Prior to World War II, acceptance was easy to come by in Germany, especially for homosexuals. Adolf Hitler's rise to power, however, resulted in the suppression of gay rights. Homosexual men, and less severely, women, were two of many groups who suffered from his reign of control and terror.

In 1933, homosexual documents, organizations and ideas in general were outlawed. Even gay Nazi members were ordered to be slaughtered by their comrade. Homosexuals were forced to conform or else suffer the consequences. Out of over one million gay people in Germany, an estimated five to fifteen thousand were sentenced to concentration camps. Once in these camps, most were discriminated against by guards and even other prisoners, who would recognize the pink triangles they were forced to bear. It is said that approximately sixty percent of the homosexual imprisoned never lived long enough to claim their freedom.

Even after the camps were liberated by Allied soldiers, gay men and women were not recognized as victims of Hitler's persecution and were unable to claim reparations or state pensions. The Nazis' homophobic law was not revoked until over sixty years later in '94 and not many admitted to their suffering until the 70's and 80's.

Many memorials have been erected in memory of the group's pain and suffering. However, to this day many homosexuals are still discriminated against. While Jews, Roma and Poles are now fully accepted into modern society, members of this particular sexual orientation have to struggle in the fight for their rights and freedom.

As far as I am concerned, homophobia itself is gay. It is my own personal opinion that we, as human beings, should not be divided by our differences. Instead, we should embrace them and a new understanding of each other. There is no need for such discrimination against anyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. By celebrating the differences of individuals and throwing away the rules of conformity, we can grow and learn. Acceptance is one concept that can most definitely make our world a better place.

*this is a copy of the social studies essay i've recently completed. we had to pick any one topic about WWII and write a page about it. it's one of the many things i have an opinion on. if you are homophobic in any way, shape or form or just do not like the opinions expressed in this post..suck it up princess, i may even give you a straw.