Year after year, I’m struck by the sheer number of Pride events taking place in the city. Berlin’s Pride month is actually in July (so there’s still time to clear your calendar), but there’s one global Pride event happening this month which has already been the subject of much discussion: WorldPride, set to take place on June 8 in Washington, DC.
An international celebration where queers, lesbians, gays, gender non-conforming people and trans folk from all over the world can celebrate, right? Well, not quite. In Trump’s America, trans and gender non-conforming communities remain among the most viciously targeted.
At a time when trans people are being directly targeted, it’s good to remember what we do have and to make sure we defend it.
Currently, the US no longer recognises any gender markers on federal documents – such as passports or national ID cards – other than male or female. And you can bet there will be border trouble for anyone travelling to WorldPride with documents that don’t align with their identity.
It’s hugely ironic that this international celebration of queer identity is being held in a country where the government is actively attacking trans people. (Although in defence of the event organisers, Washington, DC was announced as host in November 2022 – before another Trump term was certain).
When I speak with trans friends, the fear and anger is palpable. “I can’t believe we’re all not talking more about the elephant in the room,” a trans colleague said recently in a meeting. And the US is far from the only place where trans people face state-sanctioned hostility. What’s happened simply since the start of this year is deeply troubling.
In April, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, effectively erasing the recognition of trans women under UK law. As a result, starting from June 1, transgender women in Britain will be barred from participating in women’s sports. In Argentina, a new ruling in February pretty much bans gender-affirming care for anyone under 18.
Hungary has introduced anti-trans constitutional amendments, while Georgia recently passed an anti-trans law. And in 2025, only one country in Central Asia – Kazakhstan – provides legal gender recognition.
I find myself going crazy with the barrage of bad news these days, even more so when that news involves the queer community. It’s important to try to find some positives somewhere. Berlin has always been a solace to me, and nowadays, its continuing reputation as a welcoming queer haven makes me feel better, at least for the immediate community around me.
Nationally, Germany also doesn’t seem destined for a queer 180. The Self-Determination Act came into force last November, giving trans and queer people more control than ever over their destinies and allowing people to select a Divers gender marker in their passports.
And as of the time of writing, the role of Queer-Beauftragter (Queer Commissioner) looks like it will, surprisingly, be retained, even among cuts in other areas. This is by no means a defence or celebration of the Merz government or its policies but it’s nice to know we don’t have to totally panic – yet.
Don’t get me wrong. Germany isn’t a queer Schlaraffenland. It’s still sad that what we have to celebrate sometimes are crumbs of dignity and the bare minimum of respect. But at a time when trans people are being directly targeted, it’s good to remember what we do have and to make sure we defend it. Last month’s burning of a Pride flag in front of Prenzlauer Berg queer bar Tipsy Bar is evidence enough that this is still necessary.
So, what can you do? Listen to trans people, actively ask them what they need right now, without question respect pronouns and identity, go to Trans Pride this summer (follow @transprideberlin for updates) and show up as allies, support and make sure we put trans causes front-and-centre in any ongoing struggle for liberation. I see you, my trans siblings. We see you.
