Débat - Magnus Hirschfeld et l’Institut für Sexualwissenschaft Berlin

To mark the publication of the French translation of Rainer Herrn's *On Love and Suffering: The Berlin Institute of Sexual Science (1919–1933) *, with a preface by Gérard Koskovich, this evening will revisit the history of this pioneering institute, founded in Berlin in 1919 by Magnus Hirschfeld and dedicated to the study of sexual diversity and the protection of people stigmatized because of their sexual orientation or expression. This center, unparalleled at the time, served as a place for scientific research, care, education, and awareness-raising—and a refuge, until its destruction by the Nazis in 1933.

The meeting is part of the 90th anniversary of Magnus Hirschfeld's death in Nice. A central figure in modern sexual science, he paved the way for a scientific and social approach to sexuality issues at the beginning of the 20th century.

Rainer Herrn, a medical historian at the Charité Hospital in Berlin, will discuss the intellectual, medical, and political legacy of this pioneering institution. A parallel exhibition by the Magnus Hirschfeld Foundation will present historical documents about the Institute and its founder.

Translation carried out by Anne-Sophie Anglaret , within the framework of the Franco-German translation program of the Fondation Maison des sciences de l'homme (FMSH).

With an opening speech delivered by Jean-Marc Berthon , ambassador for LGBT+ rights

EXPOSURE

The Magnus-Hirschfeld-Gesellschaft exhibition "Magnus Hirschfeld im Exil in Paris und Nizza 1933–1935" ("Magnus Hirschfeld in Exile in Paris and Nice 1933-1935"), organized by Hans Bergemann and Ralf Dose , will be on view in the hall until December 20 .

This exhibition offers an overview of Hirschfeld's life and work up to 1933 and documents, using photos and documents, the various aspects of his life in exile in France, his funeral and burial in Nice, as well as his legacy to this day.

The exhibition draws on research conducted by staff members of the Magnus-Hirschfeld-Gesellschaft and other researchers on the life and work of Hirschfeld, the history of the Institute for Sexology, and German and international sexual reform movements. They have thus brought back to light (virtually) forgotten chapters in the history of sexual liberation movements since the 1980s.