Frame and Preparation
Coming Out
Conceptual Frames and Background
- Socialism and gay liberation
- DDR
- Coming out & self-identity
- Shame
- Homophobia
Introduction
Directed by Heiner Carow and released in 1989, Coming Out was the first and last gay film to be made in the DDR. Basic information about its plot, production, and gay rights in the DDR and a film trailer can be found on the DEFA-Stiftung’s site here.
This film is suited to a discussion comparing gay liberation in postwar East and West Berlin if paired with Taxi zum Klo (Ripploh, 1980)
Preparation
Students will benefit from an overview of East German society and history in general (there may be confusion as to why characters say or do certain things if the socialist background is unfamiliar) and especially of gay rights and organizing in the 1980s. This is particularly necessary to counter preconceived notions of an “authoritarian” communist Germany vs. a “free” capitalist West Germany; in fact, the DDR was more progressive in questions concerning gender and sexuality towards the end of its existence.
Text and Discussion
- Compare the depictions of modern gay life in West Berlin (Taxi zum Klo) with that of East Berlin scene in this film. What are the similarities and differences regarding community life and social infrastructure, societal acceptance, and the vocabulary they use to describe queerness?
- What similarities and differences do you see in how queer subjects define themselves in the two Germany’s?
- The ending is purposely ambiguous about the main character’s fate—how do you interpret it? What does this say about his coming out and self-identity?
- Compare the heterosexual and the homosexual relationships the main character has. How are they different and how are they similar? What are the gender roles? What role does sex play? Romance?
- How do you see shame and homophobia playing a role in the identities gay men form for themselves in this society?
- In a state officially “without” racism, homophobia, or discrimination, how does the film counter these ideological statements?