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The Intermediaries: A Weimar Story
The fascinating history of a daring team of sexologists who built the first trans clinic in the shadow of the Third Reich.
Set in interwar Germany, The Intermediaries tells the forgotten story of the Institute for Sexual Science, the world’s first center for homosexual and transgender rights. Headed by a gay Jewish man, Dr. Magnus Hirshfeld, the institute aided in the first gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacements, acting as a rebellious base of operations in the face of rising prejudice, nationalism, and Nazi propaganda. Brandy Schillace introduces readers to Dora Richter, an institute patient whom we follow from early desperate years to gender-affirming care and her right to live as a woman. She offers an example of queer resilience in the face of punishing cultural constraints. The Intermediaries charts the interdependent relationships between nascent sexual science, queer civil rights, and the fight against fascism. It tells riveting stories of LGBTQ pioneers, a surprising, long-suppressed history, and offers a cautionary tale in the face of today’s oppressive anti-trans legislation.
Set in interwar Germany, The Intermediaries tells the forgotten story of the Institute for Sexual Science, the world’s first center for homosexual and transgender rights. Headed by a gay Jewish man, Dr. Magnus Hirshfeld, the institute aided in the first gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacements, acting as a rebellious base of operations in the face of rising prejudice, nationalism, and Nazi propaganda. Brandy Schillace introduces readers to Dora Richter, an institute patient whom we follow from early desperate years to gender-affirming care and her right to live as a woman. She offers an example of queer resilience in the face of punishing cultural constraints. The Intermediaries charts the interdependent relationships between nascent sexual science, queer civil rights, and the fight against fascism. It tells riveting stories of LGBTQ pioneers, a surprising, long-suppressed history, and offers a cautionary tale in the face of today’s oppressive anti-trans legislation.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
35 people are currently reading
4190 people want to read
About the author
Brandy Schillace
15 books289 followersDr. BRANDY SCHILLACE (skil-AH-chay) is an autistic, nonbinary author, historian, mystery writer and Editor (who grew up in an underground house next to a cemetery with a pet raccoon). Her mystery novel, THE FRAMED WOMEN OF ARDEMORE HOUSE, features an autistic protagonist: Jo Jones. Plus: An abandoned English manor, a peculiar missing portrait, and one dead gardener. “A must read for any mystery lover.” – says DEANNA RAYBOURN, New York Times bestselling author of KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE. (This will be book one in the NETHERLEIGH mystery series.)
***QUICK NOTE! I love talking with readers - for Book Clubs and 1:1s, find me now on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/brandy-schillace***
Brandy’s recent nonfiction, MR. HUMBLE AND DR. BUTCHER–described by the New York Times as a “macabre delight”–explores Cold War medicine, bioethics, and transplant science. Brandy’s next nonfiction book, THE INTERMEDIARIES, will tell the forgotten, daring history of the interwar Institute of Sexology in Berlin: trans activists, the first gender affirming surgeries, and the fight for LGBTQ rights in the shadow of the Nazi Third Reich. Rebels against empires, it’s a heart-stopping story of courage in the face of long odds.
And because she writes in two worlds, both of them weird, Brandy hosts a regular YouTube show called Peculiar Book Club. It features livestream chats with bestselling authors of unusual nonfiction, from Lindsey Fitzharris and Mary Roach to Carl Zimmer and Deborah Blum. She has appeared on Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum, NPR’s Here and Now, and with Dan Aykroyd on THE UNBELIEVABLE (History Channel). Bylines at WIRED, Scientific American, Globe and Mail, WSJ Books, and Medium. She works as Editor in Chief for BMJ’s Medical Humanities, a journal for social justice and health equity.
Dr. Schillace is represented by Jessica Papin at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.
http://brandyschillace.com/
@bschillace
***QUICK NOTE! I love talking with readers - for Book Clubs and 1:1s, find me now on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/brandy-schillace***
Brandy’s recent nonfiction, MR. HUMBLE AND DR. BUTCHER–described by the New York Times as a “macabre delight”–explores Cold War medicine, bioethics, and transplant science. Brandy’s next nonfiction book, THE INTERMEDIARIES, will tell the forgotten, daring history of the interwar Institute of Sexology in Berlin: trans activists, the first gender affirming surgeries, and the fight for LGBTQ rights in the shadow of the Nazi Third Reich. Rebels against empires, it’s a heart-stopping story of courage in the face of long odds.
