Gay Today: World

Exhibit Showing Nazi Persecution
of Gays Destroyed

By Klaus Müller

Vienna, Austria--The exhibition detailing the Nazi persecution of gay men and lesbian women in Vienna has been destroyed by vandals shortly before its official opening. The exhibition--an ensemble of columns in the shape of pink triangles--was organized by Hosi Vienna and documented the Nazi persecution of homosexuals in Austria through texts, photos and documents.

Vienna's Heldenplatz, home to the now-destroyed memorial to gays and lesibans persecuted and killed by the Nazis

Displayed on the 'Heldenplatz', the exhibition was situated in a central locale here. Nearly all the columns were severely damaged and removed from their basement--a destruction impossible without preparation and which took time.

Only days before, on June 11, there had been a crowded panel discussion about the Nazi persecution of gay men and lesbian women in Vienna, following the screening of Paragraph 175, a film on the Nazi persecution of homosexuals.

Pierre Seel, a gay French survivor, had warned during this discussion that neo-fascists are on the rise in France and he reported about threats he'd received. Kurt Krickler from Hosi Vienna had shown this reporter the exhibition when it was mounted June 12, impressive because of its concept and for the historic information it imparted.

Related Sites:
The Persecution of Homosexuals in Nazi Germany

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Only a week ago, Austria's ruling government FDÖ and ÖVP refused once again to recognize homosexuals as victims of the Nazi regime in a parliamentary decision.

Hosi Vienna is in need of financial assistance to reestablish the exhibition.