Virtual Program: LGBTQ Upstanders During WWII

For Grades 7-12

When addressing LGBTQ people in Holocaust-related classroom instruction, the narrative often focuses solely on their persecution and victimization. While this is an integral part of LGBTQ and Holocaust history, it’s important to also highlight that LGBTQ people were part of the resistance and actively fought the Nazi regime. This workshop will focus on LGBTQ Upstanders from a variety of countries, backgrounds, and identities who took a stand against Nazism. Educators will learn the stories of Hans Scholl (Germany), Frieda Belinfante (Netherlands), Josephine Baker (US/France), Alan Turing (UK), Fredy Hirsch (Germany), and Bill Blass (US), who was a member of the top-secret U.S. Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the “Ghost Army.” Participants will receive material to use in classroom activities which affirm the LGBTQ aspect of the Upstanders’ identities and look deeper into their resistance activity.

Workshop Includes:

• Classroom resources
• 1.5 Clock hours