Zurich unveils Switzerland's first queer memorial at Sihlfeld Cemetery
by Queer Switzerland editorialPublished August 22, 20263 min read
Switzerland's first queer memorial On Thursday, 20 August 2026, Switzerland's first queer memorial was unveiled at Sihlfeld Cemetery in Zurich. The stone is the result of collective effort: around 20 members of the queer community carved and polished it together under the guidance of designers Judith Schröter and Regine Brandt. The memorial honours those who lost their lives to anti-queer violence or social exclusion, and recognises the activists who fought for LGBTIQ+ rights.
A ceremony with the mayor and a drag queen Zurich Mayor Raphael Golta and drag performer Mona Gamie both spoke at the unveiling. The project was backed by multiple queer organisations and religious groups, including HAZ-Queer Zürich. Organisers described the memorial as a lasting symbol against hatred, and expressed hope that it would remind younger generations how hard the rights they enjoy today were won.
A place with history The memorial complements Sihlfeld Cemetery's existing rainbow burial ground — described by the organising groups as Switzerland's only dedicated queer burial site. Together, the two form a place of remembrance that makes the history of Zurich's LGBTIQ+ community visible and permanent.
Source: SWI swissinfo.ch
