FC Bayern, together with its fan club Queerpass Bayern, will once again send a signal against discrimination and exclusion of all kinds on Christopher Street Day this year. The parade in the centre of Munich had to be cancelled in the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this Saturday the fan club will participate with around 50 people. The German record champions are supporting Queerpass Bayern by organising, among other things, drinks and activities during the parade, and Berni will once again be there side by side with the queer fans. As a further sign of solidarity, the Allianz Arena will once again be lit up in rainbow colours in the evening following the Allianz FC Bayern Team Presentation. In the run-up to CSD, the FC Bayern Museum also invited Queerpass Bayern for a special guided tour.
FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer: "Intolerance and exclusion have no place at FC Bayern - neither on nor off the pitch. We are very happy with our queer fans and our excellent relationship, which is reflected, among other things, in joint events organised by our Reds Against Racism initiative. Our club history shows how important it is to stand up for a tolerant world. Founding member and vice-captain Wilhelm Focke, as well as former president Dr. Angelo Knorr, were homosexual - and exposed to hostility without protection at the time. History must not repeat itself. That is why we say today: Mia san bunt!"
FC Bayern mascot Berni will be attending Christopher Street Day again this year.
"The Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for Christopher Street Day in Munich - it's almost become the norm. But it's not," explains Marcus Janke, Queerpass Bayern board member. "FC Bayern is getting involved with the Munich CSD alongside us for the umpteenth time. Every year, the club sends a signal to the world and demonstrates its commitment to the queer community. Of course, as FC Bayern's first queer fan club, that's something we're delighted about." His colleague on the board Tom Ponetsmüller adds: "It's hugely important for us to know that FC Bayern stands by its fans and the queer community, and that values such as tolerance and respect are important. These values should unite us all and are important today more than ever, especially with regard to the increasing violence against queer people. Let's celebrate together on CSD and replenish our energy for future challenges on the pitch and especially around the world. Thank you to FC Bayern!"
FC Bayern is not only committed to LGBTIQ+ on Christopher Street Day. Among other things, the club regularly sends a signal by lighting up its Allianz Arena and by using corner flags and the captain's armband in rainbow colours. In addition, the German record champions and Queerpass Bayern regularly invite people to joint workshops and information events.
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