As the organising association of Christopher Street Day in Dresden, this year we are looking back on a situation characterised by commitment and new challenges. For us, CSD is not just a date in the calendar, but a central expression of our political work and our commitment to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter* and queer people.
Our claim: political, visible and indispensable
For many years, the CSD in Dresden has stood for the demand for equal rights and social participation. This claim will remain in 2026. At a time when queer realities are becoming more visible, we are also experiencing that this very visibility is once again being called into question.
It is clear to us that visibility is political. It makes discrimination visible, creates spaces for dialogue and solidarity and demands change. This is exactly what CSD is for - on the streets, on stages, in conversations and by standing together.
What the new valuation means in concrete terms
Current challenges in implementation
This year, we are confronted with a change in the legal assessment of our event form. While the demonstration continues to be recognised as a political expression, this suddenly no longer applies to the rest of our programme - in particular the multi-day street festival.
The competent authority classifies this part as „predominantly entertaining“ and therefore not as an assembly. This decision not only surprised us - it also has a direct impact on our work. In concrete terms, it means that a large part of what we organise loses the legal protection that is intended for political gatherings.
What this decision means in concrete terms
What sounds technical at first has real consequences. If part of the CSD is no longer considered an assembly, it will be treated differently - legally, organisationally and financially. This means stricter regulations, additional security and infrastructure requirements and rising costs. At the same time, there is a new uncertainty in planning. For us as an association working on a voluntary basis, this is a considerable burden. Resources are limited and every additional requirement means more work for the people who make CSD possible in the first place.
Why the street festival is political
What is actually being negotiated here
At the heart of the matter is a fundamental question: What counts as political expression? Is it just the classic demonstration march - with banners, slogans and movement? Or does it also include the spaces in which people inform themselves, exchange ideas, listen, are visible and take a stand together? The CSD was never just a demonstration. It has always been a place of encounter and collective visibility. This is precisely where its political power lies. If these forms are suddenly categorised as „entertainment“, political reality is reduced.
What is at stake
A problematic separation
The current assessment follows a logic that we criticise: The march is recognised as political because it is classically demonstrative. The street party, on the other hand, is treated as something different - even though it conveys the same content. This separation seems contrived. It is based less on the actual function than on external forms. But political communication does not only take place in demonstrations. It also takes place where people come together, listen, discuss and visibly take a stand. At CSD in particular, these elements intertwine: people come for the demonstration, stay for the exchange and information and pass on the content.
The street festival is not a „supporting programme“, but a central component of the political statement. This is where conversations take place, demands are explained and people come into contact with each other.
Political impact is created through encounters
How the CSD has a concrete political impact
The CSD is not a rigid format, but a dynamic process. People come with different expectations: Some want to demonstrate, others want to inform themselves or simply be part of a community. This mixture is exactly what is wanted - and politically effective. Conversations take place on the site in which experiences of discrimination are shared, information is imparted and social issues are discussed. These conversations are a central component of political opinion-forming.
Many initiatives use the CSD to make their work visible, draw attention to grievances and mobilise support. For many visitors, this is their first contact with such issues. The stage programme also fulfils a political function. Contributions address social developments, categorise them and make them accessible to a broad audience.
Why this argument falls short
The official assessment reduces political communication to a narrow understanding of protest. However, political opinion is not only formed in clearly defined moments. It also arises where people enter into dialogue, content is communicated and perspectives become visible. Anyone who breaks down the CSD into individual elements loses sight of these connections.
Political impact is created through interaction
The various elements of the CSD interlock and reinforce each other. Political impact is not created selectively, but as a process. The CSD creates low-threshold access to political issues and reaches people who otherwise have little contact with such debates.
Diversity as a strength of political work
Political movements today are diverse. They use different forms of expression to reach people and make issues visible. This diversity is not a weakness - it is a prerequisite for successful political work. The CSD combines classic forms of protest with cultural and social elements. This creates a format that appeals to and involves different people. If this diversity is not recognised as political, political participation is restricted.
When publicity becomes a political effect
The role of the public
Another important aspect is the publicity. The CSD deliberately takes place in a public space. It is visible, accessible and open to everyone. This publicity is crucial. It ensures that issues do not remain in the private sphere, but become part of social discussion. When people attend the CSD - whether actively or as observers - they are confronted with topics that might not otherwise reach them. That is also a political effect.
What is at stake
The current evaluation therefore not only concerns organisational issues. It touches on the question of how political participation is organised - and which forms of it are recognised. If political forms of expression are defined too narrowly, there is a risk that important spaces will be lost. Spaces in which exchange is possible, in which people can network and in which social issues become visible. Such spaces are particularly important for marginalised groups.
Why we are taking this development seriously
We take this development seriously because it goes beyond the individual case. It affects not only CSD Dresden, but also the question of how civic engagement as a whole is evaluated. An open society needs diverse forms of political participation. It needs spaces in which people can get involved - regardless of whether they do so in traditional or new formats. This is exactly what the CSD stands for. And that is precisely why we are committed to ensuring that this form of political work is recognised as such.
Why the CSD must be protected as a political space.
Encounter as a political space
For many visitors, CSD is one of the few places where they can show themselves openly. This shared visibility is not apolitical - it is a collective expression that also has an outward effect. Encounters create community and political impact at the same time. It enables exchange, breaks down prejudices and strengthens solidarity.
Volunteering under pressure
The CSD Dresden is largely supported by voluntary work. Many people invest time and energy to make this project possible. More requirements, more costs and more uncertainty also mean more work. This commitment has its limits. If political work becomes structurally more difficult, this model comes under pressure.
Social reality in Saxony
Queer issues have become more visible, while at the same time hostility and counter-movements are on the rise. This is precisely why places like the CSD are important. They create visibility, connect people and make it clear that queer life is part of this society.
Why visibility is not neutral
Visibility is not neutral. For many queer people, it also means making themselves vulnerable and taking a public stance. This is a political act.
Our demands
- Full legal equality for queer people
- Consistent protection against discrimination and violence
- Support for civil society initiatives
- Recognising the entire CSD structure as a political expression
Why we continue
Why we continue
Despite all the challenges, one thing is certain for us: we will continue. CSD Dresden 2026 will take place - with a demonstration, programme and clear stance. Because visibility cannot be divided into „political“ and „non-political“.
A common mission
When these spaces become narrower, all the more attention and solidarity is needed. That is why we are inviting you: Inform yourselves, talk about it and support our work. Because in the end, it's not just about a legal judgement. It's about how visible queer life can be in the future. Right now, it is more important than ever that such spaces continue to exist and are strengthened.
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