More people than ever before are expected to attend Christopher Street Day in Cologne. The motto this year is again “For human rights. Many. Together. Strong”. The evangelical church is also involved.
The demonstration is organized by the Cologne Pride association, which last year was still called Cologne Lesbian and Gay Day. But this name has now had its day, according to press spokesman Hugo Winkels. “The name was there for Cologne’s lesbians and gays, but the queer community has grown so much over the past 30 years and has become so diverse that we wanted our name to be open to everyone.”
Evangelical church for the first time at CSD demo
“We want to show that queer people are part of the church. We’re not just taking part, we are the church,” says Tim Lahr. He himself is a queer pastor and organized the participation. “It is clear to us that we also have to reckon with headwind on site. Especially in the queer community there are many injuries with the church.”
A good 100 people are running in the foot group of the Evangelical Church. The posters are ready to read: “Thank God I am queer” or “Jesus – For equality for 2000 years.”
Beware of hostilities
Meike Nienhaus from the Rubicon Cologne counseling center can report other types of hostility. After the fatal attack on a 25-year-old trans man last year, there was a lot of uncertainty, and many people also reported to the advice center, she said on Saturday on WDR 5 Morgenecho. “And some also decide not to go – to protect themselves.”
In general, she is experiencing an increase in hostility: “The right-wing slogans, which are increasingly being used against queer people – that’s picking up speed and scaring us.” Therefore, in addition to the safety concept, the CSD also requires people to take care of themselves and others. And the hope that people will intervene if they observe something – that also applies to everyday life.
traffic delays on the weekend
To arrive on Sunday after Cologne To make things easier, Deutsche Bahn offers special trips for the RE1 and an additional RB 48 wagon.
There will be significant disabilities in road traffic
The road closures in the city center will result in significant restrictions on both rail and car traffic throughout the weekend and especially on Sundays. The parking garages in the city center will not be accessible at times.
Pipinstraße has been closed since 10 a.m. on Friday up to and including 5 a.m. on Monday, i.e. the access from the north-south to Deutzer Bridge. Because on Friday evening the Pride weekend opened on the Heumarkt – at 6 p.m. sharp with the song “YMCA” and a big outdoor party.
A detour for road traffic is signposted. The entire demo track is closed during the demo on Sunday. This means that no cars will drive along the route from the Deutz train station for this time.
“If it gets too crowded, we will completely block the Deutzer Bridge in consultation with the police. So it’s best to leave the car where it is on Sunday,” advises event manager Martin Hommel.
The big demonstration parade starts on Sunday at 12 noon on the Deutzer Bridge.
Storm front on Sunday
The thunderstorms and gusts of wind expected for Sunday afternoon in parts of NRW have consequences for ongoing major events. So far, no changes are planned for the large CSD demo train in Cologne, with more than a million visitors expected.
We also report on the topic on WDR2 and 1 Live. On Sunday we will also be on the air with a local time live from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on WDR television.