History is Gay

8. Nazi Punks Fuck Off, Pt 1: Magnus Hirschfeld

05.21.2018 - By Leigh PfefferPlay

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We're not a fan of nazis around these parts, and not just for the obvious reasons. Did you know that one of the most iconic images of them burning books is from when they burned the library of a gay, Jewish, communist sexologist well known for his research on sexuality and gender, including trans identity? Until this episode, we didn't either! In this first part of a two part series (so far!), we dive into the fascinating life of Doctor Magnus Hirschfeld, the "Einstein of sex." His approach to sexuality, gender, and race was decades ahead of the likes of Alfred Kinsey and Harry Benjamin, and who knows were society would be had his research not been destroyed. So come join us as we say, "Nazi punks, fuck off!"  Outline 0:00 – Introduction 3:38 – Content Warnings 5:40 – Social Context: Taboos and Mores 12:50 – Social Context: White Supremacy 17:43 – Social Context: Romanticism and the German Wilhelmite Period 24:50 – Social Context: Volkish Movements and Nazism 26:47 – Who Were They? Bio Time 31:00-31:53 – Content Warning: Discussion of Suicide 55:45-59:00 - (Not So) Fun Segment: Word of the Week 1:06:48 - Why Do We Think They're Gay? 1:11:40 – How Gay Were They? 1:14:30 – Closing and Where to Find us Online Find our full list of sources and bonus content at www.historyisgaypodcast.com. Get at us on twitter @historyisgaypod, tumblr at hishistoryisgaypodcast, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to rate and review so more folks can see the show!

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