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.