"What is Natural Cannot Be Immoral"

This is Jamie.

            The Einstein of Sex is a film about a German, gay, Jew living in 19^th Century Berlin.  He becomes a doctor who studies the science of sexuality and fights for Gay Rights.

            The first scene shows a young boy drawing sexual pictures of animals with crayons.  When the pictures are brought to his father’s attention, he is encouraged to look at the world however he should please and never to be ashamed.   With this boost of acceptance and encouragement he grows up to study, write and investigate sexuality in school and out. 

            As Magnus Hirschfeld sat through a lecture during his college career, he learned all of the physical properties a homosexual male might possess.  His professor brought a nude, blindfolded, gay man in front of the entire lecture hall, poking and pointing at him like a pet turtle in an elementary school show-and-tell.  He described Homosexuality as a disease that is either inherited or caused by “debauched living”.  Magnus wrote in his notes that it was all “RUBBISH!”  His frustration with the institution likely caused him to shift his scholarly focus on to something a bit larger than he had expected to take on.  He wanted to change his university and the whole world.

            Dr. Hirschfeld is credited with discovering Gay Rights.  After successfully achieving his educational goals, Magnus becomes a Doctor of Nervous Disorders, Psychological Complaints, and Natural Remedies. He founded the first gay political group or the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee and established the first medical practice for gays.  His failed attempt to repeal Paragraph 175, which would decriminalize homosexual acts, was only a minor setback for Dr. Hirschfeld.  The Commissioner of Police goes to a costume party for what seemed to be a community of LGBT friends.  He dresses up and dances with another man dressed as an Empress.  This was exciting because the manliest of men enjoyed his evening despite his apparent loathing for that particular community.

            As he grew older, the Doctor studied testicular surgery for men who wanted to be women.  He continued to share his sexual education with as many people over Germany as he could.  Without money people could be treated because the only thing he wanted was to help people.  He was however, a little pressed for cash and asked his Aunt for his deceased Uncle's inheritance money in advance.  Instead, she made the wise decision to give it all to the Zoo, for a new home for the rhinoceroses.  

              He continued to write books and cut off genitalia throughout his career.  He eventually formed the Institute of Sexual Science Public Library.  This film really captures the story of his struggle and success and explores the man who truly was the Einstein of Sex.