It’s a haunting day as we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camps.
For many, one of the darkest eras in history is not merely something to be studied but a horrific lived experience—hundreds of thousands of survivors are still alive, their stories reflected in documentaries, historical fiction, and memorials.
Among those targeted were members of the LGBTQ+ community, who fought and often perished in an attempt to live as their authentic selves.
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Despite the progress made during Germany’s Weimer Era, Hitler’s rise to power in January 1933 proved a devastating blow to queer visibility.
Highly regarded sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld (who identified as Jewish and gay) established the Institute for Sexual Science, a research center for the expanse of sexual identities, but was forced to flee to Paris as the Nazi party gained control.
Troops raided the facility, burning more than 10,000 volumes in the institute’s library. But the rise of fascism also impacted those dedicated to fighting for equality on the homefront.
A photo of a gay concentration camp prisoner at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Those identified as LGBTQ+ were branded with a downward-pointing pink triangle. Photo by Matthew Wexler.
The railway leading to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Photo by Matthew Wexler.
World War II veteran Frank Kameny encountered combat in German-occupied Belgium and survived. He was discharged and went on to earn his PhD in astrophysics.
According to the National World War II Museum, the Army Map Service hired Kameny in 1957 to create astronomical maps used to guide missiles. Three months later, he was fired for being gay.
Over the years, stories from within the concentration camps have also emerged, reminding us that despite the atrocities we’ve faced, queer identity can not be extinguished.
Dear Fredy, director Rubi Gatz’s 2017 award-winning documentary about Freddy Hirsch tells the story of one gay man who fought until his death for the dignity of fellow prisoners.
Forced initially to Terezin, a former holiday resort converted into a ghetto and concentration camp, Hirsch was eventually transferred to Birkenau (part of the Auschwitz concentration camp system.)
A natural leader, he convinced camp leaders to let him establish a daycare center, which offered final moments of care and connection before the unthinkable.
Gatz’s documentary combines animation, archival materials, and interviews to offer a glimpse into one of the many queer Holocaust heroes.
Related
Life beyond the ‘Cabaret’: Check out these queer films set in WWII Germany
With a new take on ‘Cabaret’ lighting up Broadway, explore more queer stories set during a tumultuous time in German history.WATCH: This new doc explores the secret queer nightlife of Nazi Germany
“Eldorado: Everything The Nazis Hate” is now streaming on Netflix.The Nazis came for us too. ‘Bent’ recalls the horror of the queer Holocaust.
Never forget.
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