Berlin in the early 1930s was a place of incredible liberation for its queer community. 

There were over 100 gay clubs, and Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute for Sexual Science - the first sexology research centre in the world - developed pioneering gender assignment surgery. 

Sadly, with the Nazis rising to power, dark days were to come. 

What was it like for the gay community during this time? How did the Nazis react to a high ranking officer being openly gay and part of this community? And what was the legacy of Magnus Hirschfeld’s work?

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Robert Beachy, historian and author of Gay Berlin: Birthplace of a Modern Identity, to find out. 

This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. 

If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting. It would mean the world to us!

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT.

Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK