Rising Hate Crimes and Colorful Celebrations: Berlin's LGBTQ+ Activism
German LGBTQ+ rights activist Anastasia Biefang has expressed concern over the rise in homophobic and anti-transgender violence and abuse in the country, comparing it to Nazi rhetoric. Hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Germany increased by 15.5% last year. Biefang highlighted a feeling of exclusion and division that is fueling anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, particularly among supporters of far-right parties. The rise in backlash against LGBTQ+ rights is also seen in other parts of Europe, such as Hungary.