In February, thousands of people in Germany took to the streets, waving rainbow flags and holding signs that said “Choose Love.” The protests happened just days before an election where the far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), is expected to gain power. The LGBTQ+ community in Germany united in 50 cities, sending a strong message against the rising anti-queer and anti-trans rhetoric spreading through politics and media.
Growing Threats to LGBTQ+ Rights
The political climate in Germany has many queer people worried. The protests were a sign of their fear. The organizers said, “The rhetoric against us is becoming harsher, and democracy is under threat.”
For years, LGBTQ+ groups have fought the AfD. The far-right party has opposed marriage equality, safe spaces for queer people, and access to healthcare. In this election, the AfD is expected to see a rise in support, with polls predicting they could double in size. This would mark a major shift in postwar Germany.
LGBTQ+ groups have fought back against the AfD’s stance. The party wants to define families strictly as a father, mother, and children. It also wants to limit the rights of transgender people, especially minors. The AfD claims that children need protection from what it calls “gender ideology” and “early sexualization.”
Political and Social Backlash
Alva Träbert, a member of the LGBTQ+ umbrella group LSVD, says that the rise of far-right politics in Germany is dangerous. “Anti-queer and anti-trans rhetoric is scapegoating marginalized groups,” she said. “It legitimizes hate and discrimination.”
This growing hate has already led to violence. In 2023, there were at least 26 attacks on Pride marches by far-right groups. “Though this is heartbreaking, it’s not surprising,” said Träbert. “History shows us that violence starts with words, and words lead to actions.”
But despite the fear, LGBTQ+ people and allies have found strength. Many people across Germany have attended Pride events, some for the first time. More and more people are becoming involved in activism, showing the power of the community against the AfD’s growing influence.
The AfD’s Strategy
Recent polls show that the CDU-CSU, Germany’s conservative bloc, is likely to win about 28% of the vote. The AfD is expected to follow closely behind. While CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out a coalition with the AfD, his party has worked with the far-right group in the past on some issues, like border policy.
Träbert warns that centrist parties, like the CDU-CSU, may adopt AfD-style rhetoric to win back voters. Both the CDU-CSU and the AfD have pledged to revoke Germany’s new self-determination law. This law, passed in November, allows people to change their gender and name on official documents more easily. If it is overturned, it could harm transgender, non-binary, and intersex people in Germany.
The AfD’s Contradictions and Alice Weidel
One of the most surprising things about the AfD is its candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel. Weidel is a lesbian woman who lives with her Sri Lankan-born wife and their two sons. Despite her personal identity, her political views clash with the LGBTQ+ community she is a part of.
Some political experts say Weidel is used as a “fig leaf” by the AfD. “If anyone accuses the AfD of being racist, they point to Weidel’s non-white partner,” said Constantin Wurthmann, a political scientist. “If anyone calls the AfD homophobic, they point to her being a lesbian.” But critics say Weidel does not truly represent the interests of the LGBTQ+ community.
An AfD official recently said that Weidel is “gay by biology, but not by political conviction.” This comment angered many, as it undermines her personal identity.
Weidel has also aligned herself with anti-LGBTQ+ figures. She has supported people like Elon Musk, who has spoken out against transgender rights, and Viktor Orbán, the prime minister of Hungary, who has imposed strict laws against LGBTQ+ people. Weidel’s visit to Budapest earlier this month sparked outrage. The Labrisz Lesbian Association, a group that co-founded Budapest Pride, criticized her for supporting Orbán’s homophobic government.
In an open letter, the Labrisz Lesbian Association asked, “What message are you sending to Hungarian lesbians with your visit?”
The Growing Divide
The debate over Alice Weidel and the AfD’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights highlights the deepening divide in German politics. While some of her supporters argue that Weidel’s personal experience as a lesbian gives her a unique perspective, many feel that her views align with the far-right agenda. Critics worry that the AfD is using Weidel’s personal identity to cover up its harmful policies.
As the election draws closer, the debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Germany is heating up. The rise of the AfD threatens to reverse the progress made in the fight for equality. But the February protests show that the LGBTQ+ community is far from backing down. They continue to resist hate, demanding equal rights for all.
For the latest world news updates, visit New York Mirror.
