Germany gay
A Visual Timeline of LGBTQ+ History in Germany
Diverse, vibrant, inclusive, and Multi-Kulti. This is how many people know Germany’s capital nowadays. But the city and country weren’t always like this. There were many ups and downs and changes to extend this day: from many firsts, favor creating the “first organization advocating for homosexual rights,” “the Institute for Sexual Science,” and the first worldwide queer publications, to the glittering historical era in the 1920s for LGBTQ+ group, and then down to the gloomy and brutal Nazi era. The Queer community in Germany has had a long journey toward equality and recognition and still takes steps forward in the ongoing battle for their rights. This visual timeline from the IMAGO archive shows some historical highlights from the 20th century to today, capturing the moments and milestones.
What Was Animation Like for the LGBTQ+ Community in Germany Before the Nazi Era?
Germany, and especially Berlin, before the Nazis, experienced a time of advancement and cultural vibrancy for the LGBTQ+ community. This era saw the establishment of the world’s first same-sex attracted rights movement, the flourishing of lgbtq+ culture, and pioneering re
Germany is a very progressive country in terms of Gay rights with the first gay rights protest to decriminalise homosexuality taking place here in 1867 and the designation homosexual first introduced by German journalist Karl Maria Kertbeny in 1869. Today, the country is also home to Europe’s largest Homosexual population.
As you may expect then, Germany offers a very safe and welcoming environment for same-sex attracted travellers. This is particularly true in the larger towns and cities, many of which are home to a lively LGBTQ+ society, plenty of gay-friendly amenities and a number of trendy annual Pride events which welcome locals and visitors alike.
Below, we consider the best gay-friendly places to visit when you are travelling to Germany.
Schöneberg, Berlin
Schöneberg holds the distinguished title of being the world’s first gay village, a proud testament to Berlin’s long-standing support and celebration of LGBTQ+ tradition. This vibrant neighbourhood became a haven for the same-sex attracted community in the 1920s and again after the Second World War. Today, it is occupied of gay-friendly shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes alongside peaceful green, outdoor space and quieter resident
Germany
Experiencing German Food
When visiting Germany, the first thing visitors might try is the famous German beer. For centuries Germany has preserved the traditional way of brewing beer in all variations protecting the purity by law. German beer is often considered to be the best in the world. But the influence of the culinary heritage of the former German kingdoms who blended into the federal republic of today is very diverse and definitely not only about potatoes and sausages. Having said that, the sausages are another food visitors should attempt at least once, prefer the (Bavarian) veal sausage “Weißwurst,” the Thuringian bratwurst or the Frankfurt sausage. Starting in the northern part of Germany, set some of the traditional fish and seafood dishes like sour herring on your list. Traveling to the center of Germany, potato, kraut and cabbage dishes are part of the German food encounter. Larger cities like Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin are incorporating multiple international trends and expanding the vegetarian and vegan food scene as well. It is recommended to make a reservation, particularly during the peak dinner times from Thursday to Sunday. After dinner
Back in the 1920s, Berlin had already become a haven and refuge for gays and lesbians from all over the earth. There are 170 clubs, bars and pubs for gays and lesbians, and well as riotous nightlife and a gay neighbourhood. But parties aren't the only thing being organised – several political associations are founded in Berlin to fight for matching rights. However, the Nazis' ascend to power spells the death knell for this diversity, and it would take several decades for Berlin to return to its status as a global centre for the LGBTI* scene. Learn about how Berlin became a hotspot for gays and lesbians over the course of the 20th century, and how its scene attracted people from all over the world – and continues to do so today.
1897
The Scientific-Humanitarian Committee – the very first gay and homosexual woman organisation in the world – was founded in Berlin. Its founder is the Jewish physician Magnus Hirschfeld. His guiding principle: “Justice through science”. His goals: freedom from persecution by the state and religious oppression, the fight for emancipation and social recognition. The Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, remains the most politically influential associa