It all began in 1993 as a spontaneous gag for Cologne Pride. A group of friends were looking for an idea to march in the parade as a walking group. Impressions from a vacation in the USA gave them the idea: why not cheerleaders? No sooner said than done. Although everything still seemed a bit makeshift, the group was a big hit and didn't want to stop after the CSD – so at the beginning of 1994, the first male cheerleading group became part of the gay and lesbian sports club SC Janus under the name Pink Poms.

Although the Pink Poms have remained loyal to the community, SC Janus, the CSDs, and the Pink Carnival, the majority of their events today are at the Alternative Carnival and comedy events.

Photo Credits: Lenny Rothenberg