Berlin is one of the most popular city with great history, that’s why it has always participated in the formation of the ‘LGBT+’ movement. The queer community has always found solace in the German capital, where the spirits of emancipation fill the city’s clubs and its municipal policies. Starting this walking tour to investigate the LGBT+ history in Berlin opens a chance to learn about the significant places and stories that make this city so meaningful to the community. It’s one for the babes, the boys, the trans, the drag queens, the bisexuals, lesbians, gays, the straight and all the in betweens; you need to do this to get a sense of the Berlin effectively.

The Beginnings: A Hidden History

The following article will uncover the history of the Berlin’s LGBT+ region, which dates back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The antidote planning through condoms, from the secret meeting places to the pioneering organizations this defined the future successes and failures of the community.

A particular place in this history is the Eldorado nightclub. Located in the Schöneberg neighborhood, this place was safe haven for queers in the early twentieth century. It is now a symbol of nightlife that welcomed people of the queer romance when the rest of society shunned them.

The Rise and Fall: The Queer Subject or Identity during the Weimar Republic

When the new culture Weimar republic appeared Berlin was transforming into a safe city for businessmen, artists, intellectuals and homosexuals. This placed was full of hope and enjoyment and therefore landmarks and venues reflected this progress.

One such place is the Magnus Hirschfeld Institute of sexology that was established by the founding father of the subject. This institution had been acting as the research and study hub for sexualities with clients seeking medical advice for queer individuals. Unfortunately, during the Nazi era, the institute was closed down and, as is well known, its library was burnt.

Resistance and Resilience: The members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Plus community during the time of crisis

Ever since the ascent of the Nazi regime, homosexuality/trans sexualism was intolerable in Berlin. Some of them were killed, others were deported to concentration camps which is one of the worst episodes in the history of such cities. Yet, suffering and endurance of the community are commemorated in Berlin through memorials or monuments.

The Pink Triangle Memorial is a significant monument because symbolizes homosexuals who were persecuted by the Nazis and those who alive. Since this Shores of Remembrance memorial is situated in the Tiergarten, it reads visitors of the history of holocaust and the need to embrace everyone no matter our disabilities.

Building a New Foundation: West vs. East Berlin

The post Second World War saw Berlin split into the East and the West with the two sides having different paths in as far as the gay rights are concerned. When you start exploring the history of Berlin’s queer subculture, you will discover two completely different Berlins.

In West Berlin, the Schöneberg district turned into a major gay community redevelopment. Queer people could meet in bars and clubs, and, of course, the notorious CSD parade started here. Today this area forms part of the city – radiant with pride and tolerance.

Due to oppression the challenge that was meaning to the LGBT+ community in East Berlin was entirely different from that faced by its counterpart in the west. Still, courageous steps were made by people, and the first registered partnership of same-sex couple in East Germany.

A New Era: Berlin as a city of multicoloured ^ lights.

Following the changes at the end of the 80s and the reunion of the splitted Germany and the city, Berlin is nowadays one of the most tolerant places for the members of the LGBT+ community. The place can be seen represented through monuments such as the Schwules Museum and the Pride festivals among other cultural practices.

Last but not least, Berlins homosexual history tour or in general an LGBT+ history tour cannot be completed without a visit to the Schöneberg district’s Nollendorfplatz area, now famous as an inclusive LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. Packed with bars, shops and cafes that welcome the local LGBT community and its supporters openly, this area is very friendly.

Setting on the walking tour to look for the LGTB+ history in Berlin is not only exploring the history of the city but it is also a chance to support the community that struggled for its rights and encourages rest of the sections of the society.