Historian Laurie Marhoefer discusses Magnus Hirschfeld, a pioneering doctor in modern homosexual identities, who integrated racism into his work and collaborated with eugenicists. They explore Hirschfeld's complex views on sexuality, his advocacy against sodomy laws, and his persecution by the Nazis. The episode delves into his legacy, acknowledging his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community while critiquing his problematic views on eugenics, race, and feminism.
Magnus Hirschfeld pioneered modern homosexual identities with trans-affirming healthcare.
Hirschfeld integrated racism into the identities he created, collaborated with eugenicists.
Hirschfeld's legacy involves complex advancements in sexual liberation but controversial views on eugenics.
Deep dives
The Influence of Magnus Hirschfeld on European Sexual Politics
Magnus Hirschfeld, a German sexologist born in 1868, is credited with championing the idea that being gay is a natural variation, not a pathology. His work on sexual liberation and homosexuality played a pivotal role in shaping modern attitudes towards sexual identity.
Challenges Faced by Hirschfeld During the Weimar Era
During the Weimar era, Hirschfeld faced challenges and controversies within the Scientific Humanitarian Committee due to differing views on legal reform surrounding homosexuality. The committee's split over potential legislation changes highlighted complex societal attitudes towards sexual freedom and social reform.
Hirschfeld's World Tour and Legacy
Hirschfeld's world tour in the early 1930s marked a period of success and acknowledgment of his work on sexuality worldwide. However, escalating political unrest in Germany forced him into exile, leading to the destruction of his life's work by the Nazis. His legacy endures through the rediscovery of his writings.
Lay's Influence on Hirschfeld's Later Life
Lay, Hirschfeld's companion and assistant, played a significant role in his later life, providing support and companionship during their travels across continents. Lay's unpublished writings suggest a different approach to sexuality research, emphasizing widespread bisexuality over innate homosexuality, challenging prevailing views.
Reevaluation of Magnus Hirschfeld's Legacy
Magnus Hirschfeld's complex legacy includes groundbreaking advancements in sexual liberation and identity acceptance, alongside controversial views on eugenics and race. Reexamining his contributions sheds light on the nuanced intersections of sexuality, politics, and social reform during his era.
It's the Magnus Hirschfeld episode. We invited Laurie Marhoefer – Jon Bridgman Endowed Professor of History at the University of Washington, and one of our most-cited historians ever – to discuss their new book on Hirschfeld, called Racism and the Making of Gay Rights: A Sexologist, His Student, and the Empire of Queer Love. On the episode, we touch on Hirschfeld's life story as a pioneering doctor who helped invent modern homosexual identities and worked on some forms of trans-affirming health care –– while also discussing the ways he integrated racism into the homosexual identities he was creating, collaborated with eugenicists, and was often willing to accept more rights for some at the expense of others.
Our intro and outro music are, respectively, a tune written for us by DJ Michael Oswell Graphic Designer and Arpeggia Colorix, by Yann Terrien
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