Berlin Attack Shows Why Pride Must Remain a Site of Resistance, Not Just Celebration

When a suspected terrorist drove a vehicle into crowds near Berlin's Christopher Street Day celebrations on Saturday, killing one person and injuring up to 29 others, the violence did not come as a shock to many in the LGBTQIA+ community. It was, as organisers of Folkestone Pride put it, a 'very real reminder' that Pride is not merely a party, but a necessary act of collective defiance against systemic hatred.

The attack in the Tiergarten park area struck at the heart of a city that had just transformed into a sea of rainbow flags, where thousands had gathered to celebrate visibility, joy, and solidarity. For queer people, especially those from marginalised communities, such violence is not an anomaly. It is a brutal echo of the oppression that Pride was born to challenge.

Why Pride Still Matters in the Face of Violence

Pride is often co-opted by corporations and state institutions, stripped of its radical roots. But the Berlin attack lays bare the lie that LGBTQIA+ liberation has been achieved. As Newcastle Pride stated in a candlelit vigil on Sunday, 'Pride is about joy, community and the freedom to exist without fear. Sadly it is a very real reminder of why Pride is still needed.'

This framing is crucial. It rejects the neoliberal narrative that Pride is simply a celebration of 'diversity' within an otherwise oppressive system. Instead, it insists that Pride is fundamentally about safety, visibility, and collective resistance. The attack did not happen in a vacuum. It is part of a broader pattern of violence against queer and trans bodies, often enabled by state inaction, police violence, and far-right extremism.

Voices from the Margins: Activists Speak Out

Ella's global community, which represents queer women and non-binary people, posted on social media: 'One day after celebrating Pride, we're reminded why Pride still matters. ... Pride has always been more than a celebration. It is about visibility. It is about safety. It is about standing together.'

These words echo the lived experiences of those who face multiple layers of oppression: BIPOC queer people, trans women of colour, disabled LGBTQIA+ individuals, and migrants. For them, Pride is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.

Folkestone Pride organisers wrote: 'While we came together in solidarity yesterday, our community was under attack in Berlin. We are devastated for the person killed, those injured and all who have been affected. The impact of such a horrific act is felt throughout our entire community.'

'As we reflect on this tragedy alongside moments of solidarity and togetherness both locally and afar, let it be a reminder of the power and importance of connection, unity and visibility. We are stronger together.' — Folkestone Pride

State Responses: Solidarity or Surveillance?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed those taking part in Christopher Street Day, saying: 'Do not let yourselves — let us not — be intimidated.' While such statements offer symbolic support, they often fail to address the structural conditions that allow anti-queer violence to flourish. Police violence against queer and trans people, particularly those from racialised communities, remains rampant. The state's response to this attack must be scrutinised: will it lead to increased policing of queer spaces, or to genuine safety measures that centre the most vulnerable?

Brighton Pride, the UK's largest Pride event, stated: 'We are deeply saddened by the attack in Berlin. We stand in solidarity with the Berlin LGBTQ+ community. This is why we march for our rights. Pride should be a place of celebration and joy. Brighton stands with Berlin.'

What This Means for Global Queer Solidarity

The attack in Berlin is not an isolated incident. It is a reminder that queer liberation is under attack globally, from anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Uganda and Hungary to the rise of far-right movements in Europe and the Americas. Solidarity across borders is not optional; it is essential. As the vigil in Berlin and the candlelit gathering in Newcastle show, queer communities are resilient. But resilience should not be a substitute for justice.

We must demand more than hollow statements from politicians. We need an intersectional, decolonial approach to safety that addresses the root causes of violence: patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, and state repression. Pride must remain a site of resistance, not just a parade.

FAQ: Understanding the Berlin Attack and Its Implications

Why is this attack seen as a reminder that Pride is still needed?

The attack demonstrates that queer people remain targets of violence, both from individuals and from systemic oppression. Pride's core mission — visibility, safety, and solidarity — is as urgent today as it was at Stonewall.

How did the German authorities respond?

German police launched a manhunt for the suspect, named as Abdul B., who was shot dead on the outskirts of Berlin on Sunday evening. Chancellor Merz called for the community not to be intimidated, but critics argue this response fails to address police violence and systemic racism.

What does this mean for Pride events worldwide?

Pride organisers globally are reaffirming the need for Pride to remain a space of resistance, not just celebration. The attack has galvanised calls for intersectional, abolitionist approaches to safety that centre the most marginalised.

How can allies support the LGBTQIA+ community after this attack?

Allies can amplify the voices of queer activists, donate to community-led safety initiatives, and push for policies that address the root causes of anti-queer violence, including racism, transphobia, and economic inequality.

This article was adapted from reporting by The Independent.