Berlin’s LGBTQ+ Community Faces Rising Intimidation, Prompting Exodus
As of December 26, 2025, a growing number of LGBTQ+ individuals are contemplating leaving Berlin amid escalating concerns over safety and tolerance. For decades, the German capital served as a beacon of freedom for many, but a recent surge in harassment and violence, coupled with a shifting social landscape, is prompting a reevaluation of its welcoming status.
The area around Nollendorfplatz in western Berlin has long been a central hub for the LGBTQ+ community, dating back to the 1920s. While suppressed during the Nazi era, the scene flourished after the war, offering refuge to those facing rigid moral constraints in other parts of West Germany. Today, the subway station dome proudly displays the colors of the rainbow, a symbol of official Berlin’s embrace of its LGBTQ+ heritage – a tradition once shrouded in secrecy. However, beneath this vibrant facade, a troubling undercurrent is emerging.
A Changing Neighborhood, A Growing Fear
Beni Durrer, a 57-year-old Swiss make-up artist, and his husband, René Durrer-Lehmann, 58, have lived in the area for nearly three decades. Recently, the couple announced their intention to relocate to Lucerne, Switzerland, citing a decline in safety for gay individuals in Berlin. “Berlin is no longer a good place for gays,” they stated in a local report.
Following the publication of their story, the couple received both support and threats. “You’re brave,” one person told Beni, while a disturbing letter warned, “It’s good that you’re leaving, Islam will soon rule here.” This sentiment reflects a growing anxiety within the community.
Many residents are hesitant to openly discuss the problems they face. “Some people prefer to act as if nothing is happening,” explains René, a hairdresser. While acknowledging that not all immigrants harbor animosity towards the LGBTQ+ community – citing supportive messages from individuals of Moroccan and Iranian descent – the couple emphasizes a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
The Rise of Intimidation and Violence
The core of the issue, according to Beni and René, is the increasing presence and influence of Arab clans in the neighborhood. They describe a climate of intimidation, where openly identifying as homosexual can lead to aggressive stares, verbal abuse, and even physical attacks. “You gay pig, I’ll stab you,” is a phrase they say is increasingly common. The couple admits they have ceased holding hands in public, though René expresses a longing to simply be able to kiss his husband on the street.
The changing cityscape reflects this shift. Gay bars are being replaced by shisha bars, many of which are reportedly linked to criminal organizations. This transformation, coupled with the rise of online dating platforms, has altered the dynamics of the LGBTQ+ scene. While the internet offers new avenues for connection, it doesn’t negate the need for safe public spaces.
René recalls experiencing discrimination in the 1980s from both right-wing extremists and individuals of Turkish descent, but asserts that the current situation feels more precarious. He now routinely carries a key between his fingers for self-defense, particularly when walking home late at night. After being jostled and verbally assaulted outside a kebab shop, he physically confronted his attacker, an incident that, while resulting in a temporary truce, underscores the level of tension. “Beni is sometimes afraid that I will get a knife in the back at some point,” he admits.
A Disturbing Trend in National Crime Statistics
The experiences of Beni and René are not isolated. Data reveals a concerning trend: crimes against lesbians, gays, and transsexuals in Germany have been steadily increasing since 2014. Violent attacks have risen nearly sevenfold in the past decade. The threat isn’t solely from one group; right-wing extremists also contribute to the hostile environment, actively cultivating an ideology that views LGBTQ+ individuals as adversaries. Neo-Nazis regularly demonstrate during events like Christopher Street Day, particularly in eastern German cities.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, economic factors are also playing a role in the decision to leave. Beni notes that high taxes and a weakening economy are making beauty products – the foundation of his business – a dispensable luxury for many. His shop in Lucerne, opened in October, is now helping to subsidize the Berlin location. While they hope to maintain a presence in Berlin for their seven employees and loyal customers, the future remains uncertain.
An Exodus Gains Momentum
Beni and René are not alone in considering an exit. They report that other gay couples are also making plans to relocate, with friends moving to Spain and others contemplating similar moves. “It feels easy to leave,” René states, emphasizing his own sense of security in Lucerne, a stark contrast to the anxieties he now experiences in Berlin. He struggles to understand why Beni is hesitant, given the perceived safety of their homeland.
The situation represents a poignant reversal: a place once celebrated for its tolerance is now perceived as restrictive, while a country previously considered conservative is offering a newfound sense of freedom. “Today,” Beni Durrer concludes, “I feel freer in Switzerland.”
