The international LGBTQIA+ community has come together in a show of solidarity following the tragic events at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations. The suspected attacker, a 21-year-old, was killed during a confrontation with police in Berlin’s Spandau district on Sunday evening, concluding a nearly 24-hour manhunt. The attack, which resulted in one fatality and 29 injuries, is being investigated as a suspected act of terrorism.
The incident has sparked a wave of support and resilience from LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocates worldwide, who are determined not to let hatred divide their communities.
Messages of Solidarity from Around the World
In the wake of the attack, messages of support and resilience have poured in from various corners of the globe. Berlin Pride organizers and the Governing Mayor released a statement on Instagram, emphasizing the city’s unity and commitment to freedom. The statement, translated into English, read: “Berlin stands together. Following the attack at Christopher Street Day, the Brandenburg Gate will be illuminated in rainbow colours… Berlin’s thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends, and everyone who had to witness the act. Berlin is the city of freedom—and we will not let anyone take our freedom away. Hate and violence must never decide how we live or who we love.”
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras also expressed their solidarity, stating, “Pride is a powerful expression of visibility, resilience and solidarity. Acts of violence, hatred or intimidation will never diminish the strength, courage and unity of our movement.” Similarly, Equality Australia described Pride as “a celebration of love, visibility and equality – not a target for hate,” standing with the communities in Berlin.
Addressing the Roots of Violence and Hate
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities Joe Ball highlighted the underlying issues that contribute to such violent acts. He stated, “Violence like this does not emerge from nowhere. It grows where people are taught that some lives matter less than others, or worse, that they do not matter at all. It grows where dehumanisation becomes normal, and where fear and contempt replace our common humanity.” Ball emphasized that the solution is not to turn communities against each other but to address the root causes of hate and violence.
Actor and activist Milo Hartill echoed these sentiments, urging the community not to direct hatred towards Muslim communities in response to the attack. Hartill argued that homophobia and transphobia are the real issues, stating, “Do not allow hatred to turn you into the very thing we as queer people disdain, hateful and fascist towards another group. Islamic people are not the enemy of queer liberation. Homophobic and transphobic propaganda and those who perpetuate it are.” Hartill emphasized that being racist and Islamophobic “will not save queer and trans lives.”
The Enduring Importance of Pride
Australian advocacy organization Positive Attitude reminded the community of the essential role that Pride events play. They stated, “Pride is supposed to be a place where people can celebrate who they are, surrounded by love, acceptance and community. Moments such as this remind us why Pride still matters. We can’t allow hatred to drown out compassion, visibility and hope.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing need for Pride celebrations as a beacon of love and acceptance in the face of adversity.
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