"Christopher Street Day in Dortmund: A Celebration of Venturesome and Exuberant LGBTQ Pride"
Christopher Street Day 2025 in Dortmund: A Celebration of Queer Identity and Solidarity
On August 16, 2025, Dortmund, Germany, will host its annual Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebration, under the motto "Queer, Loud, Proud – zusammen gegen Rechts" (Together against right-wing extremism). This year marks the 27th time the city will celebrate this vibrant event.
The day's agenda includes a parade and demonstrations for LGBTQ+ rights, accompanied by speeches, cultural performances, and festive gatherings. The exact programming hasn't been disclosed, but previous CSD celebrations have been known for their lively atmosphere and commitment to visibility and equality for queer communities.
The street festival is taking place on the Friedensplatz, and the demonstration march kicks off from the north side of Dortmund Central Station at approximately 13:20. Thousands of participants, dressed in bright colours and waving rainbow flags, are expected to attend, reflecting the city's active participation in large-scale public events. Initial police estimates suggest around 2,000 people are participating in the demonstration, but organizers believe there are around 3,000.
Safety is a top priority for the event. Anika Freytag, a board member of the association responsible for this year's CSD, emphasizes the importance of safety while also maintaining the event's purpose as a place of visibility, protest, and celebration. Julia, a member of the Awareness Team, adds, "We want to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone."
To address visitors' concerns, the police have set up a mobile station on the Friedensplatz. Throughout the day, organisers expect around 8,000 visitors. Maike, Julia, Reza, and Justina from Dortmund are volunteering as part of the Awareness Team to ensure everyone feels comfortable at the street festival.
The CSD in Dortmund is a celebration of queer identity, solidarity, and resistance. Anika Freytag, at the forefront of the demonstration march as a board member of the association, wants everyone to feel safe and comfortable, but also wants to send a clear message that the queer community is present and proud.
Further reporting on this year's CSD in Dortmund will be available on television on 18.08.2025: Lokalzeit aus Dortmund, 19.30 Uhr.
- After the march concludes at the Friedensplatz, attendees might want to explore Dortmund's outdoor-living spaces, as the city is known for its picturesque home-and-garden sites.
- As the CSD celebration continues, fashion-conscious participants could showcase their unique styles, merging styles from the fashion-and-beauty world with the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Following the parade, perhaps some attendees might prefer to take a travel break and enjoy the city's historical sites or relax at one of Dortmund's on-trend cafes and restaurants.
- At various points throughout the afternoon, relationship counselors could offer advice on building and maintaining healthy relationships for those seeking support.
- Around the festival edges, pet owners may also be there with their four-legged friends, celebrating at this welcoming and accepting environment for all kinds of pets.
- During the lulls in the music, sports fans might gather to discuss the latest sports matches, or even engage in friendly sports-betting conversations among like-minded peers, all while under the watchful eyes of the weather forecast.
