The movie It Is Not the Homosexual Who Is Perverse, But the Society in Which He Lives is a 1971 German film directed by Rosa von Praunheim. The film is a portrayal of the homosexual subculture in Berlin during the early 1970s. The story revolves around the experiences of Daniel, a young man who moves to the city, exploring different gay subcultures along the way.
As the plot unfolds, Daniel’s relationship with Clemens starts to deteriorate, leading him to explore new avenues of sex and love. He becomes involved with a rich older man and his friends, who are obsessed with classical art and music. Although Daniel initially finds their sophisticated tastes alluring, he soon realizes that they are pretentious and shallow.
As the film progresses, Daniel’s experiences highlight the contradictions and hypocrisies of society’s attitudes towards homosexuality. Through his journey in the gay subculture of Berlin, Daniel discovers his own sexuality and embraces his identity.
The film’s title, It Is Not the Homosexual Who Is Perverse, But the Society in Which He Lives, is a direct reference to the works of Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician and sexologist who advocated for the rights of sexual minorities during the early 20th century. The film explores the idea that homosexuality is not immoral or unnatural, but rather that society’s attitudes towards it are shaped by prejudice and intolerance.
Overall, the movie It Is Not the Homosexual Who Is Perverse, But the Society in Which He Lives is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of sexuality and the oppression of sexual minorities in society. It is considered a landmark film in the history of queer cinema and continues to be celebrated for its insightful portrayal of the homosexual experience.