Surge in counseling inquiries after Berlin CSD attack; consultant says community support vital

What do those affected and queer people need after the attack on the CSD? A conversation with Christelle Gebhardt, managing director of LesMigraS and the Lesbian Counseling Center.

Publication date: July 29, 2026 — 5:08 PM

taz: There was an attack on the CSD over the weekend, in which one person was killed and 31 were injured. Have you received many inquiries since then?

Christelle Gebhardt: We have been seeing an increase in inquiries and the need for counseling for some time, as anti-queer violence has also increased in recent years. The attack last weekend is the culmination of this violence. Today is only the third working day and we are still in the process of answering the inquiries. But we definitely notice that the general mood in the community is tense. There are a lot of feelings right now – from grief to anger.

taz: Many people are grappling with the question of how they can support queer people who are directly or indirectly affected by the attack.

Gebhardt: One possibility is to check in with those affected. Ask your friends, (chosen) family, and queer people in your circle how they are doing and if they need anything. Many queers feel affected after the attack, yet everyday life goes on. Many feel they have to function. It is also important to support queer counseling organizations, especially those affected by political cuts – like the youth network Lambda. Voluntary engagement and financial support through donations are also a good idea.

taz: What about people who have been retraumatized by the attack or are now experiencing anti-Muslim racism?

Gebhardt: Here too: Ask what the people need right now. Especially if you are not part of the queer or Muslim community, you should inform yourself about what this attack does to people. The political aftermath we are currently experiencing primarily affects Queers of Colour. Due to the political instrumentalization, Muslims are affected by anti-Muslim racism and thus experience an additional burden. Right now, the media and political discourse is looking too little at those affected and not speaking with organizations like ours.

taz: What else can allies of the queer community do?

Gebhardt: Show solidarity with queer people, inform yourselves about counseling services and pass on the relevant contact points, show interpersonal interaction, just ask. Some queers are feeling more anger than grief right now, so it might also be a good idea to go to a demo with friends or demonstrate for their rights. And support queer rights not just during Pride Month, but all year round.

taz: Can you meet the current demand for counseling?

Gebhardt: I think not. As I said, anti-queer violence has been increasing steadily in recent years, and at the same time, queer counseling services are being cut. Resources are becoming scarcer, even though we need more. That is a political failure.

taz: Queer activists criticize the double standard of politicians, but also the media coverage, which often neglects the topic of queerness.

Gebhardt: The coverage of the attack was generally distorted. I know the attack on the CSD was an anti-queer attack and we must call it that.

Interview by Selina Hellfritsch

About the interviewee: Christelle Gebhardt is managing director of LesMigraS and the Lesbian Counseling Center. The Lesbian Counseling Center offers psychosocial support on topics such as coming out, questions about one's own gender or sexual identity, desire for children, and transition. LesMigraS organizes counseling on anti-violence and anti-discrimination, flight and asylum, as well as empowerment workshops.