Germany's LGBT+ community worried at rise in hate crimes • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Christopher Street Day (CSD): Annual march in support of sexual and gender minority rights.
• Far-right extremism: Political ideology characterized by nationalism, authoritarianism, and often xenophobia, which has seen a rise in Eastern Germany.
• LGBTQ+ community: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual and gender minorities.
• Amadu Antonio Foundation: Organization that monitors and combats right-wing extremism and hate crimes in Germany.
• AfD (Alternative for Germany): A far-right political party in Germany.
• Bundestag: The German federal parliament.
• Homophobia: Dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people.
• Hate crimes: Criminal offenses motivated by bias against a particular group.

Rise in Attacks Against the LGBTQ+ Community in Eastern Germany

The annual Christopher Street Day (CSD) march in Cottbus (Cotb) in late October 2025 saw nearly a thousand participants, a demonstration held under significantly heightened security due to a surge in attacks against the sexual and gender minority community across Eastern Germany. Small groups of neo-Nazis attempted to disrupt the march but were quickly contained by police. This year's CSD in Cottbus was described as the largest and most peaceful to date, a significant relief for activists like Leaf, who runs a cultural center and aid support organization.

Targeted Attacks and Growing Insecurity

Leaf's organization has been a repeated target, with rainbow flags on its facade frequently torn down. Days before the march, a fire broke out at the building's entrance, with police investigating whether it was deliberate. The rise of the far-right in the region has profoundly impacted the queer community, with public opinion shifting and hard-won freedoms and equality being questioned.

Data and Statistics:

• In 2025, nearly half of LGBTQ+ events were targeted by attacks.
• In Brandenburg alone, assaults against sexual minorities have tripled in just two years, according to the Amadu Antonio Foundation.

Escalation of Homophobia in Berlin

Even in Berlin, homophobia is on the rise. A cafe in the heart of Neukölln has faced repeated attacks, including SW stickers, spitting, paint smears, and a fire extinguisher being thrown through the window. Police protection units have been deployed to the cafe. Daniel, who moved to Berlin over 10 years ago seeking tolerance, now experiences insecurity as part of his daily life, a sentiment shared by Kai, a regular at the cafe.

Broader Sources of Threat

Intelligence services indicate that the LGBTQ+ community is being targeted not only by the far-right but also by religious groups. The current situation is difficult because violence and discrimination are now occurring even in areas where the community previously felt safe, a shift from predictable threats in rougher neighborhoods.

Political Climate and Symbolism

In a show of solidarity, neighbors have hung rainbow flags from their balconies. However, the tradition of displaying rainbow flags on the German Parliament during Pride Month was halted this year by the newly conservative-dominated Bundestag. This decision was a shock to the community, particularly for individuals like Bash, a Kurdish Syrian singer who fled a dictatorship to live openly as a gay man. Bash found freedom and acceptance in Berlin, pursuing his music career, but now worries about the future due to growing political tensions over LGBTQ+ issues. He questions his welcome in Germany, stating, "All this debate about removing the rainbow flag from the Bundestag. The flag used to symbolize acceptance. And now I'm asking myself, am I no longer welcome here?"

Historical Context and Call for Action

Berlin, once a beacon of liberalism with a flourishing gay community after the persecution of homosexuals under the Nazi regime, is now experiencing a bitter rise in homophobia. Even the city's gay museum, which documents this history, is facing attacks and calling for action. A representative from the museum stated, "In the last 20 or 30 years, we've achieved so much in this city. Built projects, felt safe in the streets. It's hard to accept that this might be over. But it also means we must stand together more than ever. We need to raise our voices and authorities must clearly commit to protecting us."

Law Enforcement Response

In response to the escalating hate crimes, Berlin police have established dedicated task forces to combat homophobic crimes, a model that other regions may adopt.

Conclusion

The summary highlights a concerning trend of increased attacks and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Eastern Germany and Berlin, fueled by the rise of far-right extremism and shifting public opinion. Despite historical progress and a strong sense of community, political decisions and persistent prejudice are creating an environment of insecurity. The situation underscores the need for continued solidarity, vocal advocacy, and robust commitment from authorities to protect the rights and safety of sexual and gender minorities.