Preparing for Opposition Rallies in Falkensee and Wittenberge, CSD Counter-demonstrations Expected - Anticipated Counter-Protest in Falkensee and Wittenberge
In the heart of Germany, the annual Christopher Street Day (CSD) events continue to celebrate diversity and tolerance, commemorating the Stonewall riots of 1969 that stood against the oppression of the LGBTQ+ community. However, these events have become a target for right-wing extremist groups, particularly in the towns of Falkensee and Wittenberge.
The domestic intelligence reports reveal that the youth organization "Young and Strong" has been actively mobilizing counter-demonstrations against CSD events, aiming to draw attention to their anti-LGBTQ+ stance. The group's actions are part of a broader rise in right-wing extremist agitation, focusing on issues such as asylum, migration, and elections.
In Falkensee, the CSD is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM at the train station, under the motto "Diversity unites". The organizers have increased the number of stewards and recommend attending the event in groups for safety. Bjarne Herke, the CSD organizer, has stated they are in close contact with the police. A counter-demonstration by "Young and Strong" is expected, as reported by the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Meanwhile, in Wittenberge, the CSD is taking place at the Culture and Festival House, hosted by drag queen Fatty Acid. The event begins at 5:00 PM and ends at the Old Post Office after a march, featuring political speeches and music. The town's rainbow flag is already flying, symbolizing diversity and togetherness. No new information about a counter-demonstration in Wittenberge has been provided.
This development underscores the tension between advancing LGBTQ+ rights and the persistence of extremist opposition, particularly in smaller German towns. Despite the risks, activists continue to organize and participate in CSD events, highlighting their resilience against rising right-wing extremism in rural Germany.
The recent incidents, such as the masked attack on a diversity event in Bad Freienwalde in June, which injured at least two people, serve as a reminder of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces in Germany. The AfD's opposition to raising the rainbow flag in January further underscores these challenges.
As the CSD events in Falkensee and Wittenberge approach, the queer community, their allies, and supporters stand united against the rising tide of extremism, continuing to celebrate diversity and promote tolerance.
- Recognizing the broader rise in right-wing extremist agitation, the Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover areas such as relationships, lifestyles, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel.
- As a sign of unity and diversity, Bjarne Herke, the CSD organizer, has encouraged attendees to showcase their individual lifestyles by incorporating elements of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, or home-and-garden into their CSD outfits and props.
- Despite the potential threats from counter-demonstrations, pet lovers are planning to participate in the CSD events in Falkensee and Wittenberge, advocating for inclusivity and tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community and their pets.
- Local activists in both Falkensee and Wittenberge have organized workshops and seminars on topics such as relationships, fashion-and-beauty, and cars, aiming to empower the queer community and promote a more inclusive societal landscape.
- In response to the growing extremist opposition, activists are calling for increased support from allies and supporters in various sectors, such as shopping centers, travel agencies, and car dealerships, to create safe spaces and foster a more tolerant society.
