Christopher Street Day

Christopher Street Day, often abbreviated as CSD, is the term commonly used in German-speaking countries for Pride demonstrations and Pride parades. They usually take place annually during the summer months in many cities. Queer people and their allies take to the streets to demand visibility, self-determination, protection from discrimination, and equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, asexual, and other queer people.

CSD events can be political demonstrations, commemorations, community gatherings, and celebrations of queer diversity at the same time. Depending on the city and the event’s focus, different issues may be emphasized, such as legal equality, protection from anti-queer violence, healthcare, family rights, trans rights, intersex rights, anti-discrimination, or international solidarity.

The name Christopher Street Day refers to Christopher Street in New York City. On June 28, 1969, a multi-day uprising of queer people against police violence and regular raids began at the Stonewall Inn there. The Stonewall riots were not the first instance of queer resistance, but they are considered an important turning point and a powerful symbol of the modern queer civil rights movement in the United States, Europe, and beyond.