The author describes developments in LGBT history, including the growth of the world's first homosexual organizations and gay and lesbian magazines, the community of German sexologists and psychoanalysts, gay social scenes and the Nazi persecution of LGBT people.
Between Persecution and Freedom, 1945-69
The aftermath of Nazism marked a significant turning point for the history of homosexuality in Germany, revealing a resurgence of gay scenes and a shift towards a more masculine perception of homosexual identity. This era sparked a crucial public debate on homosexuality, which played a vital role in the broader context of the Sexual Revolution, highlighting its importance in shaping contemporary understandings of sexual identity and rights.
Whisnant argues that the period after Nazism was more important for the history of homosexuality in Germany than is generally recognized. Gay scenes resurfaced; a more masculine view of homosexuality also became prominent. Above all, a public debate about homosexuality emerged, constituting a critical debate within the Sexual Revolution.