The pink triangle. The persecution of homosexual males in concentration camps in Nazi Germany.

Having analyzed the fragmentary records of Nazi concentration camps, the author reports on the number and treatment of male homosexual prisoners. The total number of inmates officially defined as homosexual is estimated at about 10,000, although the number incarcerated varied greatly from camp to camp and as the war progressed. Pink-triangle prisoners had low social status, often were isolated from other inmates, and as compared to political prisoners and Jehovah's Witnesses, more frequently were given the most difficult work assignments and less frequently were assigned to light duties. They had a higher death rate and a lower survival rate upon release. Suicide rates were not significantly different from those of the other inmate groups studied. Pink-triangle prisoners were not subjected to exceptionally cruel treatment in all camps and at all times, however, and were not the only group of prisoners subjected to extreme abuse.