Even if it still takes a little time until the CSD in Bremen moves through the streets, it is already certain that a decision makes high waves. Because: According to the organizers, the display of fetish should be prohibited.
In the meantime, many critical voices have been raised. No wonder! After all, a large part of the community is virtually excluded from the event in this way.
What does the organizer say about the fetish ban?
According to the organizers, the goal of the CSD in Bremen is to educate society about the problems queer people have to deal with again and again. The representation of fetish does not seem to be helpful to the responsible persons, when it is about talking about rights for transsexuals in other places, for example.
Many fetishes would be "read sexually" anyway and the corresponding representations (and interpretations) would be forced on the viewers in a certain way. Finally, the organizers emphasize on the page of the CSD in Bremen: "There is still far too little understanding among far too many people about how many romantic, sexual and gender identities thereare. "
Accordingly, this year (and possibly in the future?) there seems to be a desire to focus on the overall message of the events without fanning out too much.
Much criticism in the social networks
The echo in the social networks to the decision to renounce the representation of fetish at the CSD in Bremen was not long in coming.
Many critics believe that members of the fetish community should also be represented at the event - as they were before. One argument: of course, this part of the LGBTQs would also have to deal with the very problems that would be pointed out during the event.
It is also a great opportunity to show non-queers how diverse the rainbow community is. Some are even of the opinion that the decision to leave fetish completely out of an event like the CSD violates the Basic Law. It is a wrong step to conform, they say. Many queers interpret the decision as a desire to hold the event without causing any trouble. This inevitably results in a red rag for all queers who have been following the history of the community for a long time and know that, with regard to the fight for equality and tolerance, it would certainly be the wrong message to hide.
Some even dare to predict that in a few years, not "only" fans of fetish, but also other groups, such as transsexuals, might be excluded. Whether the organizers will stick to their decision due to the headwind remains to be seen.
CSDs - What is allowed and what is not?
The current discussions around the CSD in Bremen and the question of what should be allowed and what not is not new. In recent years, there have been repeated discussions about how "shocking" a CSD may be.
Against the background that as much attention as possible should be drawn to the community, it is certainly helpful to offer content that "classic demonstrations" do not offer, BUT: the probability that said content can also help to stir up prejudices among particularly conservative people is of course also given.
Accordingly, many organizers have become a little more cautious in the past and increasingly ask participants not to take part in the trains too freely. Requirements of this kind are sometimes easier, sometimes less easy to enforce. Many CSD fans simply cannot resist presenting themselves exactly as they see fit and authentic - sometimes even half-naked.
So where does the problem lie? In the caginess of many non-queers? In the revealing costumes? Certainly, there are aspects here that go far beyond the typical "black and white"thinking.
However, whether a complete ban of an important part of the LGBTQ community is the right solution can, may and perhaps should be doubted.
Finally there is now the Queer Cinema from 3sat