Entitled “Lilac People” by Milo Todd – A Must-Read Excerpt Unveiled!
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Milo Todd’s latest work, “Lilac People,” offers a captivating glimpse into LGBTQ+ and trans discrimination amidst the backdrop of World War II. This exclusive excerpt delves into the lives of a trans man and his girlfriend as they navigate survival and solidarity within their community during a tumultuous period in history.
Set in 1932 Berlin, the novel follows Bertie, a trans man who frequents the Eldorado Club with his friends, immersing himself in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. By day, Bertie advocates for queer rights at the Institute of Sexual Science, striving to make a difference in Germany and beyond. However, as Hitler rises to power, their world is upended – the Institute is raided, the Eldorado Club is closed, and LGBTQ+ individuals face persecution.
Forced to flee, Bertie and his girlfriend Sophie seek refuge on a remote farm, embracing a life of seclusion for over a decade. Their solitude is shattered when they encounter a young trans man, clad in Holocaust prison attire, seeking sanctuary. Determined to protect him from the threat of imprisonment by Allied forces, Bertie and Sophie are left with no choice but to contemplate a daring escape to the United States.
In an evocative excerpt from Todd’s novel, Bertie and Gert, in a state of inebriation, navigate the curfews and restrictions imposed on Berlin’s LGBTQ+ community. As they stumble their way home, a chance encounter with a police officer forces them to rely on their wits and a paper trail of transvestite certificates to evade legal scrutiny.
The narrative unfolds with a blend of humour and tension as Bertie and Gert’s antics draw the attention of the officer, prompting a precarious exchange that hinges on the fragile balance between societal norms and personal identity. Through clever subterfuge and quick thinking, the duo manages to avert a potential confrontation, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a hostile environment.
Todd’s skillful storytelling weaves together historical context with compelling character dynamics, shedding light on the lesser-known struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals during a tumultuous era. With “Lilac People,” readers are invited to embark on a poignant journey of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of community in the face of adversity.
To delve deeper into the gripping tale of Bertie, Sophie, and their cohorts, “Lilac People” is now available for purchase from Counterpoint Press, offering a poignant exploration of LGBTQ+ history intertwined with the tumult of World War II.
As Milo Todd’s luminous narrative unfolds, readers are transported to a pivotal moment in history where love, identity, and defiance converge in a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Lilac People.