Update on the 47th CSD BERLIN | BERLIN PRIDE DEMONSTRATION

On July 26 at 12 PM, the time has come. Hundreds of thousands will march through Berlin to demonstrate for the rights of the queer community.
It will be loud, colorful, and highly visible: especially in times of increasing social pressure, Berlin remains a vital safe space — a place where political conviction and joy of life go hand in hand. This year’s motto: “Never Silent Again.” Three weeks ahead of the demonstration and final rally, the board of Berliner CSD e.V. shares important updates.

We won’t stop until everyone is heard!

Under this guiding principle, Berliner CSD e.V. aligns with the nationwide motto “Never Silent Again!” In a time when hard-won progress from past decades is being called into question and attacks on the queer community are increasing, protest remains just as essential this year.

Demands and Campaign of Berliner CSD e.V.

The importance of protest is clearly underscored by the recent attacks on various Pride events across Germany — and especially by the Bundestag President’s decision to reject a rainbow flag over the Reichstag and to ban a walking group from the Bundestag administration from participating in the march.

The board of Berliner CSD e.V. comments:

The Berlin CSD is a demonstration and has, for decades, served as a platform for the entire queer community. Diverse groups — from migrant initiatives to queer sports clubs, corporate networks, and public institutions — bring their own topics and perspectives to the streets. What unites them is a shared foundation: strengthening diversity and human rights.

Each year, the nonprofit organizer Berliner CSD e.V. creates a catalog of demands. These are coordinated with our member organizations and published publicly. They reflect the core concerns of the community and enjoy wide support from participants — they are not a controversial part of the event.

For walking groups — such as the one planned by the Bundestag administration — there is absolutely no requirement to adopt or publicly represent these demands. That’s precisely why the Bundestag administration’s decision to withdraw due to the political stance of the CSD is incomprehensible. The Berlin CSD has always been political. Participation is open to anyone committed to human rights, diversity, and queer visibility.

To withdraw at a time of increasing anti-queer attacks sends a regrettable and discouraging message. The oft-cited argument of political neutrality is unconvincing and feels like a pretext — it gives the impression that the goal is not neutrality but rather the deliberate avoidance of queer visibility.

The 2025 Demands of Berliner CSD e.V.:

• Stronger protection for queer people through the Basic Law (German constitution)

• Preservation of our community and counseling structures

• Increased action against hate crimes

Donation Campaign Update: Funding Gap Closed

The financial shortfall for this year’s Berlin CSD was successfully closed thanks to numerous donations and the last-minute acquisition of new partners.

This allows us to continue all previous years’ accessibility-focused projects, finance future political campaigns, and cover necessary technical costs in production. This was only possible through broad support from the community and committed companies. We thank you sincerely.

At the same time, it’s clear: the structural and strategic future of Berlin CSD must be discussed with the community after this year’s event, as the coming years may become even more challenging. The organization must develop a more sustainable and resilient setup.

Partners and Sponsors of CSD Berlin 2025

Main Sponsor: Duolingo
Co-Sponsors: Carlsberg / Somersby
Long-Term Partners: REWE Markt / Mampe
Inclusion Partners: Mastercard / Pfizer
Family & Kids Area: LEGO®
Event Partners: H&M Berlin / Iriedaily
Media Monitoring: Mynewsdesk / PMG Presse Monitor
PR Support: Berlin PR

(Additional partner booths will be present at the final rally.)

Environmental Concept and Sustainability

Last year, we implemented numerous environmental protection measures at the Berlin CSD in collaboration with the nonprofit initiative wirBERLIN. We will build on this success:

• The “Green Rainbow Award” for the most sustainable float enters its second round

• The After-CSD Cleanup will again take place on Sunday after the event in Tiergarten

• Food stands will once more use reusable dishware

• Our social media campaign to raise environmental awareness will also continue

New Parade Route

On July 26, 2025, the demonstration begins at 12:00 PM, marching from Leipziger Straße through Berlin-Mitte toward the Bundesrat, continuing to Schöneberg and Nollendorfplatz. As last year, the parade will only turn off at Urania, a strategy that significantly relieved congestion at Nollendorfplatz and improved safety for all involved.

Starting at the Nordic Embassies, the parade will split into even- and odd-numbered floats, using both sides of the road. From there, the vehicles proceed toward the Victory Column, the official endpoint of the parade. The first floats are expected to arrive around 3:30 PM.

From there, participants walk on foot through the final rally and Pride Village to the Brandenburg Gate, where the main closing event takes place. New this year: some trucks will continue to Yitzhak-Rabin-Straße.

Change to the SoSA – Soul of Stonewall Awards

The Soul of Stonewall Award will again be presented this year, but with a major change: In 2025, only one single award will be granted.

The organizing team made this decision after observing that the public’s attention was previously spread too thin across five simultaneous awardees. By focusing on a single recipient, they aim to increase both reach and impact. Additionally, they plan to expand political campaign work at Berliner CSD e.V., and want the award to be more strongly aligned with the annual political motto.

This change is a deliberate content-driven evolution, not a cost-saving measure. While the Soul of Stonewall Award is not self-financing, budget is not the main reason. This decision will be reassessed annually moving forward.

More Info

Further information about CSD Berlin | Berlin Pride is available at:
https://csd-berlin.de

Press Conference: July 17

Additional updates about CSD Berlin 2025 will be announced at the press conference on July 17. We kindly ask all media representatives to sign up for our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss any further updates.