Explore the life and ideology of Ernst Röhm, the world's first openly gay politician and a Nazi. The podcast discusses the connection between homosexuality and fascism, challenges conspiracy theories, and analyzes Röhm's relationship with the army. It delves into his perception of homosexuality's relation to his social identity and explores the relationship between far-right ideologies and homosexuality.
The podcast highlights the complex relationship between homosexuality and fascism, emphasizing that queer people were primarily victims rather than perpetrators of German fascism.
The podcast delves into the life story of Ernst Röhm, a gay Nazi leader, and his tensions with the Nazi party due to his homosexuality.
Deep dives
Uncovering the Dark Side of Gay Men in History
In the first episode of the Bad Gays podcast, hosts Hugh Lemme and Ben Miller introduce the show's concept of profiling gay villains from history. They discuss the importance of complicating the narratives of gay history beyond just focusing on heroes. They explore the connections between homosexuality, specifically homosexuality (non-sexual social associations between men), and fascism. They emphasize that queer people were primarily victims rather than perpetrators of German fascism. The hosts delve into the emergence of fascist paramilitaries within the social context of 1920s Germany, discussing the debate and different perspectives among queer intellectuals such as Magnus Hirschfeld and masculinist figures. The episode highlights the profile of Ernst Rheum, a gay Nazi and leader of the brown shirts, and his complex relationships with homosexuality, fascism, and violence.
The Relationship Between Reim and Hitler
The podcast delves into Ernst Rheum's life story and his relationship with Adolf Hitler. Reim, a key figure in the Nazi party, was openly gay and played a significant role in organizing the paramilitary forces. The hosts discuss the tensions that existed within the party regarding Reim's homosexuality, as some party members, like Joseph Goebbels, disapproved of it. They explore how Rheum aligned himself more with radical left-wing opponents than with centrists, and his views of a militaristic and right-wing socialist Germany. The episode also touches on Rheum's romantic relationship with Edmond Hynus and their eventual execution during the Night of the Long Knives, a purge orchestrated by Hitler to consolidate his power.
The Nazis' Persecution of Homosexuality
The podcast addresses the Nazis' stance and persecution of homosexuality. It highlights the Nazis' obsession with racial, social, and sexual hygiene and the perceived threats that homosexuality posed to their vision of a racially pure Germany. The hosts mention the book burning that targeted Magnus Hirschfeld's institute and emphasize the significance of gender ideology within the fascist project. They also discuss the Nazis' crackdown on the brown shirts, framing it as a preventative measure against an alleged coup, and how the public was presented with a narrative of protecting Germany from an essay takeover. The episode explores the complexities of the relationship between homosexuality and Nazism, debunking conspiracy theories that suggest a direct link between queerness and fascism.
The Influence of Masculinist Ideology and Reflection on the Present
The podcast examines the masculinist ideology in early 20th-century Germany and its connection to fascism. It discusses the use of masculine power and military associations by stormtrooper bands, providing homoerotic and homo-social experiences to members. The hosts also reflect on contemporary manifestations of gay masculinity intertwined with fascist aesthetics, highlighting the use of right-wing imagery at certain gay parties and the complex origins of desires rooted in fascist ideology. They raise questions about the continuing impact of these ideologies on the LGBTQ+ community and emphasize the importance of interrogating and understanding the historical roots of these desires.
A discussion of the life and ideology of Ernst Röhm, the world's first openly gay politician: and a Nazi. ----more----
Sources and further reading:
Eleanor Hancock: "Only the Real, the True, the Masculine Held Its Value: Ernst Röhm, Masculinity, and Male Homosexuality." Journal of the History of Sexuality Vol. 8, No. 4 (Apr., 1998), pp. 616-641.
Laurie Marhoeffer: Sex and the Weimar Republic: German Homosexual Emancipation and the Rise of the Nazis. University of Toronto Press, 2015.
Boaz Neumann: "The Phenomenology of the German People's Body (Volkskörper) and the Extermination of the Jewish Body." New German Critique No. 106 (Winter, 2009), pp. 149-181.
