Berlin opens world's first lesbian-only cemetery
DAN KITWOOD/Getty Images


On Sunday, Germany is unveiling a lesbian-only plot in the Lutheran Georgen Parochial Cemetery, which was built in 1814. The plot will include room for the burial of up to 80 women.
The Safia Association, a women's group whose members are primarily elderly lesbians, is the impetus behind the movement. Usah Zachau, a spokeswoman for the group, told The Associated Press that the plot would serve as a place "where life and death connect, distinctive forms of cemetery culture can develop and where the lesbian community can live together in the afterlife." The cemetery gave Safia use of the plot for up to 30 years in return for upkeep and landscaping.
"We are the first real generation of emancipated, feminist, open lesbians, and we need somewhere to be buried," Dr. Astrid Osterland, a member of Safia, told German newspaper The Local. "Like everyone else, I want to lie with the people I've fought with," she added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Dr. Osterland also noted that, technically, there is nothing preventing men or heterosexual women from choosing plots in the lesbian section.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Nashville dining: Far more than barbecue and hot chicken
Feature A modern approach to fine-dining, a daily-changing menu, and more
-
Music Reviews: Coco Jones and Viagra Boys
Feature "Why Not More?" and "Viagr Aboys"
-
Visa wants to let AI make credit card purchases for you
The Explainer The program will allow you to set a budget and let AI learn from your shopping preferences
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read