Gruner + Jahr | Hamburg, 08/02/2019

‘Pride Happy Hour’ At Gruner + Jahr In Hamburg

On Wednesday, Gruner + Jahr’s “be.queer” network hosted a “Pride Happy Hour” – and the foyer of the Hamburg publishing house was bursting at the seams. The City of Hamburg’s Deputy Mayor Katharina Fegebank gave the welcoming address, and Vox presenter and G+J magazine producer Guido Maria Kretschmer also attended the event.

On Wednesday, Gruner + Jahr’s “be.queer” network hosted a “Pride Happy Hour” – and the foyer of the Hamburg publishing house was bursting at the seams. The City of Hamburg’s Deputy Mayor Katharina Fegebank gave the welcoming address, drag queen Valery Pearl provided music, and Vox presenter and G+J magazine producer Guido Maria Kretschmer caused a selfie-taking frenzy during his visit to the event.

Katharina Fegebank was overwhelmed: She said she had expected “a small event, with about 20 to 30 people” – and then suddenly found herself in an overflowing foyer: “I’m floored at how many of you are here to celebrate and show your colors during Pride Week,” said Hamburg’s Deputy Mayor in her welcoming address. Especially in these times, she said it is extremely important to stand together and fly the flag. Events such as “Pride Week” make it clear what has already been achieved, she added: creating visibility, sending a signal of joy in what you do, and conferring a bit of normality on everything. At the same time, it is important to show the red card to all those who oppose this progress, she said before thanking the G+J employees and especially the members of the “be.queer” network for their volunteer efforts: “Thank you for making Hamburg such a great place.” G+J editors had also designed some unusual magazine covers for “Pride Happy Hour,” which were also exhibited in the foyer.