Germany: Lesbian-exclusive burial site opened in historic Berlin cemetery
A new burial area exclusively for lesbians has now been opened in a historic two-century-old Berlin cemetery.
According to The Associated Press, a 400-square-meter area of the Lutheran Georgen Parochial cemetery has been reserved as a graveyard for up to 80 lesbians.
“The idea emerged four years ago in the lesbian group Safia, whose members, advancing in age, asked themselves where they want to be buried,” said 69-year-old Osterland.
She added: “We wanted to stay together, to be close to those with whom we lived, we loved, we worked, we fought,” she told AFP, adding that she has already reserved a burial plot for herself.”
The association was given use of the cemetery area for 30 years in exchange for cleaning up and landscaping the area, and promising to maintain the grounds.
Osterland added “this idea may seem exotic,” but said that “it is not a fight against men”.
“There will be no barrier to demarcate it and all those who want to come and honour the dead with respect are welcome.”
