The Political Tools of the Nazi Regime: LGBTQ+ Persecution

Abigail Castellanos

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.CHEM/FOREN/SCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Adara Goldberg

Abstract:

The extremist ideologies enforced by the Nazi Regime resulted in the intensified targeting and destruction of various groups, including those from or accused of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. The political tools used that promoted the Nazis’ persecution of individuals based on sexuality or gender had become so ingrained that life following the liberation of survivors remained punishing for those categorized as “homosexual.” Historical analysis of these tools is crucial to assess the manner and extent in which Nazi control impacted victims, outlining the weaponization of stigmas that prevail socially. These perilous circumstances can often be overlooked, and the mapping of political components can provide insight on properly recognizing the harmful applications of politics in daily life that escalated to genocide during World War II (1939-1945).

The political tools can be described as rooted in four main categories: Social Vulnerabilities; Voter Concerns and Demographic Targeting; Platforms and Campaigning; and Symbolism and Messaging. The importance of labeling these implemented tools is to note how profound the political influence of Nazism had reached in demonizing people for sexuality and gender identities. Incorporating party beliefs were deliberate with these methods of gaining political support, especially due to worsening social conditions following Germany’s defeat in World War I (1914-1918). The analysis of the development, application, and consequences of these four categories of political tools under Nazi governance elucidate the dangers of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and intersectionality of civil liberation for all.