Magnus Hirschfeld

Magnus Hirschfeld (pronounced: MAG-nus HIRSCH-feld) was a German physician and sexologist. He was a pioneer in the field of sexology and a vocal advocate for sexual minorities.

Etymology

The name Magnus is of Latin origin and means "great". Hirschfeld is a German surname that translates to "deer field".

Biography

Magnus Hirschfeld was born on May 14, 1868, in Kolberg, Prussia. He studied medicine and psychiatry in Breslau, Munich, Heidelberg, and Berlin. In 1897, he founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, the first known organization to advocate for the rights of homosexual and transgender people.

Contributions to Sexology

Hirschfeld's work in sexology was groundbreaking. He is often credited with coining the term "transvestism" and was one of the first to distinguish between sexual orientation and gender identity. His book, Die Transvestiten, was a seminal work in the field. He also founded the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin, which was a leading center for research and therapy related to sexuality until it was destroyed by the Nazis in 1933.

Related Terms

Sexology: The scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, behaviors, and functions.
Transvestism: The practice of dressing and acting in a style or manner traditionally associated with the opposite sex.
Scientific-Humanitarian Committee: The first known organization to advocate for the rights of homosexual and transgender people.
Institute for Sexual Science: A leading center for research and therapy related to sexuality founded by Hirschfeld in Berlin.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Magnus Hirschfeld
Wikipedia's article - Magnus Hirschfeld

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Magnus Hirschfeld