Per scientiam ad iustitiam? Werk und Wirkung von Magnus Hirschfeld (1868-1935)

Abstract Magnus Hirschfeld was the trailblazer of modern sexology and he defined homosexuality as a variation in western sexual life - and no longer as a perversion or vice. Moreover, he campaigned for sexual liberation with petitions to the parliament, leaflets and even movies. He popularized terms that are still in use, such as »transsexualism« or »homosexuality«. But he also became an admirer of sexual eugenics. Lastly, he never achieved the decriminalization of homosexual desire and he also died without any successors. Throughout his life he saw himself as a German citizen. His Jewish background was more relevant to his enemies than to himself.