Under the name X*CSD, Berlin's alternative Pride parade happens June 25 in Kreuzberg. It's all about expressing radical politics: showing solidarity with refugees and taking a stance against gentrification, police raids and the criminalization of recreational drug use. Malte Göbel sums it up

Jun. 21 – This year, because of the UEFA European Championship, Berlin's main Pride parade (CSD) has been shifted to July. But the radical queers aren't letting some sports fanatics get in the way of tradition: this year's alternative Pride is taking place on June 25. What was called “Kreuzberger CSD” is now called X*CSD, which still vaguely references the district it takes place in (Xberg), but coupled with the asterisk, it leaves room for the inclusion of those who don't live in Kreuzberg (especially the ones who have been displaced due to rising rents). The parade's team is made up of individuals, organizations and the venues SO36 and Südblock, all with the common goal of expressing their radical politics. “If you just want to have a nice drink, you’re better off waiting until the big CSD in July” they say.

The political situation in Kreuzberg is complicated – along with gentrification, there are increasing crime rates that have become sensationalized by the media and misused by politicians to promote their own agendas. X*CSD is concerned with all of this, in addition to the way that LGBTI and women are being exploited to stir up fear against refugees and Muslims. As queer is now cool and feminism fashionable, this year’s slogan is “Keep queer radical!” (Actually, it's “Queer stays radical!”, which was mistranslated from German, but it’s clear to see what they mean.)

At its core, this parade is a call for solidarity, not just among politically minded LGBTI people but all minorities. Kottbusser Tor is a place where different worlds collide, and X*CSD aims to unite rather than divide. Each stop on the parade's route represents a different political focus, including the starting point at 16:00 at Oranienplatz (refugees), on to Görlitzer Park (the criminalization of drug use), to Kreuzkölln (the threatened eviction of the housing project on Friedelstraße), to Kotti (gentrification), and finally Heinrichplatz for the closing rally at 18:00. That will continue with speakers and performers till midnight, when a joint party between SO36 and Südblock will already be underway.

Malte Göbel
Translation: Joey Hansom

X*CSD
Jun. 25, 16:00 at Oranienplatz

Block 36 X*CSD Party
Jun. 25, 22:00 at Südblock and SO36