Berlin: A group of Taiwanese individuals participated in Berlin’s annual Pride parade on Saturday, joining hundreds of thousands of attendees in one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ events. This year’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade was held under the motto “No More Silence,” emphasizing the ongoing challenges of discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ+ communities.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Taiwanese group marched with rainbow flags emblazoned with the word “Taiwan,” garnering enthusiastic support from onlookers and highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to inclusion and unity. Lan Yi, a Taiwanese freelancer based in Berlin, noted the significance of the unity and visibility experienced during the parade, recalling the loud cheers when the group shouted “Taiwan.”

Lan Yi, a regular participant in CSD, observed a growing sense of international recognition and solidarity with Taiwan over the years. Lawrence and Karl, two Taiwanese visitors who traveled to Berlin specifically for the event, remarked that the parade felt more celebratory than protest-oriented, reflecting Berlin’s culture of gender diversity and self-expression.

The Taiwanese contingent included members from the Junge Taiwan Initiative and the Walking for Taiwan Association in Europe (WTAE). Local authorities, including Berlin’s city administration, showcased their support for LGBTQ+ communities by displaying rainbow and Pride flags on public buildings. Additionally, the Berlin public transit company, BVG, marked the occasion by painting the exit of the Bundestag subway station in rainbow colors.

A recent proposal to fly the Pride flag over the German parliament building, however, was rejected by Bundestag President Julia Kl¶ckner, citing constitutional concerns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported the decision, comparing the Bundestag to a “circus tent.” The decision drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil society groups. Despite this, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner reiterated the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights during the event’s opening.