How did Berlin become a symbol of sexual freedom? In this episode of Sex in Berlin, host Nike dives into the city’s revolutionary past with a look at the early 20th century sexual liberation movement and the pioneering work of Magnus Hirschfeld and his Institute for Sexual Science.
Together with our guest Jeff Mannes, we trace how Hirschfeld’s groundbreaking vision was destroyed by the Nazis, yet how Berlin’s queer and sexual culture reemerged from the ashes, transforming through decades of activism, art, and nightlife. From the cabarets of the 1920s to today’s club culture, this episode uncovers how history still shapes the city’s spirit of freedom and desire.
Jeff Mannes also shares insights into his walking tours through Berlin, offering a unique way to experience the stories of queer resistance, sexuality, and identity that continue to define the city today.
Welcome back to Sex in Berlin!
About the podcast and our guest:
Sex in Berlin
presented together with The Berliner
A Studio36 Production
Host: Nike Wessel
Editorial: Ella de Fries
Postproduction & Sound design: Amadeus Lindemann
About Studio36:
Studio36 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio36.berlin/
Sex in Berlin Website: https://sexin.berlin
Sex in Berlin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexinberlin/
Contact Studio36: info@studio36.berlin
Studio36 Website: https://studio36.berlin/
About our guest Jeff Mannes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berlinguidear/?hl=de
Website: https://berlinguide.de/de/ueber-uns/
LinkedIN: https://de.linkedin.com/in/jeffmannes
About Nike Wessel:
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nike-wessel-73496118a/recent-activity/all/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nike_wessel/
