On February 23, Germany will hold early elections, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling at over 20%, making it the country’s second-largest political force. With an openly anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-minority agenda, their potential rise to power is alarming. In response, queer activists and organizations across Germany are mobilizing.
On February 15, just a week before the vote, Winter Pride marches will take place in over 30 cities under the banner: “Vote for love – Crosses, not borders” (Wähl Liebe – Kreuze setzen statt Grenzen). The goal? Convince undecided and abstaining voters to block the far right at the ballot box.
AfD has consistently attacked refugees, trans people, and queer rights. Ironically, their lead candidate, Alice Weidel, is a lesbian raising two children with her non-white partner in Switzerland—yet she vehemently rejects the queer community and LGBTQIA+ identity. A cruel paradox for Germany’s queer people, who face the very real threat of erasure.
The protests will begin at 11:55 AM, a reference to #5vor12 (“five to midnight”), a phrase that has become a rallying cry against the far right in Germany. The message is clear: There is still time to act—but just barely.
Germany’s LGBTQIA+ community is standing up. Will their voices be heard?
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