Christopher Street Day

Christopher Street Day or CSD as the Germans call it, is the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transexual celebration (aka Gay-Pride Parade) in Berlin. According to wikipedia, the name refers to riots between gays and the police on Christopher Street in New York City in June, 1969. The celebration has been held on the last Saturday of June every year to commemorate this event.


[The stage around the Siegesaule]

Although the weather was rainy, Maribeth and I made it out to the party at the end of the parade, by the Siegesaule (Victory Column) in the Tiergarten. And even though the weather was bad, everyone was in great spirits and having a great time.


[The Siegesaule, also the name of Berlin's LGBT Magazine]


[Some nice costumes]

The idea of celebration and pride was really very evident with everyone's attitudes. Partying, having a good time and acting without fear of being judged really showed the element of pride in the LGBT lifestyle. I also found it amazing that so many people were there: friends, family, and just people having fun.


[We made a friend... well really everyone was so friendly...]

We were sad that we didn't make it to the actual parade, but if the after party was only a little bit of the experience, it was great.