Hamburg CSD Organizers Vow to Proceed After Berlin Attack: 'Better Brave Than Sad'

One week after the attack on the CSD demonstration in Berlin, the parade is set to take place in Hamburg. The organizers refuse to be intimidated.

28 July 2026 | 7:06 AM

Due to the attack in Berlin: Flag with mourning ribbon at Hamburg City Hall. Photo: Markus Scholz/dpa

By Lotta Drügemöller

When the CSD in Berlin was evacuated early on Saturday evening after the attack, celebrations were still underway in Hamburg. The Pride Night promised performances, talks, and music as the kickoff to Pride Week. Only later in the evening did word trickle in: something had happened in Berlin.

Nothing was canceled at first, as the information still seemed too unclear and contradictory, says CSD spokesperson Manuel Opitz. By the time the extent of the attack became clear, the evening was just ending. "Everyone was staring at their phones in disbelief," says Opitz.

Immediately after the Berlin CSD, Pride Week in Hamburg is underway, culminating exactly one week later in two demonstrations. With the attack in Berlin, the circumstances have now changed; everything feels heavier. The sexy queer people grinning from the campaign poster in a relaxed party mood, not entirely free of clichés, no longer seem quite fitting. The motto of this year's Hamburg CSD, however, is apt: "Take a stand – for a future without fear!"

Mourning after CSD in Berlin

Fear is the first thing the organizers are dealing with right now. The attack was a shock. They are striving to first restore a sense of security: "Feeling the full support of the police is extremely important for us as organizers – and also for the people who come to us," says Opitz.

Even More Police

The police initially did not identify an increased threat level, but now an "abstractly high threat level" is being mentioned for all of Germany. Even more police officers are being deployed for the event to enhance security.

People, says Opitz, are uncertain about how the CSD should take place this year, or whether it will happen at all. Spoiler: yes, of course it will. "Especially now, we take to the streets," says Opitz. "It is more important than ever to be visible. We will not let ourselves be pushed into invisibility by hatred and violence."

Club operators and participants of the demonstration next weekend are using similar phrasing. It all sounds a bit like the rallying cries familiar after such attacks.

But: The attack only happened a few days ago. "Honestly, I personally haven't even had time to think yet," says Opitz. "So much is crashing down on us right now." Increased security measures are tangible; other questions are difficult. "We have to figure out for ourselves what we even want to do in the coming days. How do you actually behave correctly? What is appropriate – and what is not?"

We have to figure out for ourselves what we even want to do in the coming days: How do you actually behave correctly? What is appropriate? — Manuel Opitz, Spokesperson for the Hamburg CSD

A first step has already been taken: As in other German cities, there was a spontaneous gathering for remembrance on Sunday. The mayor spoke, as did the police chief, the equality officer, and people from the organizing team. A mourner from the community spoke at the end.