Kaufbeuren - It was noticeably colorful on Saturday afternoon in Kaufbeurer's Kaiser-Max-Straße: At the end of Pride Week, around 300 people gathered there to set an example for tolerance towards all people - and to show in all diversity: It doesn't matter who you love
In order to ensure more queer visibility in the Allgäu, the Allgäu Pride association, founded in September 2020, had, among other things, a panel discussion and a regulars' table with lively participation, as well as a sold out Pride film evening in the event week after the kick-off in the culture workshop (we reported) invited to the cinema.
Plea for acceptance and solidarity
The organizers want everyone in the Allgäu to feel at home and accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Another goal of the association is to reach all those who have little or no contact with the LGBTQIA community in their own environment. The participants in the demonstration impressively demonstrated how well a prejudice-free coexistence can work - because there were also many heterosexual supporters who sent a sign of solidarity. “This is how Kaufbeuren always has to look,” said Susanne Ferschl (Die Linke), a member of the Bundestag from Allgäu. Even in the conservative Allgäu, lived equality according to the motto “Dear who you want”, said Ferschl.City councilor Maximilian Nocker (Generation KF) also joined in, who quoted Frida Kahlo: "Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want."
Clear demands
The implementation of equal rights for everyone, both at national and international level, called for Green City Councilor Ulrike Seifert: In some countries in Eastern Europe you have to "put the thumbscrews in place". This also includes anchoring the protection of sexual and gender identity in the Basic Law, said Henryk Hoefener from the CSD Germany association on the urgency of the matter. The activist Jona Gold alias Jonathan Oremek told on stage about hostility to which he was exposed in school as a supposedly safe place as well as in social media. He reported hate speech and death threats. It is only because of their sexual orientation or gender identity that people sometimes encounter hatred and violence. "Each of these acts is one too many," said Oremek. It is up to all of usa "Safe Space" to create a safe place for everyone.
"A lot of solidarity potential"
The demo was peaceful, as the local police officers were able to confirm.
The organizers are very happy about the great response to the campaign week.
You see “a lot of solidarity potential” in the Allgäu.
People just have to approach each other sincerely, so the appeal.
The first Allgäu Pride Week is a step in the right direction.
