No rest, no turning back – queer rights, step by step! That was the CSD in Leipzig on 18 July 2026 + Videos

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A turnout of 20,000 people had been forecast for the closing rally and the main march of this year’s CSD in Leipzig; according to our estimates, this figure was indeed reached. Augustusplatz was already well filled at 11.00 am – that is, at the start of the event – and the crowd continued to grow.

After a slight delay, following the reading out of notices and conditions, drag queen Luna Neptune and Oliver Viehweg opened the event and warmly welcomed those present.

Luna Neptune introducing the event. Photo: Thomas Köhler

The Councillor for Social Affairs, Health and Diversity, Dr Martina Münch, began the round of speeches with her welcoming address. She spoke in particular about the history of CSD in Leipzig: “On 28 June 1992, the first Christopher Street Day took place in Leipzig. Back then, it was just a handful of posters and a small group of people – that was all. It was the first CSD in East Germany and marked the beginning of what we see here today – and, above all, what we will see in future – in terms of the parade and the festival here on the square.” You can listen to the full welcome speech in the video.

We didn’t listen to the other speeches but took a walk around the square and spoke to people, organisations and political parties. The question was always: Who are you and why are you taking part in CSD?

CSD march – people as far as the eye can see. Photo: Thomas Köhler

Interviews at the CSD

We started with the “Rainbow Bulls”, RB Leipzig’s queer supporters’ group. Rüdiger was happy to tell us all about them.

This time with guests from the Netherlands. Photo: Thomas Köhler

What exactly is the FDP doing at the CSD? We asked the district chairman, Alexander Gunkel, and the designated candidate for the mayoral election, Alexander Türpe.

“Democrats Abroad Saxony”, a US initiative, was also present. “What do you do and why are you here today?” we asked Therese.

There were also people who, for various reasons, didn’t want to speak to us. One stand that stood out was that of the University of Leipzig – there was no one there authorised by the communications department. Otherwise, the most common reason was self-protection; people didn’t want to appear so prominently in photos or on video.

With a handcart full of drinks, the queer team from Arcadis. Photo: Thomas Köhler

We managed to persuade Romy from Red Umbrella Leipzig, Jonathan from Aidshilfe Deutschland and Udo from Aidshilfe Leipzig to make a statement in front of our camera after their joint appearance on stage. Topics included sex work, safer sex and other issues.

Stephanie Henkel and Anne Giermann from the Pirate Party were also happy to share information; we were particularly interested in why the Dresden Pirates were coming to Leipzig for the CSD.

People and banners at the CSD march. Photo: Thomas Köhler

Within the queer community too – and perhaps especially there – there are people living with depression. The “Leipzig Alliance Against Depression e.V.” was also represented, and Paul spoke to us about their work.

Many companies were represented at the CSD; finding the right contact wasn’t easy, but at Arcadis we spoke to Sonja Schlund.

The floats lined up before the start of the CSD march. Photo: Thomas Köhler

At Amnesty International, we spoke to Dyno from the university group about, amongst other things, a petition that Amnesty intends to submit.

The CSD march

It was already 1.00 pm; the CSD march started a little late, and we filmed the entire start and the procession as it passed the junction in front of the old main post office. It took about 40 minutes for the end of the parade to pass us by, so we’ve edited the video down to around 15 minutes.

The start went off without a hitch, though the stewards still had their hands full. Trams were travelling from the main station towards Johannisplatz, and some marchers were occasionally too close to the tracks. You can hear this in the video as well.

After the CSD march, there was a street party on Augustusplatz; we weren’t there at the time, but we heard from participants that it was lovely.

Conclusion: Pride Week 2026, which concluded yesterday, is now over, but the slogan “No rest, no turning back – queer rights, step by step!” remains. There’s plenty to do in the run-up to CSD 2027.