Rundgang: Queer History oder Geschlecht, Begehren und Sexualität im Kontext von NS-Zwangsarbeit

with Anton Schulte, Amelie Bartz, and Mia Göhring

In this tour, we focus on people and topics that have received little attention thus far in the commemoration of National Socialism and Nazi forced labor. Drawing on the original meaning of the word “queer” as “strange,” “deviant,” “bizarre,” or “perverse,” the focus is not on a specific group of victims—rather, the goal is to highlight how diverse and, at times, contradictory the ways were in which people were persecuted and forced to work under National Socialism.

Following a brief introduction to Nazi forced labor, a diverse range of topics related to gender, desire, and sexuality will be explored. In particular, the discussion will address queer sexuality in concentration camps, forced sterilization, forced sexual labor, pregnancy and abortion, childbirth, relationships among forced laborers, and relationships between forced laborers and Germans. The tour will also touch on the question of why these topics have long been largely overlooked in historical reappraisal and remembrance.

During the tour, we will visit various sites relevant to these topics, including the former Municipal Workhouse at Riebeckstraße 63, the former University Children’s Hospital, and the memorial site for the victims of Nazi “euthanasia” in Friedenspark.

Meeting point: on the grounds of the former Municipal Workhouse, Riebeckstraße 63
Tram 12, 15; Bus 70, 74 (Technisches Rathaus); Tram 4 (Riebeckstraße/Stötteritzer Straße)
Duration: approx. 2 hours to Lene-Voigt-Park

Participation is free of charge and no registration is required.