LGBTQ+ in Germany [History, Rights, Marriage]

As LGBTQ+ rights continue to evolve globally, Germany remains a leader in fighting for equality. Here's a run-down of the history, rights, and culture of Germany's LGBTQ+ community.

History and Culture of LGBTQ+ in Germany

Germany has a long and proud history of LGBTQ+ rights and culture. In the early days of the Weimar Republic, Germany was one of the first countries to recognize same-sex relationships.

The German Constitution of 1919 included Article 175, which outlawed homosexual behavior between men. However, this law was not actively enforced, and many Germans openly defied it.

After World War II, Germany experienced a "sexual revolution" in which many taboos surrounding sex and sexuality were broken down. In 1969, the German Parliament decriminalized homosexual relations between consenting adults. This law paved the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in German society.

Germany has continued to be a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in the years since. In 2017, Germany recognized same-sex partnerships with full legal equality to heterosexual marriages. Germany also passed a law allowing transgender people to change their gender without undergoing surgery legally. 

In 2019, Germany's Parliament voted to ban the so-called "conversion therapy" (a pseudo-scientific practice that claims to be able to "cure" queer people) for minors and is partially forbidden for adults.

Today, Germany is home to a vibrant and thriving LGBTQ+ community. There are numerous pride events held throughout the country each year, including the world-famous Christopher Street Day parade in Berlin. Germany also has several LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues.

LGBTQ+ Terms in Germany

In Germany, many terms are used to describe LGBTQ+ people and their relationships.

Here are some of the most common terms:

• Queer: An umbrella term that refers to someone who does not adhere to traditional gender identities or sexual orientation.
• Homosexuell (Homosexual): A term used to describe people attracted to the same sex.
• Bisexuell (Bisexual): A term used to describe people attracted to both men and women.
• Schwul (Gay): A term used to describe men attracted to other men.
• Lesbisch (Lesbian): A term used to describe women attracted to other women.
• Transgender: A term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth.
• Intersex: A term used to describe people born with physical characteristics that do not fit traditional definitions of male or female.

These are a few aspects of LGBTQ+ policies:

• All forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are outlawed in Germany. This includes discrimination in employment, education, housing, and access to public services.
• Hate speech and hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are also prohibited in Germany.
• Germany has a robust legal protection system for LGBTQ+ people, and the country's courts have consistently upheld these rights.

Despite the progress that has been made, some challenges remain. For example, violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people are still a problem in some parts of Germany. In addition, many LGBTQ+ people do not feel comfortable coming out publicly due to fear of discrimination.

Christopher Street Day (CSD) is an annual pride parade held in Berlin, and other major cities across Germany, celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) culture and pride. The event commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969, a turning point in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

CSD Berlin is one of the largest pride parades globally, with over half a million people attending each year. The parade features floats and marchers from various LGBTQIA+ organizations, and the event is typically accompanied by a wide range of people, from queer people to their allies.

In addition to the main parade, CSD Berlin also features several other events, including concerts, film screenings, and parties. The event is open to everyone, and it is a great way to celebrate diversity and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The LGBTQIA+ community in Germany will be celebrating several special events this year.

The following is a list of all the upcoming dates for each event.

1. Cologne Pride: June 18-July 3
2. Cologne Street festival: July 1-July 3
3. Munich Pride (Parade, Clubbing, open-air festival): July 2-July 17
4. CSD Berlin: July 23
5. Stuttgart Pride: July 30
6. Hamburg Pride: July 30-August 7
7. Hamburg Bi+Pride: September 24

LGBTQIA+ rights in Germany have come a long way since the country's decriminalization of homosexuality in 1871. Today, the country is home to a large and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and offers many legal protections and benefits to queer people.