Berlin’s commissioner for LGBTQ+ issues, Alfonso Pantisano, has revealed that he has been targeted with death threats and acts of hostility leading up to the upcoming Pride celebrations in the German capital. Pantisano bravely shared his experience on Instagram, where he disclosed that he has been receiving menacing phone calls, some of which included explicit threats to assassinate him during the Christopher Street Day (CSD) festivities.
Although deeply affected by these anonymous calls, Pantisano remains determined in his commitment to his work and refuses to let the hostility deter him. “Times are getting tougher and I’m beginning to understand more and more the challenges we face in the face of growing adversity,” he wrote in his Instagram post.
Having come out as gay 31 years ago, Pantisano has always embraced his identity without fear or shame. He is resolute in attending the Berlin CSD event, stating, “I am not the gay man that I am today in order to be hiding right now.” Despite the threats, he remains unwavering in his dedication to democracy, boldly stating, “Let them put a bullet in my head. I won’t back down a millimeter from these enemies of our democracy. Never!”
As Berlin prepares for the Pride celebrations, it is crucial to acknowledge the courage of individuals like Pantisano, who continue to champion LGBTQ+ rights despite facing such deplorable acts of hostility. In solidarity with Pantisano and others, it is our responsibility to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants during the upcoming festivities, uniting against discrimination and prejudice. With an estimated half a million people expected to march at the Berlin CSD, the significance of this event in the fight for equality cannot be underestimated.