Frankfurter Engel

In the heart of Frankfurt, Germany, nestled at the intersection of Schäfergasse and Alte Gasse, stands a poignant and powerful memorial known as the Frankfurter Engel. This memorial, dedicated to the persecution of homosexuals, is not just a piece of art but a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope. Created by the renowned artist Rosemarie Trockel, the Frankfurter Engel was unveiled to the public on December 11, 1994, and holds the distinction of being Germany's first fully sculpted monument commemorating the persecution of homosexuals.

The Historical Context

The history behind the Frankfurter Engel is deeply rooted in the dark times of the Nazi regime. Even after the fall of National Socialism, the persecution of homosexuals did not cease. The infamous Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality, was retained in its harsh form by the Federal Republic of Germany. It was only in the late 20th century that the need for a memorial to honor the victims of this persecution began to gain traction.

The first steps towards creating such a memorial in Frankfurt were taken on December 1, 1990, when a group of gay men held an unauthorized memorial event near the Alte Oper. They planted wooden crosses bearing the names of deceased individuals in a green area, a gesture that was later approved by then-Mayor Volker Hauff. This act of remembrance laid the groundwork for the establishment of a permanent memorial.

The Creation of the Memorial

The initiative to create a lasting memorial was spearheaded by the Initiative Mahnmal Homosexuellenverfolgung e. V. (IMH), founded in 1990. The political climate was favorable, with a red-green coalition in power in Frankfurt, which supported LGBTQ+ projects. In 1992, the city council approved the creation of the memorial, although financial support was not provided by the city. Thus, the IMH had to rely on donations and a nationwide fundraising campaign to cover the costs.

A competition for the memorial's design was announced on July 20, 1992, and on January 25, 1993, the jury selected Rosemarie Trockel's design. Her concept, inspired by a damaged angel figure from the Cologne Cathedral, involved creating a bronze sculpture with a visible scar where the angel's head had been reattached. This design was a powerful metaphor for the enduring scars left by persecution.

The Design and Symbolism

Rosemarie Trockel's Frankfurter Engel is a striking bronze sculpture that captures the viewer's attention with its somber yet dignified presence. The angel, with its slightly misaligned head, stands as a testament to the resilience of those who endured persecution. The original model for the sculpture was a damaged plaster cast of an angel that once adorned the Cologne Cathedral. By preserving the scar from where the head was reattached, Trockel emphasizes the lasting impact of the injustices faced by homosexuals.

The sculpture is mounted on an octagonal pedestal, which bears an inscription detailing the crimes committed against homosexual men and women by the Nazis. This pedestal, along with the sculpture, was cast in bronze at the Rincker bell foundry in Sinn, Germany. The entire ensemble was completed and installed in Frankfurt on November 29, 1993.

The Location and Surroundings

The Frankfurter Engel is located in Klaus-Mann-Platz, a small square in Frankfurt's city center. This location is significant not only because it is situated in an area known for its LGBTQ+ culture but also because it is in close proximity to a courthouse, symbolizing the role of the judiciary in the persecution of homosexuals. The square, which was previously an unremarkable space, has been transformed into a place of reflection and remembrance.

The design of the square itself draws inspiration from other memorials, such as the Homomonument in Amsterdam and the memorial in Bologna dedicated to homosexual victims of Nazi-fascist racism. The Frankfurter Engel stands at the center of a cross-circle layout, with four benches forming the inner circle and boxwood hedges creating an outer circle. This arrangement provides a sense of intimacy and tranquility, making it a fitting location for contemplation and remembrance.

The Unveiling and Legacy

The Frankfurter Engel was officially unveiled on December 11, 1994, in a ceremony that included a service at the Paulskirche and an event at the memorial site. This moment marked a significant milestone in the recognition of the suffering endured by homosexuals during the Nazi era and beyond.

Since its unveiling, the Frankfurter Engel has become an important symbol for the LGBTQ+ community in Frankfurt and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the past and a call to action for a more inclusive and just future. The memorial is also a popular gathering spot for events such as the Frankfurt Christopher Street Day (CSD) and other LGBTQ+ commemorations.

In conclusion, the Frankfurter Engel is more than just a memorial; it is a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope. Its presence in Frankfurt serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and a call to ensure that such persecution never happens again. A visit to the Frankfurter Engel is a poignant and moving experience, offering a moment of reflection and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.