Dortmund Gay pride (CSD Dortmund)

The history of Gay Pride in Dortmund traces its beginnings to 1996, marking the inception of a movement aimed at celebrating and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the city. From 1998 onwards, SLADO e.V., a coalition comprising various associations, initiatives, and individuals from Dortmund and its vicinity, took the helm in organizing the event. SLADO e.V., established in April 1998, serves as the coordinating body for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender groups in Dortmund, focusing on promoting the rights and welfare of these communities.

Over the years, the Dortmund Christopher Street Day (CSD) has evolved into a vibrant celebration that includes a street festival featuring a stage program, information booths, and a demonstration march that underscores the visibility and rights of queer individuals. The event also spawns a series of community-oriented activities leading up to the main celebration, engaging both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader public.

Highlighting its growth and impact, Dortmund's CSD celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016 under the theme "Your scene. Your district. Your CSD—20 years of CSD Dortmund," drawing attention to the event's significance in the local community. The 2018 edition saw an unprecedented turnout, with more than 10,000 participants rallying under the "Demonstration of Diversity" and visiting the CSD festival to demand equal rights for LGBTQ individuals, making it the largest turnout in the event's history.

By 2022, CSD Dortmund continued to advocate for human rights, inclusivity, and tolerance under the motto "Together with a lot of love - hand in hand for human rights," with attendance estimates ranging up to 7,000 participants. Today, Dortmund's CSD stands as a hallmark event that not only celebrates the achievements of the LGBTQ movement but also aspires to foster a society marked by diversity, tolerance, and equal rights for all, evidenced by the inclusive street festival accompanying the demonstration each year.

Be sure to check out the official event program for full details on this year's Leipzig gay pride edition and all previous editions. Happy Pride!