For decades, the persecution of homosexual men during the Nazi dictatorship was a taboo subject, but it has only recently come into the spotlight of broader public awareness. What has been lacking until now are regional studies that provide an overview of the everyday lives and persecution of homosexuals in the "Third Reich." Alexander Zinn now presents a study that offers a new and comprehensive perspective on this dark chapter of German history. The focus is not only on the persecution program of the authorities, which became increasingly radicalized, but also on the roles of the police, judiciary, and the general population, as well as—last but not least—the experiences of the victims themselves. The findings are surprising: there was often a stark contrast between the stated goals and the reality of the persecution policies. Authorities did not always act as the "willing executors" they are often perceived to be today.