Cologne stands for "joie de vivre", cultural diversity, tolerance and optimism, as the local sayings "Jede Jeck es anders" and "Levve un levve losse" confirm. For many years now, Cologne has established itself as one of Europe's centres for gay and lesbian life.

The most important event in the gay and lesbian calendar is the CSD. Every year on the first weekend of July half a million participants and visitors celebrate and demonstrate in the city centre. Aside from the partying and the fun, there is always a political focus that is illustrated through a new motto each year.

For those who are lucky enough to visit Cologne for longer than a weekend, during the two weeks prior to the CSD there are all kinds of gay and lesbian events on offer, from cultural and sporting events to the "Veedelsfest" quarter party in the trendy "Bermuda Triangle" quarter, close to Rudolfplatz.

The brochure "Out in Cologne" contains information on the gay and lesbian scene and is available from the Cologne Tourist Board. You can obtain further information on the parade and the events of Cologne Pride from the Cologne Tourist Board or from the following websites: www.koelntourismus.de and www.colognepride.de.