Male Homosexuality in West Germany Between Persecution and Freedom, 1945-69 [Hardcover]

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.Preface Abbreviations and Translations Note on Terminology Introduction: The Neglected Postwar Period Policing and Prejudice The Homophile Movement Struggles over the Boundaries of the Gay Scenes Reforming Paragraph 175 Conclusion: Between Persecution and Freedom Select Bibliography Endnotes

It is, as far as I can see, the first English-language monograph offering a comprehensive and source-based treatment of the post-war history of male same-sex desires in West Germany. It offers its readers numerous fruitful thoughts and inspiring insights into the history of homosexualities as well as German history. - Benno Gammerl, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Germany

CLAYTON J. WHISNANT is Associate Professor of History at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. He teaches a range of courses in twentieth century European history and his research focuses on masculinity, sexuality, and West Germany during the Cold War.