Fachhochschule Dortmund is once again supporting Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Dortmund this year, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to diversity, equality and social participation.
Fachhochschule Dortmund will be present at the street festival on August 16, 2025 with the orange cult vehicle - the Citroen HY - on Dortmund's Friedensplatz. The General Students' Committee (AStA) will also be on site. The rainbow flags will also be flying at Fachhochschule Dortmund's campus locations.
Taking social responsibility seriously
"Public institutions such as universities set an example. They are visible from afar, not only to the members of their organization itself," explains Prof. Dr. Ute Fischer from the Faculty of Applied Social Studies at Fachhochschule Dortmund. "Our students live diverse identities and ideas, our employees also see themselves as tolerant and cosmopolitan, and equality is important to them. Expressing these values not only sends a strong signal of solidarity internally, but also beyond the campus."
Fachhochschule Dortmund sees itself as an active part of urban society and takes its role as a social actor seriously - especially in politically and socially challenging times. Around the world, people who are openly LGBTQ+ have to contend with massive human rights violations and even state-legitimized persecution. In Germany, too, queer people are confronted with discrimination, hate speech and violence. Populist movements, social polarization and increased anti-queer attacks in 2025 ensure that every act of solidarity takes on a special meaning.
"Standing up for fundamental values is particularly important in times when borders are being tightened and hate speech and violence against those who think differently are threatening democracy," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Ute Fischer. "Instead of retreating and keeping quiet in anticipatory obedience or out of fear of hostility, it is important to protect minorities and show solidarity. The public sphere serves this purpose, it is the space in which convictions are expressed and where people stand up for their own rights."
Strengthening democracy
The diversity and openness practiced on campus should not remain internal to academia, but should also have a positive impact on the outside world. For Fachhochschule Dortmund, it is part of its educational mission not only to impart knowledge, but also to actively shape democracy. Christopher Street Day is more than just a colorful festival: it is a political rally, a protest against exclusion and a celebration of diversity. "The university itself is a place of diversity of opinion and of debate about the better argument, it is a place of living democracy," continued Prof. Fischer. "And the university is an agent of democracy, which is why it also flies the flag in urban society."
► The Dortmund CSD starts on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. with a demonstration from Dortmund Central Station (north side). From 3 p.m., there will be a street festival on Friedensplatz with a stage programme and numerous information stands from local clubs and organizations.