Why Cologne Pride 2025 Felt Different

Hi, I’m Andi, and this year I had the chance to experience Cologne Pride 2025 in person. Maybe you were there too, or maybe not. Either way, you should definitely keep reading, because this year’s Pride Parade in Cologne was not just colorful, loud, and crowded as always. It felt different. There was more politics, more rainbows, and more togetherness. Here’s what happened and why this Pride was about more than just celebration.

Cologne Pride Weather 2025: A Dramatic Shift                                                                                

In the weeks before the event, Germany was hit by a severe heatwave. So the weather during Cologne Pride 2025 came as quite a surprise. On Sunday, July 6, instead of sunshine and 35 degrees, heavy clouds rolled in and brought consistent rain and cooler temperatures around 19 degrees. Still, as we like to say in Germany, “We’re not made of sugar.”

It’s a common phrase that means a bit of rain won’t hurt us. We’re not so delicate that we’ll melt. That spirit of resilience was felt throughout the day, and the weather couldn’t dampen the mood at all.

The energy at Germany’s largest LGBTQIA+ event remained unshaken by the rain. While I didn’t feel directly uneasy, I couldn’t help but think about recent reports of attacks on queer events. On my way to Cologne Central Station, a thought lingered in the back of my mind. At an event of this size, anything could happen.

Getting the Party and Protest Started                                                                                           

Still recovering from a concert the night before, my boyfriend and I got on an early train from the Saarland-Rhineland-Palatinate border toward North Rhine-Westphalia. Our bags were full of pjur SachetCards, including lubricant samples and info materials, and we packed a bit of food for the ride.

After two overcrowded trains, delays, missed connections, and broken toilets, we finally arrived in Cologne. Deutsche Bahn lived up to its reputation, but none of that could ruin our excitement for Cologne Pride 2025. We were ready.

What Was I Expecting?

During the long train ride, I reflected on what I thought the day would bring. I expected a more political Pride than in recent years. Lately, you can feel the tension in speeches, on banners, and from opposing voices. It seems like Pride is slowly returning to its original purpose as a demonstration.

Along with these thoughts came a growing desire for something very simple: freedom. The freedom to be who you are, however you identify or love, without fear or shame. Outside the Pride bubble, that still feels like a challenge.

Even though I’m surrounded by supportive people, I still hear the same comments around Pride: “Do we really need to make such a big deal out of it?” My answer is always yes. And here’s why.

Pride 2025: More Than Just a Celebration                                                                                                     

So how did the day unfold? I could just say “same as always,” but that wouldn’t be accurate. Due to the latest developments mentioned, I expected a stronger police presence this year, and that’s exactly what we saw. Right at Cologne Central Station, which can often feel chaotic, there were police officers stationed on both sides of the platforms. Throughout the entire Pride event, at least one police van was always within sight.

This added a sense of safety. Not once did I feel at risk, which allowed us to fully focus on the celebration and community around us.

We jumped right into the crowd, ready to hand out pjur SachetCards and take part in the demonstration. This year’s cards included pjur ORIGINAL and pjur AQUA lubricants, and, in honor of pjur’s 30th anniversary, offered a chance to win 3,000 euros. The giveaway runs until the end of the year. You can find all the details here.

Cologne Pride Experience: A Community Like No Other                                                                              

Once again, I was struck by the diversity and spirit of the event. Cologne Pride is always a joyful celebration of individuality, but this year it felt even more powerful. There were more people raising their voices for equality, more signs with strong messages, and a real sense of urgency in the air. It wasn’t just a party, it was a call to action for LGBTQIA+ rights in Germany.

From Big Brands to Local Cafés                                                                                                    

Support came from every corner. Large companies like Deutsche Bank, REWE, Deutsche Telekom, and IKEA showed up with strong statements like “Diversity is Strength” and “Together for the Future.” These slogans weren’t just for show. Their presence made a real impact.

Smaller LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses, cafés, and bars also played an important role. Many had booths, offered giveaways, or simply showed up in solidarity. Organizations like Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe, queer counseling services, and groups like Queer Refugees were there to remind us why the Christopher Street Day is still needed. Because we still have a long way to go.

Many allies, especially those outside the LGBTQIA+ community, made their support visible too. Whether through signs, flags, or simply showing up, their involvement created a sense of solidarity that made Cologne Pride 2025 even stronger.

Political Pride Germany: The Rainbow Flag Debate                                                                          

One topic that kept coming up in conversations was the current political debate around the rainbow flag at the Bundestag. The flag, a global symbol of diversity and LGBTQIA+ rights, has sparked controversy in Germany over whether it should be flown on public buildings.

The fact that we’re still having this conversation says everything. It shows why Pride in Germany is still necessary. Visibility matters. Symbols matter.

Why I’ll Keep Showing Up                                                                                                             

Whether or not I walk with a rainbow painted on my cheek, I will always stand up for my rights and the rights of others. What matters isn’t the appearance, but what it represents.

This became especially clear on our journey home. My boyfriend and I were changing trains in Koblenz when I noticed a man staring at me. At first, I thought it was just a random look, but then I realized he was glaring at the small rainbow painted on my cheek. It had smudged slightly in the rain, but it was still there.

I was wearing simple clothes: black shoes, navy shorts, a black raincoat. Nothing eye-catching. Still, that little rainbow was enough to provoke a visibly negative reaction.

That moment reminded me why Pride matters. And why I will keep showing up.

Final Thoughts: There’s Still Work to Do                                                                                          

At Pride, my boyfriend and I felt completely free, happy, and safe. Even though acceptance is a given in our personal lives, it’s clear that some people still have a problem with tolerance. Whether it’s fear, hate, or ignorance, these attitudes still exist – and not just in Germany.

So, I will keep marching, whether I’m at the heart of Pride or far from it. Love is love. Everyone deserves the right to live freely and without fear of discrimination.

Why Does Pride Exist?                                                                                                                  

The first Pride event took place in New York in 1970, following the Stonewall Riots. In Germany, the first Christopher Street Day was held in Frankfurt in 1979, with Cologne joining in 1991. Today, the Pride Parade in Cologne is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in Europe. It stands for visibility, equality, and freedom of identity. Cologne Pride 2025 proved once again why it still matters.

About the Author

Andi works on pjur’s PR team and is passionately committed to queer visibility and diversity – both professionally and personally. As a queer individual, Pride is more than just an event for him: it’s a political statement, a space for community, and a deeply personal cause. In 2025, Andi attended Cologne Pride on behalf of pjur and shares first-hand insights on the atmosphere, challenges, and experiences. If you’d like to join the conversation or share your impressions, you can reach him on Instagram at @pjurlove.