This year’s Cologne Pride parade felt different. It wasn’t just about bright colours, music, and dancing—although all of those things were there in full force. It was about something deeper. It was less about the emotional nostalgia of the past and more about action, about standing firmly and loudly against the idea that homophobia, transphobia, or any form of discrimination is still acceptable in our society.

There was a renewed energy in the crowd. A kind of joyful defiance. Of course, there was love and laughter, but there was also determination. This was a Pride with purpose. Protest signs stood tall next to rainbow flags. Chants echoed between the buildings. People were not just marching—they were demanding change.

This time, as I walked through the streets of Cologne, surrounded by thousands of people, I realised something: I’ve changed, and so has my relationship with this city. Cologne is no longer just a place I live. It has become my home. A city where I feel free, understood, and safe. A city where I can grow, where I want to develop further—both personally and professionally. Cologne has welcomed me in ways I never expected. And that feeling of belonging is powerful.

But what made this year’s parade even more special was meeting my friend in the middle of all that energy. It was a spontaneous, emotional reunion. Among the noise and celebration, we found each other, and that single hug—long and tight—felt like everything I needed in that moment. There was no need for long conversations. Our eyes said it all. We were there. We were proud. We were part of something bigger than ourselves.

And as we continued walking together, I looked around and saw something that filled my heart even more—straight people marching beside us. Friends, siblings, parents, and complete strangers who don’t identify as LGBTQIA+, but who were still there, cheering, holding signs, painting rainbows on their cheeks, and raising their voices. Not just celebrating, but protesting too. Their presence sent a strong message: allyship is not passive. It’s loud, visible, and essential.

Seeing straight allies genuinely involved, not for social media posts or to tick some diversity box, but because they truly care—that’s what gives me hope. When you see a father carrying his young son on his shoulders, both wearing rainbow capes; when you watch a group of straight teenagers chanting, “Love is love!” with all their hearts; when you pass older couples clapping from balconies with signs that say “No Pride without Protest”—you know the movement is growing. And it’s beautiful.

But not everyone sees it that way. It still hurts to hear people reduce Pride to a “circus” or mock those who fight for visibility and equality. Comments like that may seem small, but they reveal how far we still have to go. That’s why this year’s Pride mattered so much. It was a reminder that the fight isn’t over—not until LGBTQIA+ people are safe, respected, and accepted everywhere. Not just in Cologne, but in every town, every school, every workplace, every family.

Cologne Pride 2025 was more than a party. It was a statement. A loud, colourful, unapologetic declaration that we are here, we matter, and we won’t go back. It reminded me that home is not just where you live—it’s where you are seen, celebrated, and supported. And I want others—especially those who feel like they don’t belong anywhere—to know that a place like this exists. A place where diversity is not just tolerated, but embraced. Where being yourself is not risky, but respected.

I want people to see Cologne—and Germany—the way I do now. As a place of possibility, progress, and pride. A place where the word “different” is not feared, but welcomed. A place where Pride isn’t something we hide for 364 days a year, but something we live every single day.

Because Pride isn’t a circus.

 

Pride is courage.

 

Pride is community.

 

Pride is home.