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How the Stonewall riots ignited global LGBTQ+ pride celebrations today

A defiant night at Stonewall became a movement. Now, millions march in celebration—proving pride is both protest and pure, unapologetic joy.

In the center of the image there is a road on which there are people walking. There are flower...
In the center of the image there is a road on which there are people walking. There are flower pots. In the background of the image there are buildings. There are cars on the road. There are street lights. To the right side of the image there are stores. There are flags.

How the Stonewall riots ignited global LGBTQ+ pride celebrations today

On 27 June 1969, the first known uprising by LGBT people against police brutality took place in New York's Christopher Street, Greenwich Village, at the Stonewall Inn gay bar. This event, known as the Stonewall riots, sparked the gay rights movement worldwide. Inspired by these events, the first Christopher Street Day (CSD) was held in Berlin in 1979, organized by local LGBTQ+ activist groups. Today, CSD is a global celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and rights.

CSD commemorates the Stonewall riots, with around one million people usually participating in the Christopher Street Day parade. The event features a great parade, colorful floats, and lively music, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. The first CSD in Berlin, held on June 30, 1979, saw 450 demonstrators take to the streets in West Berlin under the motto 'Gay Pride'. Despite its political significance, the atmosphere was exuberant and cheerful, with no reports of hostility or violence against participants.

CSD continues to be a significant event for the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a reminder of the struggle for rights and a celebration of diversity and inclusion. It offers a platform for people to express their pride, fight for their rights, and enjoy a festive atmosphere with like-minded individuals.

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