every week. Every week there are either attacks on bars or on queer people in Berlin. In a situation like this, we need the support and backing of political decision-makers, not belittlement. The rainbow flag may just be a symbol for many. But to deprive us of this symbol in this situation, in which we are being actively attacked, is a clear political signal that state institutions are ducking away and abandoning us. This is causing considerable uncertainty among many people in our country.”

The Berlin CSD is a political demonstration and as such the Berlin police are responsible for security. In order to ensure the safety of the community and participants from all over the world, the board of the Berlin CSD e. V. is in regular and trusting contact with the authorities. The Berlin police take the threat situation of all participants of the Berlin CSD very seriously.

The Berlin CSD e. V. will not tolerate anti-Semitic, racist, anti-Muslim or other inhuman statements and activities during the demonstration, on the main stage and on the trucks. The police are called upon to take decisive action in the event of attacks. All truck operators and decision-makers of the Berlin CSD are required to ensure that criminally relevant incidents are reported to the police.

Sustainability

Last year, the Berlin CSD e. V. developed a joint campaign with wirBERLIN for the first time to make the demonstration and closing rally more environmentally friendly and reduce the amount of waste. This partnership will be continued this year.

“Last year, we were able to significantly reduce the impact on the environment thanks to the campaign. Everyone worked together to keep the negative environmental impact as low as possible. Because both are important: the protection and rights of the queer community as well as the protection of our environment,” explains Thomas Hoffmann, board member of the Berlin CSD e. V.

This year, there will once again be an environmental area in the northern Lindenrondell at the Brandenburg Gate. Anne Sebald, Managing Director of the non-profit initiative wirBERLIN gGmbH, says: “Following the successful pilot project in 2024, we are delighted to be continuing the cooperation between wirBERLIN and CSD Berlin in 2025. Since summer 2023, we have been working together to develop concrete measures to reduce the environmental impact during the demonstration – from raising awareness among visitors and float operators to traders and other stakeholders. We will be announcing further details and implementation plans for our Sustainability Concept 2025 shortly. Our project is being funded as part of the #MITTEMACHTSAUBER campaign of the Mitte district authority.”

The day after the demonstration, on July 27, there will also be an after-CSD cleanup from 2 to 5 pm. All those involved are called upon to clean up the remaining garbage together. Further information can be found on our website https://csd-berlin.de/nachhaltigkeit and on the wirBerlin website https://wir-berlin.org/csd/

Program highlights main stage and presenters of the closing rally

A diverse closing rally will take place on the stage – with speeches as well as artistic and musical acts. The program starts at 1 p.m. and ends around midnight.

Moderation of the children’s program, 13:00-17:00: Daphne de Baakel

Moderation of the main program from 17:00
Ricarda Hofmann (podcaster, comedy author, Busenfreundin podcast)
Brix Schaumburg (actor, singer, trans* activist, author)

Musical highlights include:
D-Dur Dykes* (largest FLINTA* choir in Europe)
LIEBE IST ALLES (präsentiert vom Theater des Westens)
NESS (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKnVPifM6LO)
Alle Farben (DJ and music producer)

“When designing the program and selecting the presenters, we paid particular attention to ensuring that they fit in with our motto and also contribute to our core demands. We are proud that we were able to master this challenge and attract such great representatives,“ explains Monique King, Special Representative of the Board ”Advisory Board” for Lesbian Visibility and Lead Stage

Soul of Stonewall Awards 2025

New this year: The Soul of Stonewall Award will only be given to one organization/initiative. By focusing on one award winner, the Berlin CSD e. V. hopes to achieve greater reach and impact.

This year, the “Never Quiet Again” campaign by Woman Life Freedom is being honored.

The “Never Quiet Again” initiative has a clear political claim and a committed approach. Its aim is to make marginalized voices heard – at a time when many people are once again experiencing threats, discrimination and exclusion.

What makes her work so special:

It deliberately breaks the silence. The initiative is directed against the silencing of society in the face of racism, anti-Semitism, queerophobia, misogyny and other forms of misanthropy. Instead of looking away, it demands a clear stance.

It creates spaces for voices that would otherwise go unheard. Through readings, discussion formats and public campaigns, those affected have their say. The focus is on their perspectives – they are not talked about, but with them.

It calls for solidarity. “Nie wieder leise” invites people to actively stand alongside those affected. Listening, acting together, being visible – that is her political
claim.

It reminds us that silence is never neutral. Especially in times of increasing social division, we need initiatives that take a stand. “Never Quiet Again” encourages people to be loud and take a stand when it counts the most. In terms of content and politics, this work fits in perfectly with this year’s motto “Never be silent again”.

With the Soul of Stonewall Award 2025, we want to visibly support “Never Quiet Again”, honor their commitment and set an example of solidarity in action.

4th Pride Month Berlin

For the fourth time, the Berlin CSD e. V. is proclaiming Pride Month Berlin, or PMB for short. Until July 27, the capital will be the scene of a diverse, political and above all queer month of events.

“The developments of recent months show why Pride Month Berlin is needed as a visible period. The far-right and queer-hostile #noAfD party won more than 20 percent of the vote in the last federal election. Funding for queer projects has already been severely curtailed and further cuts are imminent. The hard-won Self-Determination Act is under threat of being ‘evaluated’ under prejudiced auspices. And the President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU), is breaking political taboos and prohibiting the Bundestag administration from officially participating in the Berlin CSD. Despite these developments, we want to use Pride Month Berlin to empower queer people and keep our concerns loud in society,” says Adrian Betsch from Team Pride Month Berlin.

To achieve this, we are focusing on three main topics this year. In the Crisis-proof Community focus area, we want to show the strength that queer people can develop for each other in the face of repression, discrimination and violence. We are loud against hate and explicitly oppose trans* hostility and discrimination against queer BIPoC and migrants. Through the focus on activism & attitude, we make it clear that queer activism is diverse and is lived at demos, in counseling centers, in queer networks as well as in companies, schools and cultural institutions.

Pride Month Berlin ends on July 27. The highlights at the end are the official closing parties. The official Berlin CSD Main Party “House of Pride” will take place at Ritter Butzke.

The entire program here: https://csd-berlin.de/pride-month-events-2025

Finances & Partners

The financial gap for this year’s Berlin CSD was closed thanks to numerous donations and the short-term acquisition of new partners. The Berlin CSD e. V. would like to thank all donors and partners for their support, without which our demonstration would not be possible.

“This means that all the low-barrier projects from previous years as well as the political campaigns can be secured and the necessary technology in the production area can be financed. This has only been possible thanks to the broad support from the community and committed companies. We would like to express our sincere thanks for this,” explains Marcel Voges, board member of Berliner CSD e. V.

At the same time, it is clear that the structural and content-related future of the Berlin CSD must be discussed with the community after the CSD, as the situation is likely to become more difficult in the coming years. The association faces the task of becoming more sustainable and resilient.

Following the Berlin CSD e. V.’s announcement that sponsorship funds had fallen significantly compared to the previous year, numerous new partners contacted us. This year’s main sponsor is the language learning app Duolingo.

Main sponsor: Duolingo
Co-sponsors: Carlsberg / Somersby
Long-standing association partners: REWE, Mampe
Inclusion partners: Mastercard, Pfizer
Family & Kids Area: LEGO
Event partners: H&M Berlin, Iriedaily, Secconade
Media monitoring: MyNewsDesk and PMG