CSD Berlin: Why was the flag raised in front of the Bundesrat this year?
This is a question that many members of the LGBTQIA+ community must have asked themselves. Sure: The scene is happy to get more visibility this way, but: Why was it actually not possible to make such a statement in the years before?
One thing is certain: The CSD Berlin is one of the largest events of its kind in all of Germany. However, when the flag is raised, it is a "detail" that is currently particularly noted.
The rainbow flag in front of the Federal Council: A "sign for acceptance".
That the rainbow flag was hoisted in front of the Bundesrat in Berlin was no surprise. Instead, this very thing was announced some time ago. According to the state chamber, this is a "visible sign for the acceptance and protection of sexual and gender diversity.
Hundreds of thousands of people in the streets and the good feeling of also having large parts of politics behind them: A nice sign for more diversity and more tolerance - and that in good weather.
And by the way: It should not remain with the unique hoisting of the rainbow flag to the CSD 2022 in Berlin. Because: Also on May 17, the day against queer hostility, the flag should now fly in front of the Bundesrat. And that every year.
How did the decision to provide more visibility through the rainbow flag come about?
"Why only now?" - This, or something similar, is probably how many reactions to the innovations surrounding the rainbow flag sounded. One person who played a particularly important role in this context is Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faser. Because: some time ago, she advocated that it should be possible to fly the LGBTQIA+ flag in front of federal office buildings as well. '
Until the corresponding resolution, it was even forbidden to make such a statement. However, these times are now over. Anyone who, as the person in charge of a service building, now wants to show their solidarity with the community can do so quite simply without moving in a "gray zone" or without acting against the law.
It is also currently perceived as particularly positive that the possibilities have not only changed "on paper", but are already being actively used in some cities. After all, federal government buildings are not only located in Berlin. There are already numerous federal ministries that have decided to make use of the new options. It almost seems as if some of those responsible were just waiting to finally - in the truest sense of the word - show their support for the community and its demands for more equality.
An important decision for the community
It may sound obvious or even trivial to some people who are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community, but it is not. Many queers celebrate the signal that is currently being sent from politics as important and are happy to experience this kind of support.
In many cities - either on the occasion of a CSD or "just because" - the rainbow flag is flying. It should be clear that not everyone agrees with this. However, the political decision to set a clear signal here shows how important the topic continues to be. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the future and whether it is perhaps at some point no longer worth reporting when a rainbow flag flies in front of a public building.