Politics and pride at Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade
Thousands of people took to the streets of Berlin on Saturday to celebrate the LGBT community under the banner: "Thanks for nothing." Revelers remained defiant despite heavy security a day after the Munich mass shooting.
Why not equal?
Around 750,000 people from across the globe converged on the streets of Berlin for the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin. The organizers said the parade, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, denounces an enduring discrimination in German legislation targeting marriage and family for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). The CSD is what Germany calls its pride parade.
'Open, tolerant and free'
Opening the festivities on Saturday, Berlin Mayor Michael Müller said intolerance and discrimination should have no place in society. "We must together ensure that this city and our coexistence are truly open, tolerant and free," Müller said. The parade took place a day after a mass shooting left 10 people dead, including the assailant, in Munich.
Against hate, racism and homophobia
Under the banner "Danke für nix," or "Thanks for nothing," marchers rallied in support of LGBT equality. A handful of revelers dubbed themselves superheroes against discrimination, carrying signs protesting hate, racism and homophobia. A group also carried a banner that read "Berlin with Orlando" in solidarity with the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in the Florida city in June.
Erdogan on the mind
A bejeweled image of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the rounds at the parade. He has described homosexuality as a "sexual preference" and contrary to the "culture of Islam." In June, two German politicians were briefly detained as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters at a banned gay pride event in Istanbul.
'Save your Europe'
Following the momentous decision by UK citizens to narrowly vote in favor of a Brexit, or a split from the European Union, on June 23, the subject of unity across the EU has been at the top of many Europeans' minds. At the parade in Berlin, a reveler wore garments that resembled the bloc's flag, carrying a sign that read: "Save your Europe."
Never Trump
Days after billionaire Donald Trump won the Republican party's official nomination to run for the US presidency, a reveler wore underwear with the colors of the American flag, carrying a sign that read: "Never Trump." The Republican presidential nominee has voiced controversial views concerning a wide range of topics, including opposition to nationwide same-sex marriage rights in the US.