Berlin’s streets were alive with bare torsos, rainbow flags and lots of latex. 1 million people of all sexual orientations marched through the city during the 40th anniversary Christopher Street Day parade. This year’s slogan, ‘Stonewall 50- Every riot starts with your voice’, reflects the 50 years since the pivotal Stonewall riots in Christopher Street, New York City, igniting the fire that launched the LGBTQ Rights movement.
One of the largest in Europe, Berlin’s parade attracts people from across the world willing to show their support for a still marginalised community. Although companies and corporations have appropriated some parts of the event, a strong political message remains. Signs and slogans proudly stand above the crowd, carried by activists or adorning apartment blocks in the famously queer Schöneberg neighbourhood. They thank and acknowledge those that bravely fore-fronted the movement’s early days and bring attention to areas of the world which do not afford the same rights. Others used the celebration to proudly express themselves through fetish clothing, drag, and even complete nudity: soaking in the colourful diversity of the city. Caught up in the peaceful, smiling faces all coming together to celebrate, it’s easy to forget that had this taken places 50 years ago, everyone would have been arrested. Article originally published by Veridi News Comments are closed.
|
Categories |