“Lotte Hahm” does that name spark a question? Here at the Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque we honor a remarkable woman. Lotte Hahm was a vital activist. She championed lesbian and trans* rights. She persevered from the 1920s through post-World War II Berlin.
This Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque stands as a symbol. It represents the recognition of queer history in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. The district’s Diversity-Gedenken program made it possible.
Born in Dresden in 1890 Lotte Hahm became a key figure. She thrived in Berlin’s lesbian and trans* subculture during the Weimar Republic. In 1926 she founded the Damenklub Violetta. This club became an important queer meeting place in Berlin.
From 1926 to 1928 the Damenklub Violetta met here. This location at Hasenheide 52-53 was known as the J\u00e4gerhof-Kasino. The club hosted dance evenings and costume balls. Lotte Hahm also founded other lesbian meeting places. She actively participated in the Bund f\u00fcr Menschenrecht. Her work connected lesbian and trans* people. She mobilized them for emancipatory efforts.
Even under the Nazi regime Lotte Hahm persisted. Despite the ban on homosexual venues she secretly organized events. These gatherings were held under the guise of the Sportclub Sonne. After World War II Hahm revived lesbian balls. She attempted to re-establish the Bund f\u00fcr Menschenrecht.
Lotte Hahm died in Berlin-Wannsee in 1967. She passed away just before the second wave of the women’s and lesbian movement. The Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque was inaugurated on September 13 2023. The ceremony included District Mayor Clara Herrmann. Historians Dr. Andrea Rottmann and Katja Koblitz spoke. Sigrid Grajek provided musical contributions.
The Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque features two photographs. The upper photo shows Lotte Hahm on the cover of Die Freundin magazine. The lower photo shows the exterior of Hasenheide 52-53 in the 1930s.
Lotte Hahm often presented herself androgynously. She appeared in magazines with short hair. She wore men’s clothing. This challenged societal norms. Hahm also helped unemployed lesbians by waiving entrance fees. She even shared party proceeds with them.
The Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque commemorates a true pioneer. She helped her Jewish partner K\u00e4the Fleischmann escape the Nazis. Though Fleischmann survived she later stated that Hahm abandoned her. This complicated their legacy.
Lotte Hahm’s story is complex. Her efforts to create community and fight for rights are undeniable. The Gedenkstele f\u00fcr Lotte Hahm Plaque serves as a reminder. It urges us to remember her contributions. It inspires us to continue the fight for equality and acceptance. Her dedication continues to resonate today.