Stupid Boi and Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals

I just came back from the traveling exhibit “Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945”. This was at the Indiana Memorial Union on IU’s campus. It consists of some panels that discuss the persecution of the Male homosexual. Lesbians we often safe because of the place of Germen women in society and the fact that they could still bare children. This was very eye opening! If we as modern gay men could only imagine what it was like to treated like common criminals. Rounded up, and forced to wear our sexuality on our sleeves. Not only to be forced into camps with other prisoner but to be at the bottom of that prison system.

As for the Alternative, forced to remain hidden within our own lives, no community, no pride, no gay bars. I have heard many people compare the struggle of the gay American to that of other minority groups. I agree and disagree with those statements. While there are some similarities, GLBT people in the US have never endured the type of torture that our German brothers have. We were never forced to live in squalor in the fear that everyday could be the day we die.

I know this post isn’t going to be popular, but I have to say, I am grateful for all of the things I have. I may not have all the rights to marriage, and may be treated like a second class citizen; I don’t fear death everyday! I don’t have to feel like I have to make sure that I am dressed a certain way, or act a certain way just so that the SS troops won’t pick me up. I am not forced to leave my home, my country, my family, to endure the physical, mental, and sexual torture that these men and women endured.

The one thing that I learned today is that the Nazi’s didn’t actually make up any laws to carry out this unprecedented act of violence against Homosexuals. Paragraph (§) 175 was actually enacted in the late 20’s and was not repealed until the 90’s. This is a far cry from what we view Germany as today.
I am really glad that I saw this exhibit. It moved me to learn more not only about my racial/ethnic heritage but my sexual one as well.

If you want more information about the exhibit check out www.ushmm.org.