Since it was first held in 1996, the Rainbow Parade (German: Regenbogenparade) has not only developed into the most important event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans movement, it has also become an important symbol for a culture of solidarity, acceptance and equality. The parade is held in memory of the first protest by lesbian, gay and trans people against arbitrary police action in June 1969 in New York’s Christopher Street – this is the reason why similar events in many countries are also named CSD (Christopher Street Day).
The Rainbow Parade – which takes place as part of Vienna Pride – is one of the largest annual demonstrations in Austria and every year entices 100,000 people to the streets to actively oppose discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and to show their solidarity with the concerns of the movement.
Despite its exuberant atmosphere, the Rainbow Parade has an important political message for complete legal equality. This is why HOSI Wien is again calling on everyone to actively take part in the Rainbow Parade!
Translated by Loqui Sprach- und Bildungsinstitut
