A 1926 scene from Berlin’s Eldorado, a nightclub popular with LGBTQ+ people that was shut down by the Nazis in 1933. bpk-Bildagentur |
Taking place on Thursday, June 1, at 9:30 a.m. ET, the event will delve into the history of Berlin during that time, when it was considered the most progressive city in the world for its views on sexuality and gender. Berlin was home to the renowned Institute for Sexual Science, a leading center for research and education on these topics.
However, the Nazi regime imposed strict measures, closing down LGBTQ+ meeting places, organizations, and publications. One well-known example was the El Dorado nightclub, a popular gathering spot for LGBTQ+ individuals, which was transformed into a headquarters for the Nazi Stormtroopers.
The virtual event will explore these historical events and feature discussions led by Dr. Edna Friedberg, a historian from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Dr. Mark Alexander, another historian from the same institution.
The event aims to commemorate Pride Month and highlight the resilience and rebellion of LGBTQ+ individuals during Nazi rule. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrating the diverse and inclusive society we strive to create.
To participate in the Facebook Live virtual event and learn more about this significant chapter in LGBTQ+ history, interested individuals can visit the Museum's online calendar at https://www.ushmm.org/online-calendar/event/vefblvpridemth0601. The event will be recorded and made available for viewing immediately.