Berlin's 'Rainbow Bench' vandalised again, sparking soul-searching

The so-called Rainbow Bench, a wooden bench painted in rainbow colours as a symbol of tolerance and queer visibility in Berlin, has again been defaced, Berliner Zeitung reports on October 1, 2026. The paper collected voices from passers-by, neighbours and activists in the surrounding district about what the latest attack says about Berlin's self-image. Many interviewees described feeling worn down by the regular vandalism and highlighted a rising number of homophobic and transphobic incidents in the city. Others praised the volunteers who repeatedly repaint and repair the bench, calling the stubborn restoration an answer to hatred. Local politicians promised better lighting and camera protection at the site, while queer initiatives called for faster police action against hate crimes and more education in schools. The bench's story has become a recurring barometer for Berlin's social climate between its openly queer self-image and ongoing attacks on minorities.