Holocaust Remembrance Day
Honoring the LGBTQ+ Victims of Nazi Persecution
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27th, 2025, we must remember all victims of the Holocaust, including those whose stories have often been overlooked in historical narratives. Among them were thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly gay men and transgender women, who faced brutal persecution under the Nazi regime.
Paragraph 175 and the Beginning of Persecution
The Nazi campaign against LGBTQ+ people built upon existing discrimination codified in Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code. In 1935, the Nazi regime broadened this law to criminalize any form of male homosexuality. This legislative change gave the regime legal authority to arrest gay men en masse, leading to an estimated 100,000 arrests between 1933 and 1945.
The Pink Triangle: A Mark of Persecution
Gay men in concentration camps were forced to wear the pink triangle (rosa Winkel), marking them for particularly cruel treatment. Unlike other prisoner groups, those wearing the pink triangle often faced additional persecution from fellow inmates due to pervasive societal homophobia. They were frequently subjected to medical experiments, including forced hormonal treatments and castration, as Nazi doctors sought to "cure" homosexuality.
The Often-Forgotten Women
While Paragraph 175 specifically targeted gay men, lesbian and bisexual women also faced persecution, though their experiences were often documented differently. Many were labeled as "asocial" and forced to wear black triangles. The Nazi regime viewed these women as "anti-social" elements who failed to fulfill their "biological duty" to produce children for the Reich.
After Liberation: Continued Discrimination
The liberation of Auschwitz and other camps did not end the persecution of LGBTQ+ survivors. Tragically, many were re-arrested under Paragraph 175, which remained in effect in West Germany until 1969. This continued criminalization meant that many survivors could not speak openly about their experiences, and their stories remained untold for decades.
Recognition and Remembrance
It wasn't until the 1980s that LGBTQ+ Holocaust victims began receiving broader recognition. The first memorial dedicated specifically to gay victims of the Holocaust was unveiled in Amsterdam in 1987, followed by memorials in Berlin, San Francisco, and other cities. These memorials serve as important reminders of both historical persecution and ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights.
The Importance of Remembrance in 2025
Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, remembering the LGBTQ+ victims of the Holocaust takes on renewed urgency. In an era where we're witnessing increased anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in various parts of the world, these historical lessons remain critically relevant. The systematic persecution of LGBTQ+ people under the Nazi regime didn't begin with concentration camps – it started with seemingly small acts of discrimination, the erasure of LGBTQ+ presence from public life, and the destruction of LGBTQ+ culture and community spaces.
Preserving History for Future Generations
As we lose the last Holocaust survivors, including LGBTQ+ survivors, it becomes increasingly important to preserve and share their stories. Organizations like the USC Shoah Foundation and various LGBTQ+ historical societies work to document these narratives, ensuring they aren't lost to time.
A Call to Action
This 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz calls us to:
Remember the specific targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals during the Holocaust
Recognize early warning signs of systematic discrimination
Stand against all forms of hatred and bigotry
Support efforts to document and preserve LGBTQ+ Holocaust histories
Educate future generations about this often-overlooked aspect of Holocaust history
The phrase "Never Again" must apply to all victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people. As we mark this solemn anniversary, let us remember that safeguarding human rights and dignity requires constant vigilance and an unwavering commitment to speaking out against hatred in all its forms.