The Nazis Persecution of Homosexuals

1299 Words3 Pages

The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre is dedicated to preserving the memory of all those who suffered, because of the eradication of those who did not fit Hitler’s vision of a ‘master Aryan race’.The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre brought in a travelling exhibit, as a way to bring awareness to the unprecedented suffering caused by this horrific genocide.The Nazis Persecution of Homosexuals exhibit is a travelling exhibition created by the United States Holocaust Museum, that examines the persecution and violence towards the homosexuals of Germany. The Nazi’s saw homosexuals as an “infection or epidemic, that would weaken German survival” (Holocaust Museum Brochure). “ Through the active and relentless persecution of German homosexuals, the Nazi State attempted to terrorize German homosexuals into sexual and social conformity, leaving thousands dead and shattering the lives of many more” (Holocaust Museum Brochure). The persecution of homosexuals began with the “closing of same-sex bars and clubs” (Holocaust Museum Brochure) and ended with imprisonment in internment camps and medical procedures. There was no escape from the persecution and violence that was inflicted upon German homosexuals. “Many were forced to conceal their homosexuality, some choosing to marry women, and others picked suicide” (Holocaust Museum Brochure).The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals exhibit brings awareness to an issue that for many years was over looked. Years after the Holocaust ended homosexuals in Germany “continued to face legal and social prohibitions that hindered official recognition that homosexuals were victims of Nazi persecution” (Holocaust Museum Brochure). It was not until May of 1985 that,“homosexuals murdered by the Nazis receive... ... middle of paper ... ...is exhibit were able to not only create an educational experience, but also impact the minds of those who visit it. You left the museum feeling enlightened and with a captivating story to tell others. The Nazi Regime capitalize on societies anxieties about sexuality to dehumanize homosexuals. Societies opinions on sexuality directly correlated with the actions taken by the Nazis regime. Works Cited 1.Chenier,Elise. “Sex,Sexuality and the Third Reich.” History 115: Introduction to the History of Sexuality. Class lecture at Simon Fraser Univerity, Burnaby,BC, October 9,2013 2.Chenier,Elise. “The Benality of Evil.” History 115: Introduction to the History of Sexuality. Class lecture at Simon Fraser Univerity, Burnaby,BC,September 11,2013 3.The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, The Nazis Persecution of Homosexuals,Burnaby,BC.October 29, 2013 -December 2,2013

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