On Saturday I rolled my jetlagged behind out of bed and headed out to the Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations that were taking place in downtown Zurich. CSD is the local version of a Gay Pride parade, and gets its name from the NYC street where a major police raid took place in 1969.
Despite the gray skies and drizzle, a good-sized crowd had turned out for the afternoon speeches at Helvetiaplatz. One of the featured speakers was the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, a famously ‘out’ German politician.
After the speeches, it was time for the parade, which wound its way through downtown. It was pretty small-scale compared to other parades we’ve been to in Zurich (and other Gay Pride parades I’ve been to in other cities), with just a few small floats blaring all forms of dance music. In between the floats marched various local groups.
My favorite by far was this group from a gay sports club, dancing up a choreographed storm to various disco standards:
Kudos to UBS for a big group of paraders (and an even bigger bunch of balloons).
I was surprised to see how many religious groups were participating in the festivities. Having just gotten back from the US, where Christian groups are vocally and aggressively trying to take away gay rights (or better yet, trying to convert homosexuals with programs that ‘pray the gay away’), I just didn’t expect it. Maybe it was the jetlag, but I got a little teary-eyed thinking about how happy I was to be in the middle of this celebration that was focusing on acceptance rather than hate.
Not that it’s all sunshine and roses for gays in Switzerland. Although civil unions have been legally recognized here since the beginning of the year, the protest signs being carried by many of the parade participants made it clear that discrimination still persists.
Wow! That looks like a whole lotta fun! I’ve never actually been to a CSD Parade (or a Pride Parade, for that matter). I might head to the one in Indianapolis this weekend–depending how I feel that day.
It’s funny how countries is Europe can seem so advanced, yet so behind at the same time. For example, I was surprised when I found out that Switzerland (at least over here in Geneva) makes it pretty tough for mothers, especially of young children, to be able to work.
Though it certainly also feels like Europe is so much more open and accepting, and genuinely so, than in many parts of the states…
Kudos to the UBS group – I’ve never seen a corporate group at a pride parade before!
I am so glad you came by my blog and commented. I lost yours and was so sad when I couldn’t find you again. I can’t believe you were in TN. I live in Nashville and can completely relate to your travels. I only moved here a year ago and we are still going through culture shock. We haven’t visited Gatlinburg yet but everyone keeps telling us it’s a “must.” After reading your posts about it I can see there’s certainly no rush.
I love these photos. I wish you had a video of those dancers. 🙂
Marcy – very true, Switzerland is very behind when it comes to women’s rights. Women didn’t even get to vote until the 1990s in one particular canton…
James – I totally wish I had taken a video, too. I want to see them dance again!
VV – glad you found me again! 🙂
TQE – how is it that I’ve been to Pride parades in at least 3 countries, and you’ve never been to one? I guess I just get lucky…