A community in Germany is mourning the death of a 25-year-old transgender man who died today after being attacked and seriously injured at the closing event as part of Christopher Street Day or LGBTQ+ Pride in Münster in northwest Germany several days ago.Residents of the progressive university city and political leaders are expressing disbelief and shock over the act of violence.
The man was identified only by his first name, Malte.As recently as Tuesday, the Trans*Inter*-Münster Association, to which Malte belonged, had announced that he remained in critical condition after being assaulted at the city's Pride celebration.On Friday, German police announced an arrest in the case, according to television station WDR.Thousands gathered in the town's marketplace today to remember the young man many call a hero.Club members placed a flag and colorful memorial stones at the crime scene. "The hostilities are increasing again," said Trans*Inter*-Münster association president Felix Adrian Schäper.
He added that attacks against LGBTQ+ people are rising because more queer people live openly, radio station Antenne Münster reported.The Christopher Street Day Münster association, which organizes Münster's LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations, released a statement following the attack.
CSD Münster says Malte was attacked shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday.According to witnesses, the assailant insulted several women at the festival, calling them "lesbian whores" and telling them to "piss off."Malte, police say, noticed the situation and asked the troublemaker to quit insulting people.