"CSD no longer necessary and annoying" - Mr Gay Germany counters critics

Created: 07/02/2022Updated: 07/03/2022, 00:00

By: Johanna Werning

Max Appenroth is the new Mr. Gay Germany © Stefan Kraushaar

The CSD starts in Cologne on July 1st: we celebrate, discuss and demonstrate together.

Also present: Max Appenroth – better known as Mr Gay Germany.

Cologne - After the Corona alternative last year, the CSD 2022 in Cologne can finally take place again as usual - including countless events and a large CSD demo right through the center of Cologne.

Max Appenroth is also an official part of it this year - better known as Mr Gay Germany 2022. "I'm very happy, maybe I'm a bit excited because I just moved to Cologne," he says in an interview with 24RHEIN .

CSD 2022 Cologne: Mr Gay Germany moderates the stage at Alter Markt – and promises a party atmosphere

For Appenroth, the Cologne CSD is a real home game - but a very special one, reports 24RHEIN.

Because Mr. Gay Germany 2022 is not only celebrating himself, during the CSD street festival there are several official appearances for the Cologne native: "I'm mainly on the road as Mr Gay Germany" - including as a guest at discussion groups or at the CSD demo On Sunday.

But that's not all: After the Cologne native was last allowed to moderate the CSD in Zurich, it's now the turn of the cathedral city: On Friday, the 35-year-old will moderate the stage program at Alter Markt.

Among other things, there will be dance, readings and music as program items, "so that you can also celebrate," Appenroth promises.

CSD 2022 in Cologne - Mr Gay Germany: That's why Cologne Pride is still important

But the CSD 2022 in Cologne is not just about parties and celebrations.

The event under the motto “For human rights.

Many.

Together.

Strong!” is always also political – and that is important, emphasizes Mr Gay Germany.

"It's still the case that we don't have the same rights." Trans people like Appenroth and members of the LGBTIQ* scene repeatedly experience hostility or even violence, explains the Cologne native.

Most recently: the deadly attack on the queer nightclub on the eve of Pride in Oslo.

"There are always comments that the CSD is no longer necessary and annoying.

But honestly, it also annoys me that I turn around three times before taking my husband's hand and having worse health care.

That must not be,” explains Mr Gay Germany.

And that is exactly why it is good and important that people come together again this year for the Cologne CSD.

This is Max Appenroth - known as Mr Gay Germany 2022

► Max Appenroth was elected Mr Gay Germany 2022 in December 2021.

► In addition to his position as Mr Gay Germany, the man from Cologne is a trans activist, company founder, moderator and author.

In addition, he is currently doing his doctorate at the Institute for Public Health at the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. 

► As Mr Gay Germany, Appenroth is committed to his "Proud to be alive" campaign.

also read

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CSD 2022 in Cologne: What visitors need to know

• CSD 2022 in Cologne: Events at a glance

•  CSD demo live on WDR

• CSD 2022 in Cologne: An overview of the political demands

• Road closures during the CSD demo 2022

• KVB disturbances during the CSD demo 2022

(jw)