A new memorial to the gay victims of the Nazi regime and all persecuted LGBTQ individuals was unveiled in Paris on Saturday. Created by artist Jean-Luc Verna, the monument is a large steel star located in public gardens near Bastille Plaza. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized the importance of historical recognition, stating, “This happened, and we don’t want it to happen again.” The sculpture features one dark side, symbolizing remembrance and the danger that once loomed, while the silvery side reflects the Paris sky, representing the changing nature of public opinion.
Estimates suggest that between 5,000 and 15,000 individuals were deported by the Nazis during World War II due to their sexual orientation. In 2005, former French President Jacques Chirac was the first to formally recognize these atrocities, acknowledging the persecution of LGBTQ people.
Jean-Luc Roméro, deputy mayor of Paris and LGBTQ activist, noted that the monument’s inauguration coincides with troubling times for LGBTQ rights, particularly referencing setbacks in the U.S. under Donald Trump’s administration, including policies that adversely affect transgender individuals. Since his return to the presidency, Trump has implemented measures that restrict rights and recognition for transgender people, leading to significant legal challenges.
In Europe, issues persist as well, with Hungary’s parliament passing amendments allowing the government to ban public LGBTQ+ events, which critics view as a dangerous move toward authoritarianism. The monument in Paris serves not only as a reminder of past injustices but as a rallying call against ongoing discrimination and violence towards LGBTQ communities worldwide.
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