The Lilac People presents a deeply powerful and emotional narrative about the struggle of the queer—particularly trans—community in the face of extreme oppression during the Nazi era. Set in Berlin in 1932, the story captures both the brief moments of joy and freedom experienced by the queer community at the Eldorado Club and the dark contrast that follows as fascism begins to take hold.

Bertie, a trans man, is the central figure who not only advocates for his community through his work at the Institute of Sexual Science but also becomes a symbol of resilience. The tragedy that unfolds as Hitler rises to power—the raid on the institute, the shutdown of queer safe spaces, and the brutal arrests—marks a heartbreaking yet historically grounded turning point.

The tension escalates as Bertie and Sofie are forced to live in disguise and isolation for over a decade. Their discovery of a young trans man who survived the Holocaust adds emotional weight to the narrative, especially as they must now protect him—not from the Nazis—but from Allied forces, who continued to persecute queer individuals even as they liberated the country.
Overall, the story is a tribute to a rarely told history. The Lilac People shows that even in the darkest times, hope, love, and community solidarity endure. It is a powerful reminder that queer history is filled with courage, loss, and the strength to survive.