Thousands of people took to the streets in several German cities for the rights of lesbians, gays and the queer community in the broader sense (LGBTQ). Around 22,000 people took part in a Pride parade in the northern port city of Bremen, police said on Saturday.
In East Germany, 2,500 people took part in the protest march for tolerance and diversity in Magdeburg, and in Jena, according to police, around 1,700 people took part. In Jena, the organizers spoke of 3,000 people.
Right-wing extremist counter-protests were planned in both cities, raising concerns after previous counter-demonstrations turned violent.
In Bremen, numerous politicians were among those taking part in the march through the city center. The police reported that no incidents were reported.
In Jena, the organizers had hoped for more than 5,000 people. The heat apparently caused people to stay at home, said a spokeswoman.
She added: “We also know that many people have travelled to Magdeburg or Plauen to support the CSDs there.”
In Germany, the demonstrations are known as Christopher Street Day (CSD). The CSD is a tribute to the 1969 protest against police discrimination that took place in front of the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York City and contributed to the emergence of the modern LGBT+ movement.
In Magdeburg, many participants carried colorful umbrellas or wrapped themselves in rainbow flags while temperatures rose above 30 degrees Celsius.
Loud music blared from the speakers of several vehicles, people blew bubbles, sang, and some were in costumes wearing angel wings.
