Introduction: When Pride Becomes Resistance

En Christopher Street Day (commonly known as CSD) is now a major annual celebration for LGBTQ+ communities across Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. While it is widely recognized as a vibrant and festive parade, its roots lie in a powerful legacy of protest, visibility, and the fight for human rights.

But where does the name Christopher Street Day actually come from? What events inspired its creation? And how is it connected to the Stonewall Riots in the United States? In this article, we explore the historical origins of CSD, its evolution over time, and its continued significance today.

The Backdrop: 1960s America and the Repression of LGBTQ+ People

To truly understand the origins of Christopher Street Day, we must travel back to 1960s America, a time when LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those who were transgender or gender non-conforming—faced legal persecution and social violence on a daily basis.

During this era, homosexuality was criminalized in most states. Police routinely raided LGBTQ+ bars, arrested patrons, and exposed them in the media, often destroying their careers, personal lives, and mental well-being.

Stonewall Inn: A Symbolic Starting Point

En Stonewall Inn, located at 53 Christopher Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village, became an unexpected focal point of protest. As one of the few venues at the time that welcomed LGBTQ+ patrons, it was also a frequent target for police harassment.

On the night of June 27 to 28, 1969, another police raid occurred. But this time, the community fought back. Customers, joined by neighbors and activists, resisted the police. What followed were the historic Stonewall Riots—a spontaneous uprising that changed everything.

The Stonewall Uprising: The Catalyst of Modern LGBTQ+ Movements

En Stonewall Riots lasted for several days. Led by powerful figures like Marsha P. Johnson (a Black transgender woman) and Sylvia Rivera (a Latinx trans activist), the events marked a major turning point in LGBTQ+ history.

While not the first act of resistance, Stonewall galvanized a more organized movement. In the months that followed, new LGBTQ+ organizations formed, and the idea of an annual march to commemorate the uprising began to take shape.

The First Pride March: New York, June 28, 1970

Exactly one year after the riots, on June 28, 1970, New York City held its first LGBTQ+ Pride March, called the “Christopher Street Liberation Day,” named after the street where Stonewall was located.

Similar marches were held in Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, establishing a global tradition. This commemoration laid the foundation for what would become Christopher Street Day in Europe.

Bringing the Movement to Europe: The Birth of CSD

The first European Christopher Street Day took place in 1979 in West Berlin, inspired by the spirit of Stonewall. It was both a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and a protest for equal rights in a largely conservative European society.

Organizers decided to retain the English name “Christopher Street Day” as a symbol of international solidarity and a nod to the American roots of the movement.

Berlin’s CSD: A Historic and Powerful March

Today, the Berlin CSD is one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ events, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants every year.

However, its beginnings were much more modest and politically charged. Early marches faced police resistance, public hostility, and legal barriers. Activists had to fight hard for the right to march and be seen.

Over time, Berlin’s CSD evolved into a hybrid event: part-political demonstration, part-festival, blending activism with music, art, and messages of inclusion, love, and equality.

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CSD, Pride, or Gay Pride? Understanding the Terms

While “Christopher Street Day” is the standard term in German-speaking countries, other regions use different names, such as:

• Pride Parade – United States, UK
• Marche des Fiertés – France
• Orgullo – Spain
• Gay Pride – A now-criticized term for lacking inclusivity

The use of “Christopher Street Day” reflects not only historical awareness but also loyalty to the original spirit of Stonewall.

The Evolution of CSD: Visibility, Rights, and Diversity

1. From Decriminalization to Legal Recognition

At its inception, CSD focused on:

• En decriminalization of homosexuality
• Social stigma and marginalization
• Lack of civil rights for LGBTQ+ couples

As legal progress has been made—like marriage equality, adoption rights, and recognition of transgender identities—the focus has shifted to:

• Fighting ongoing discrimination
• Greater visibility for minority groups within the LGBTQ+ community
• Championing intersectionality—including race, disability, class, and immigration status

2. Inclusion of Trans, Intersex, and Non-Binary People

For years, trans and non-binary individuals were sidelined during Pride events. Today, they’re increasingly taking center stage.

Berlin’s CSD, for instance, has inspired the creation of a separate Trans Pride, giving more space and visibility to the specific struggles faced by trans and intersex people.

3. Rise of Alternative CSD Movements

In response to the commercialization of some Pride events—often sponsored by big corporations—grassroots activists have launched alternative Pride marches, or “Reclaim Pride” movements.

These aim to return the event to its political roots, speaking out against