In the cathedral- and university-town Merseburg, the second Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place on Saturday. Around noon, roughly 400 people gathered under the motto “Queer, loud & united — for diversity in Saalekreis” and demonstrated for more visibility and equality in rural areas.
While the weather repeatedly shifted between dark clouds, heavy rain, and bright sunshine, the mood of the demonstrators remained consistently buoyant. The CSD began at Merseburg’s Market Square, where a wide variety of stalls and people came together. On-site, organizations such as AIDS-Hilfe Halle, Lambda, the LSVD Saxony-Anhalt, and Merseburg University of Applied Sciences provided information. Food and drinks were also made available to participants.
Clear political stance
“We will not tolerate anything other than boundless solidarity!” explained CSD participant Mika to TheColu.mn. “We belong here, and we will not relinquish the space that generations before us fought for!”
On stage, speeches were delivered, there was a drag performance by the queer artist Pollux from Leipzig, a DJ set, and live music. Contributions from, among others, Maximaldemokratisch, the Lambda association, and other groups underscored the political orientation of the Christopher Street Day. Nearly all speakers emphasized that the fight for diversity is inextricably linked with the fight against fascism and opposition to the AfD.
Once queer through the city
Around 2 p.m., the demonstration began. About 400 queer people and allies marched through the university town together, making loud and explicit the commitment to continue the fight for queer rights, visibility, and self-determination. This takes place against the backdrop of a perceived threat from political developments ahead of the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt. The route ran through large parts of the city, with a brief rally at the main train station before returning to the Market Square.
The Christopher Street Day in Merseburg proceeded quietly. Aside from one intoxicated, rowdy individual during the opening rally, there were no incidents. The person was approached by the police and then left voluntarily.
