Many people at Schwerin’s 20th CSD sent a signal in support of queer rights under the banner “Diversity Needs Democracy!” Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister-President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) said at the event, “a democracy is only as strong as all of us together. Queer people have as much a stake in it as everyone else.” It is an achievement and the result of commitment and courage that queer people can live openly.
Schwesig, who is the CSD’s patron, emphasized that minorities are the early warning system of democracy and the first to notice when this foundation of society is cracking. “If mayors feel compelled to resign because they are subjected to hate and harassment due to their sexual orientation, or if people are taunted or even threatened or attacked on the way to the CSD, that concerns us all.” Hatred, discrimination and right-wing extremism have no place in society.
She was happy to again assume the CSD’s patronage, which is already taking place for the 20th time in the state capital, the minister-president said. She also sees the queer culture days surrounding the CSD as an enrichment for city life. She thanked the supporters and sponsors who make the colorful program possible, most notably the CSD Schwerin e.V. and all volunteers.
Marcy Ellerton