And because she writes in two worlds, both of them weird, Brandy hosts a regular YouTube show called Peculiar Book Club. It features livestream chats with bestselling authors of unusual nonfiction, from Lindsey Fitzharris and Mary Roach to Carl Zimmer and Deborah Blum. She has appeared on Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum, NPR’s Here and Now, and with Dan Aykroyd on THE UNBELIEVABLE (History Channel). Bylines at WIRED, Scientific American, Globe and Mail, WSJ Books, and Medium. She works as Editor in Chief for BMJ’s Medical Humanities, a journal for social justice and health equity.
Dr. Schillace is represented by Jessica Papin at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.
http://brandyschillace.com/
@bschillace
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 29, 2025
The most fascinating and important book I’ve read all year. Incredible.
April 8, 2025
this was a fantastic read as someone who very rarely delves into nonfiction, and it was really interesting to learn about trans history. equally interesting but not really in a good way was how obvious the parallels were to the modern united states because it is much closer than i knew. don't really have too much else to say about it other than that but it is definitely worth a read
December 20, 2025
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooofff-dah.
This was so extrodinarily written and researched and I am just devastated after finishing it. An amazing account of a buried piece of history. Well, well, well done.
This was so extrodinarily written and researched and I am just devastated after finishing it. An amazing account of a buried piece of history. Well, well, well done.
April 3, 2025
The Intermediaries is a true account of Magnus Hirshfeld and his forgotten work with the Institute of Sexual Science. Following his academic life along with the lives of many other queer folks of the time, this book shares stories that are relevant now more than ever. With an underlying theme of hope for those in the queer community and a respectful account of queer and trans history, this book was an informative and important read.
August 7, 2025
An absolute stunner of the trans community in the Weimar Republic.
We have existed far beyond "the last five years". And there is proof. And in a time like this, we have to keep telling these stories. They tried to erase and burn them in the '30s. We will not let that happen again.
We have existed far beyond "the last five years". And there is proof. And in a time like this, we have to keep telling these stories. They tried to erase and burn them in the '30s. We will not let that happen again.
June 18, 2025
"The Intermediaries" by Brandy Schillace is a profoundly resonant and masterfully crafted work that weaves historical narrative with an urgent contemporary relevance. Schillace's meticulous research and compassionate storytelling bring to life the often-overlooked narratives of trans individuals in Weimar Germany, a period of remarkable cultural and social dynamism juxtaposed against political unrest. The book illuminates the critical importance of recounting trans lives within this historical context, offering readers not just a glimpse into the past but a mirror reflecting ongoing struggles and triumphs. Schillace adeptly navigates the complexities of gender identity, societal norms, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity amidst adversity. The characters are vividly drawn, their experiences both deeply personal and universally significant.
What sets "The Intermediaries" apart is its ability to humanize history, transforming archival material into compelling, relatable stories. Schillace’s narrative is both sensitive and unflinching, shedding light on the resilience and courage of trans individuals who forged identities and communities despite pervasive marginalization. This work is not only a testament to the lives it chronicles but also a clarion call for inclusive historical storytelling. It underscores that trans histories are not peripheral but integral to our understanding of the past. Schillace’s eloquence and insight make "The Intermediaries" an indispensable contribution to both historical literature and contemporary discourse on gender and identity.
What sets "The Intermediaries" apart is its ability to humanize history, transforming archival material into compelling, relatable stories. Schillace’s narrative is both sensitive and unflinching, shedding light on the resilience and courage of trans individuals who forged identities and communities despite pervasive marginalization. This work is not only a testament to the lives it chronicles but also a clarion call for inclusive historical storytelling. It underscores that trans histories are not peripheral but integral to our understanding of the past. Schillace’s eloquence and insight make "The Intermediaries" an indispensable contribution to both historical literature and contemporary discourse on gender and identity.
September 25, 2025
It’s a good time to educate yourself on queer (and especially trans) history and this is a good book to do it with.
You know when they say history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes? Current times are rhyming with the historic period in The Intermediaries. So many talking points that male podcasters or politicians try to sell you are echoed in this book, as quotes from a dude from 1910. Respectability politics, throwing the trans community under the bus, it’s all happened before, so let’s remember what happened after. The books that are being destroyed in the iconic Nazi book burning image are at least in part books from the Institute of Sexual Science’s library and that should tell you something. Apart from chronicling Dr. Hirschberg’s life, The Intermediaries also includes the history of hormone research and biographies from some of the trans people he treated. Both added meaningful and interesting context. I liked that the author did not shy away from nuance and also highlighted when Dr. Hirschberg fell short. Especially noteworthy is his neglect of the female experience in his scientific endeavors.
