Euskirchen celebrates with Queer Euskirchen - the first club for diversity!

Euskirchen celebrates with Queer Euskirchen - the first club for diversity!

Last weekend, an important step in regional history was taken by Euskirchen: The first club for queer people, "Queer Euskirchen", was officially founded. The association has set itself the goal of acting as a starting point for queer people and representing their interests through various activities. The foundation, which represents an important signal for the local LGBTQIA+ community, is favored by the support of the Cologne band Colör, which included a hymn for the club.

"Queer Euskirchen" is planning a number of events, including the queer U25 meetings and participation in the Euskirchener Christopher Street Day (CSD). Particularly noteworthy is also the planned participation in a demo for the Bundestag election on February 15 at the Klosterplatz. The association wants to call for the election of democratic parties to increase the visibility of queer topics.

Pride move to the Idahobit

A very special highlight will be the first Pride parade in Euskirchen on May 17, 2024, parallel to the international day against homo-, bi-, inter- and transthobia (Idahobit). The initiative for this came from the Queeren Stammtisch Euskirchen, and the idea found its origin during an action day on May 17, 2023. This significant event will be under the motto "Match together instead of right back - never again". District Administrator Markus Ramers and Mayor Sacha Reichelt take over the patronage.

The Idahobit will start at 12 p.m. on the monastery square, where numerous institutions, organizations and parties inform on site. The CSD parade through the city center starts at 3 p.m., in which more than 20 groups have already participated. After the move, the stage program continues, with appearances by local artists such as "Volume" and Stephan Brings. The organizers also find support from retailers who support the action day with products in rainbow colors.

A look at the developments of the LGBTQIA+ movement

The foundation of "Queer Euskirchen" and the planned events reflect the continuous development of the LGBTQIA+ movement. The roots of the movement go back to the early 20th century, with organizations such as the "Mattachine Society" and the "Daughters of Bilitis". A crucial turning point was the Stonewall rebellion on June 28, 1969 in New York, which led to the establishment of important activist groups and paved its way for significant legal progress, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in the USA in 2015.

Although considerable progress has been made, the fight against discrimination and violence, especially against transgender people, remains a challenge. Global differences in the progress of the LGBTQIA+ right illustrate the need for local movements that are supported by international organizations such as ILGA. These global networks are crucial for the exchange of ideas and strategies to combat injustices.

The foundation of "Queer Euskirchen" and the upcoming events stand not only for strengthening the local queer community, but also for the continued struggle for equality and acceptance in society. Euskirchen is therefore not only more colorful, but also an important center of queer life in the region.