Now it's official: the city of Hannover declares itself an LGBTQI+ Freedom Zone. Already now memories are awakened of the time when it became known that Poland at that time(and not so long ago) established the so-called "LGBT-free zones". Hanover thus already acts as an extremely positive counter-example for many. Among other things, it was announced that the LGBTQI+ flag will hang not only during the CSD, but during the entire Pride month.
A freedom space in the Freedom Zone?!
The connection between freedom and the LGBTQI+ community is not new. Already in spring 2021, the EU Parliament decided to stand up for the rights of queers and to support them even more in the future. In this context, the term of the so-called "LGBTQI+ Freedom Zone" already came up. The city of Hanover is now going one step further and recently declared itself a freedom zone.
Among other things, those responsible want to show that people, completely free of their sexual orientation, should be able to live in peace. The decision of the city met - among others also within the community on much approval.
For many, this gesture is much more than "just" the decision that the rainbow flag in front of the city hall will fly a little longer. Rather, it is about sending an important signal and showing, among other things, that queers are welcome in the city. Furthermore, it is about emphasizing the demand for more equality - in addition to the EU level - also on a city level. In this way, this important concern should become a little more tangible for many people.
EU AND city - what impact does the desire for more equality and tolerance have on the ground?
As important as the EU's effort to improve life for queers on the continent and around the world is, it is also important to make further statements through actions like declaring Hanover a Freedom Zone. In this way, much more work can be done in detail, such as raising the rainbow flag in front of City Hall throughout June.
The result: the community is also becoming even more visible within the cities. The "EU" is "far away" for many people. It is completely different, however, when more equality is promoted within the communities and municipalities.
Perhaps in this way, more people who are just not part of the community will become interested in queer issues and understand that it is not wrong to claim that there is still a long way to go to complete equality.
CSD in Hannover - a city under the colorful rainbow
In 2021, the classic CSD, which is always celebrated in a particularly colorful way in Hannover, unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the Corona pandemic. However, nobody had to completely renounce visibility at that time. As in many other cities, demonstrations were held by bicycle and information was provided online about demands, achievements and important issues. In 2022, however, the CSD can hopefully be celebrated again in a familiar way.
The event has so far been dated for June 04 and 05, 2022. If everything goes according to plan, the community and all those who feel connected to it will then meet again at the city's Opera Square.
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