Category Archives: Blog

Paragraph 175 An Overview

Dear Moviegoers,

At the turn of the century, TEDDY recognized the importance of remembrance and praised Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s “Paragraph 175”, an outstanding documentary about the dreadful German law criminalizing homosexuality. Almost two decades later, historians have shown how homosexuals suffered under National Socialism and many have fought for the memory of the victims. Lesser known is the fate of countless homosexuals after the war, the appalling story of the continuities of such an injustice into the success story of the Federal Republic.

This year’s focus is on the struggle of the members of our community who made it through these dark times, but also on the injustice of such a crime, still lingering like an open wound in German history. TEDDY is seizing the momentum of the present discussions on rehabilitation and reparations for the survivors and victims of §175. Our focus is on the unjust and unrighteous treatment of homosexuality in Germany after the war until the complete repeal of the law in the 1990s.

Continue reading Paragraph 175 An Overview

Remembrance of the homosexual victims of Franco´s fascist regime

In the movie “Bones of Contention”, which is competing for a TEDDY AWARD this year, the filmmaker Andrea Weiss takes us searching for tracks of the homosexual victims of Franco´s regime. Andrea Weiss will be in Berlin during the Berlinale and wants to invite you to join a remembrance for the victims:

“La Asociación Ex-Presos Sociales de España (Association of ex-Social Prisoners of Spain) is an organization of those who were incarcerated and persecuted under Franco’s fascist dictatorship on account of their sexual identity.

On Thursday, February 16 at 11 am, two representatives of the Association, Antoni Ruiz and Silvia Reyes, will lay a floral wreath at the Homosexuellen-Denkmal to pay tribute to the homosexuals who lost their lives in Nazi concentration camps.  Our intention is to give recognition to these victims whose ultimate sacrifice is a fundamental pillar supporting the current struggle for LGBTI and human rights.

It would be an honor to have your support and attendance at the floral offering on Thursday, February 16 at 11 am, at the Memorial to Homosexuals persecuted under Nazism in Berlin.”

Jack Woodhead

Ladies & Gentleman, please let me introduce to you our host for the Award Ceremony: Jack Woodhead!

How beautiful that there is a place for dazzling personalities on this world: once he hits the keys you´ll immidiately  recognize that he is a classical trained pianist.  Jack Woodhead embodies all other facets of his sparkling personality in no less convincing fashion. No one wears Haute Couture this casual, thinks that fast, trippy, original and makes a charming host like he does. Jack Woodhead is an allround performer who you can´t resist.

Interview with Dr. Nina Reusch

We did an Interview with Dr. Nina Reusch, historian at the Friedrich-Meinecke-Institute in Berlin and member of the Public History Project “LSBTTIQ in Baden-Württemberg

  • What is the stand of research on the continuities of paragraph 175 after National Socialism?

Since the 1970s, considerable research has been done in the context of the homosexual emancipation movement. In the meantime, the subject is becoming more and more important in the academic circles as well, which is good not only for research, which can be broadened and diversified, but for the discipline of History as well, engaging now with queer questions and research topics.

  • Could you tell us a little bit about public history projects and the way queer history is being taught in German schools?

Overall, queer history is not included in the in German schools’ standard curriculum, but there are various projects that can be used as a starting point. Here, in Berlin, February is always the Queer History Month; during this time some school classes engage with queer history and other queer-related topics in terms of content or art. The project’s homepage offers lessons and materials for teachers who would like to bring queer topics into history lessons. Beyond school, public history projects also bring queer history to a general audience – such as the exhibition ‘Homosexualities’ in the Schwulen Museum* and the Deutsches Historisches Museum, or, as it is currently in Baden-Württemberg, Public History connects queer history to research projects. Last year, a project was launched that brings together research, public history and regional queer history creating opportunities for a greater participation.

  • What are your thoughts on the project by Minister Maas and the discussions on rehabilitation for victims of paragraph 175?

The rehabilitation of men who were convicted under paragraph 175 is a much welcomed and almost overdue project. A reasonable compensation for the victims of this homophobic legislation should also be implemented.

  • Do you think this project reflects the discussion on paragraph 175 in the German public space?

I think that before the announcement by the Minister of Justice, many people were not even aware that homosexual relationships among men were prosecuted for so long in the Federal Republic. The discussion has created a certain awareness and therefore it should be welcomed.