Berlin's Queer and Trans* History - From the Empire to Today

Lecture with Eliot Rix

As part of Pride Month, we invite you to discover Berlin's LGBTQ+ history, with a special focus on trans and other non-gender conforming people.

Trans*people have always existed, but they achieved a special visibility in Berlin at the beginning of the 20th century. This is due to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at his Institute for Sexual Science. When Hirschfeld wanted to research homosexuality, he found that some people who came to see him experienced something completely different from homosexuality. Hirschfeld found that "a person's sex rests much more in his soul than in his body, or, to use a medical expression, in his brain rather than in his genitals." A first look at the idea of gender.
In cooperation with the police and the government, Hirschfeld tried to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. By the standards of the time, they were able to lead an amazingly authentic life in Berlin, with their own clubs, magazines and, as we all know, an extensive nightlife. We will dive deep into this wonderful, decadent world. The seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 put an end to the democratic Weimar Republic and had catastrophic consequences for the queer community.
What was the National Socialists' attitude towards homosexuality? Weren't there also homosexual Nazis? We will also address these issues.
Another part deals with the end of the Second World War and the time afterwards, and the ongoing struggle for the visibility and recognition of LGBTQ+ people. But the message should be about the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and keeping alive the memory of our predecessors that we can be so proud of. Happy Pride!

Eliot Rix has lived in Berlin for 12 years. When he came out as a trans*gay man at 34, he wanted to discover Berlin's queer history in order to feel a sense of belonging in his adopted city. Berlin did not disappoint!

Accessibility: Unfortunately, the historical site is not barrier-free.

Price: €7.00

Next date:

• Date Tuesday, 14/July/2026 18:00 bis 19:30 ( 1 more date )
• Venue Unterirdische ehemalige Toilettenanlage
• Address Am Zeughaus 1-2, 10117 Berlin-Mitte