Schwedt/Oder held its first Christopher Street Day on Saturday. The city is located in Uckermark, north-eastern Germany. Approximately 100 people attended the event.

CSD is an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. People demonstrate for equality and acceptance there. It was a historic moment for Schwedt.

However, the celebration did not go smoothly. At least one far-right extremist displayed the Hitler salute. This is a criminal offence in Germany. The incident caused great dismay among participants.

Unfortunately, such incidents are not isolated cases in Germany. Particularly in eastern Germany, CSD events are sometimes disrupted by extremists. LGBTQ+ people feel threatened and intimidated by this.

Despite the incident, the event was an important sign. Participants wanted to be visible and heard. They wanted to show that LGBTQ+ people exist in smaller towns too and deserve rights.

Activists emphasise how important political protection is. LGBTQ+ people need safe spaces. The state must protect them from hatred and violence.

Police were present and recorded the incident. It remains unclear whether an arrest was made. Investigations are ongoing.

The Schwedt CSD demonstrates two things: the LGBTQ+ community is growing in small towns. However, discrimination against queer people remains very real. The fight for equality continues.