One of the most colorful dates of all year is coming this weekend: the Christopher Street Day (CSD). Celebrated all over Europe, the LGBT party has Berlin as its leading and biggest host. Four major events take place in the city this Saturday the 27th of June, among others smaller ones such as the lovely Kreuzberg Pride.
The largest of all of them, called Lesbian and Gay City Festival, has as this year’s motto WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT. WE’RE ALL EQUAL. Held annually for over 20 years, its starting point is at the famous promenade Ku’Damm. The Governing Mayor of Berlin, Michael Müller, and several ambassadors – of the United States, the Netherlands, France, Israel, Slovenia and others – will celebrate the official opening. Attracting over a million people the parade goes around the huge city Park Tiergarten and ends with a big party at the emblematic Brandenburg Gate with Politicians speeches, bands, DJs and the Soul of Stonewall Award.
A smaller and more engaging event is the Kreuzberg Pride. Called Transgenialer, this alternative celebration does not invite party members for speeches or companies for sponsoring. After the parade – full with great performances – there is a stage for political talks about lesbian/transsexual/transgender/gay or queer perspectives on issues such as poverty and unemployment benefits, gentrification, or “Fortress Europe.”