Thousands of LGBTQ+ activists and allies took to the streets across Germany in mid-February 2024, waving rainbow flags and signs reading “Choose Love” in a coordinated show of strength ahead of a national election. The rallies, held in 50 municipalities, were organised in response to rising far-right sentiment and the anticipated gains of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
Organisers of the cross-country initiative stated on their website: “Many queer people are unsettled by the social and political situation. The tone against us is getting harsher, and liberal democracy is under pressure.” The AfD, which opposes marriage equality and safe community spaces, is projected to double its support in the upcoming election, a result unprecedented in postwar Germany.
Alva Träbert, a board member of the LGBTQ+ umbrella group LSVD and Federation Queer Diversity, said: “We are looking at political actors openly including anti-queer and anti-trans policy in their campaigns as part of a larger effort to scapegoat marginalised groups for bigger social issues.” The AfD’s manifesto defines family as “father, mother and children” and calls for protecting minors from “the trans cult, early sexualisation and gender ideology”.
Campaigners reported at least 26 attacks by far-right protesters on Pride marches last year. Träbert noted: “As heartbreaking and frightening as this development is, it is an unsurprising consequence of the proliferation and normalisation of anti-queer and anti-trans sentiment in politics and the media. We know this from our history: violence begins with words – and words become actions.”
The AfD’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, is a lesbian woman raising two sons with her Sri Lankan-born wife. Political scientist Constantin Wurthmann described her as a “fig leaf”, saying: “If you say the AfD is racist, you can point to Alice Weidel’s partner who is not white. And if you say the AfD is against homosexuals, you can say she’s a lesbian candidate.” The AfD did not respond to a request for comment.
