Following the resounding victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt, the Federation Queer Diversity in Germany (LSVD+) has warned that queer people and other marginalized groups are set to face consequences.
"Our hard-won human rights for LGBTIQ* people are already not only constantly being called into question, but are also under active threat," said Alva Träbert from the Berlin-based organization on Friday.
LGBTIQ* stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, asexual and queer, with the asterisk serving as a placeholder for all other queer identities.
The AfD won 43.8% of the vote in Sunday's election and seeking to form a government despite narrowly missing out on a majority in the state parliament.
The LSVD+ said people from Saxony-Anhalt have already reported a distinctly noticeable change in the social climate.
"Misanthropic views have not only become more acceptable; they have long been openly and unashamedly supported," Träbert said.
Many queer people, people who have experienced racism, those with a migrant background or those with disabilities are facing increasing denial and open hatred in their everyday lives - and not just in Saxony-Anhalt, Träbert added.
"It is not just since Sunday that we have been asking ourselves: where and how can we safely be ourselves without exclusion, threats or persecution?"
The association is calling for solidarity within democratic civil society.
"It is up to all of us to shape and defend a diverse, democratic society, to look out for one another, and to stand up for our rights and those of our fellow human beings."