Why are there so many anglicisms used in German in the context of talking about the queer community? Is there an equivalent of the singular they in German for non-binary people? And what’s the situation like for queer people in general in countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
In this first episode of series 2, I talk to Kai Witvrouwen, a radio presenter and host of the podcast Sputnik Pride. We discuss why English terms such as gay are often preferred to German words like schwul and lesbisch, which slurs against queer people have been reclaimed, and where German-speaking countries are still lacking when it comes to full equality for people in the LGBTIQ+ community.
Small heads up: There is mention of some offensive language and slurs, as well as topics of a sexual nature.
Slurs and offensive language mentioned:
German:
- Schwuchtel
- warm / ein Warmer / warme Brüder
- Kampflesbe
- Transe
English:
- fag / faggot
- tranny
- slut
Topics of a sexual nature mentioned:
- "Men who have sex with men" (in the context of laws about donating blood); being celibate; being seen as promiscuous, as "sluts", etc.
Episode transcript: https://yellowoftheegg.com/transcripts/s2e1-queer-german-transcript/
Guest: Kai Witvrouwen
- Podcast: Sputnik Pride
- Website: kaiwitvrouwen.com
- Instagram: @thatiskai
Outro music by Euphoniques. This episode the song is "Identity" from their EP "Identity".
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1MvkX67QXa66rncr4dT8rc?si=d64a1b28497646f7
Yellow of the Egg is hosted and produced by Luke Green.
Links and socials:
- Web: yellowoftheegg.com
- Instagram: @yotepodcast (https://www.instagram.com/yotepodcast)
- Facebook: @yellowoftheegg (https://www.facebook.com/yellowoftheegg)
- Email: yellowoftheegg.podcast@gmail.com
- YOTE theme music by Vincent Tone (PremiumBeat.com)
Why are there so many anglicisms used in German in the context of talking about the queer community? Is there an equivalent of the singular they in German for non-binary people? And what’s the situation like for queer people in general in countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
In this first episode of series 2, I talk to Kai Witvrouwen, a radio presenter and host of the podcast Sputnik Pride. We discuss why English terms such as gay are often preferred to German words like schwul and lesbisch, which slurs against queer people have been reclaimed, and where German-speaking countries are still lacking when it comes to full equality for people in the LGBTIQ+ community.
Small heads up: There is mention of some offensive language and slurs, as well as topics of a sexual nature.
Slurs and offensive language mentioned:
German:
- Schwuchtel
- warm / ein Warmer / warme Brüder
- Kampflesbe
- Transe
English:
- fag / faggot
- tranny
- slut
Topics of a sexual nature mentioned:
- "Men who have sex with men" (in the context of laws about donating blood); being celibate; being seen as promiscuous, as "sluts", etc.
Episode transcript: https://yellowoftheegg.com/transcripts/s2e1-queer-german-transcript/
Guest: Kai Witvrouwen
- Podcast: Sputnik Pride
- Website: kaiwitvrouwen.com
- Instagram: @thatiskai
Outro music by Euphoniques. This episode the song is "Identity" from their EP "Identity".
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1MvkX67QXa66rncr4dT8rc?si=d64a1b28497646f7
Yellow of the Egg is hosted and produced by Luke Green.
Links and socials:
- Web: yellowoftheegg.com
- Instagram: @yotepodcast (https://www.instagram.com/yotepodcast)
- Facebook: @yellowoftheegg (https://www.facebook.com/yellowoftheegg)
- Email: yellowoftheegg.podcast@gmail.com
- YOTE theme music by Vincent Tone (PremiumBeat.com)