Lecture: Berlin's Queer and Trans* History – From the German Empire to Today

July 14th and 21st 2026 | 20.00 | U-WC Zeughaus

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 at the beginning of the 20^th century in Berlin. This is due to the pioneering research of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at his Institute for Sexual Science. When Hirschfeld wanted to research homosexuality, he realised that some people who came to see him experienced something completely different from homosexuality. Hirschfeld found that ‘a person's sex resides 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 co-operation 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, nightlife. We will dive deep into this marvellous, 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 attitude of the Nazis towards homosexuality? Were there not also homosexual Nazis? We will also deal with these topics.
Another part is about 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 has not disappointed!

Date: July 14^th | July 21^st 2026 at 20.00

Duration: 1,5 hours

Language: English

Admission: 7 Euro

Location: In the underground WC Am Zeughaus 1-2, 10117 Berlin GoogleMaps

Public transport: U Museumsinsel, BUS 100 / 300

Accessibility: Unfortunately, the historic site is not accessible to wheelchair users. 

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