By Anna Friedrich | Fundraising Manager
Dear supporter,
This summer has shown once again how vital visibility and solidarity are for queer communities. Across Germany, around 170 Pride events took place, yet at least 80 faced harassment, hate speech, or attacks, and eleven were confronted with organized counter-demonstrations. With our support, 30 Pride events in smaller towns were made safer this year – from Langenfeld to Görlitz. In many of these places, Pride is more than a celebration: it is a visible act of resistance against exclusion, especially in regions where the AfD dominates local politics and queer people often feel alone.
A second focus this year was supporting democratic initiatives ahead of the state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt this September, and working to counter the growing polarization. Starting August 11, large-format posters were displayed at 600 locations across the state, bearing the message: “We have a choice – Your vote for democracy and diversity!”
At the same time, volunteers distributed information about postal voting, went door to door to talk to their neighbours, organised conversations over coffee by the garden fence, and invited people to community picnics – creating opportunities for people to talk with one another rather than about one another.
From Köthen to Dessau, volunteers were out in communities across the state, making sure that the “blue wave” was met with a strong democratic alternative.
These are just some of the projects bringing people together and strengthening democratic participation where it is needed most – in rural areas and small towns where civil society is increasingly under pressure.
Our ongoing support helps strengthen local civic engagement by supporting initiatives that encourage democratic participation, protect marginalized communities, and promote respectful exchange across different social backgrounds. Through creative campaigns, low-threshold encounters, and public dialogue, these projects foster democratic resilience and social cohesion where it is needed most: in everyday life and within local communities.
Learn more about our long-term work for civic resilience:
Strengthening Civil Society in Germany (German language)
All of this work remains possible thanks to your continued solidarity and support. Together, we strengthen democracy where it matters most: in everyday life.
Warm regards from the Amadeu Antonio Foundation,
Anna
If you have follow-up questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at spenden@amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de
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