The air was electric with joy and defiance as thousands marched through Berlin on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for CSD Berlin – the city’s vibrant Pride celebration. Among them was Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, her heart swelling with the collective spirit of a community celebrating love, diversity, and self-determination. Berlin, her cherished home, was alive with the promise of a happier, safer, and freer world for everyone.
Then, the news broke. A van, driven by a man, had ploughed into the crowd near Tiergarten, leaving a trail of devastation: one life tragically lost, and at least 29 individuals injured. The celebratory atmosphere shattered, replaced by shock, grief, and a renewed sense of vulnerability.
A Message from the Heart: Solidarity in the Face of Hate
In the aftermath of the attack, Julia Ehrt, still reeling from the proximity of the tragedy, issued a heartfelt message of solidarity. Her words, imbued with a profound understanding of the LGBTI community’s struggles and triumphs, resonated deeply. “These have been very difficult days for all of us,” she stated, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. Her thoughts immediately turned to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the queer people of Muslim faith and racialised queers, who often bear the brunt of amplified division in such moments.
Ehrt’s message was a defiant rejection of the hate that seeks to fracture communities. She acknowledged the pain, the rage, but also emphasized the unwavering unity of those who believe in a world fueled by love, choice, and self-determination. “We know that some people will use this incident to fuel further division in our societies and among our communities. But together we must reject this hate.”
Why We Keep Showing Up: The Enduring Power of Pride
For many, Pride is more than just a parade; it’s a sanctuary, a moment of profound empowerment. Ehrt, recalling her own first march in Berlin many years ago, articulated this sentiment perfectly. “Pride has a very special meaning for our movements, for our friends, allies, chosen and natal families. It is a moment in which we find our people. We celebrate one another, and we have a space to shine as our true selves.”
The attack, she explained, hurt so deeply precisely because it struck at the heart of this sacred space. It was an assault on all who live their lives free and openly, a stark reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, even in seemingly progressive cities like Berlin. Yet, Ehrt’s message was not one of despair but of unwavering resolve. “Diversity is human. Visibility is beautiful. And when we are together, we give each other courage. We become stronger. And we refuse to go back into hiding.”
Building Bridges: Love and Empathy as Our Guiding Lights
The strong outpouring of solidarity from all corners of society in response to the attack was, for Ehrt, a heartwarming testament to humanity’s better angels. It reinforced her conviction that despite the darkness, love and empathy ultimately triumph. “We keep showing up at Pride precisely because we want a happier, safer, and freer world for everyone. This attack is a reminder that there is still a long way to go in a place like Berlin and probably even more so globally.”
Her life’s guiding principle, a conviction that has sustained her through years of advocacy, is that “love will win, empathy will win.” It is a call to action, a reminder that the task at hand is to build bridges, even with those who oppose, to forge a society where everyone can live freely. Because, as Ehrt powerfully concludes, “a world fueled by love, by choice, and by self-determination is so much stronger and more desirable than one forged over hate and fear.”
In the wake of Saturday’s tragedy, Berlin’s LGBTI community and its allies stand united, bruised but not broken, their resolve strengthened. The attack served as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle, but also as a powerful affirmation of the community’s resilience and the enduring power of love to overcome hate.
Source: https://ilga.org/news/berlin-pride-csd-2026-attack-solidarity/