While it did remind me of being in history class (if history class was queer-inclusive) sometimes, it’s an informative and relevant read that I recommend!
You know when they say history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes? Current times are rhyming with the historic period in The Intermediaries. So many talking points that male podcasters or politicians try to sell you are echoed in this book, as quotes from a dude from 1910. Respectability politics, throwing the trans community under the bus, it’s all happened before, so let’s remember what happened after. The books that are being destroyed in the iconic Nazi book burning image are at least in part books from the Institute of Sexual Science’s library and that should tell you something. Apart from chronicling Dr. Hirschberg’s life, The Intermediaries also includes the history of hormone research and biographies from some of the trans people he treated. Both added meaningful and interesting context. I liked that the author did not shy away from nuance and also highlighted when Dr. Hirschberg fell short. Especially noteworthy is his neglect of the female experience in his scientific endeavors.
While it did remind me of being in history class (if history class was queer-inclusive) sometimes, it’s an informative and relevant read that I recommend!
June 8, 2025
An excellent history of the Weimar Era that covers much more than the LGBTQ perspective.
Much of the focus is on Magnus Hirschfeld and his Institute, but the book also covers a lot of history leading up to WWI and parts of the Weimar years not covered in detail in American schools. This includes research on hormones as well as deeper explanations of hyper-inflation that eased the Nazis rise to power, but also explanations of that rise that demonstrate other factors that preexist economic woes. These factors make it a good history of these years that would be suitable an AP high school history class.
The book also includes a parallel biography of Dora Richter that personalizes the history.
Unfortunately, as with any book that does this one stupid thing, it loses a star for absolutely fucking needless and salacious deadnaming, as in the case of Michael Dillon in particular. Authors must stop doing this or they must go fuck themselves. In the case of Dora Richter, it is slightly less damning as it is linguistically very difficult to avoid while describing difficulties with her travel and identification documents.
Overall, a flawed but still very useful addition to queer history that I would generally recommend. Maybe a future edition will be corrected. We can all hope, right?
Much of the focus is on Magnus Hirschfeld and his Institute, but the book also covers a lot of history leading up to WWI and parts of the Weimar years not covered in detail in American schools. This includes research on hormones as well as deeper explanations of hyper-inflation that eased the Nazis rise to power, but also explanations of that rise that demonstrate other factors that preexist economic woes. These factors make it a good history of these years that would be suitable an AP high school history class.
The book also includes a parallel biography of Dora Richter that personalizes the history.
Unfortunately, as with any book that does this one stupid thing, it loses a star for absolutely fucking needless and salacious deadnaming, as in the case of Michael Dillon in particular. Authors must stop doing this or they must go fuck themselves. In the case of Dora Richter, it is slightly less damning as it is linguistically very difficult to avoid while describing difficulties with her travel and identification documents.
Overall, a flawed but still very useful addition to queer history that I would generally recommend. Maybe a future edition will be corrected. We can all hope, right?
August 7, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up because of good intentions.
I found this book hard to read, not because of the content but the publisher's choices for font, spacing and layout. The text is too small and not in an accessible font. For a hardback book the spacing isn't great either. I couldn't read this book at night because of eye strain.
There is at least one good book in here. I'm not sure whether Brandy intended to write a biography of sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld or a slim biography of trans woman Dora or a historical account of the Nazis under Adolf Hitler and their hatred of anyone different or "deviant", particularly gay and trans people. As it is, the book covers all these histories and while fascinating they are hard to separate. I'd have found it easier to read the separate stories rather than the mix.
Still fascinating, and as brought together in the last chapter, the tales of hatred and oppression and book burning are so very relevant to what's happening in USA right now.
I found this book hard to read, not because of the content but the publisher's choices for font, spacing and layout. The text is too small and not in an accessible font. For a hardback book the spacing isn't great either. I couldn't read this book at night because of eye strain.
There is at least one good book in here. I'm not sure whether Brandy intended to write a biography of sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld or a slim biography of trans woman Dora or a historical account of the Nazis under Adolf Hitler and their hatred of anyone different or "deviant", particularly gay and trans people. As it is, the book covers all these histories and while fascinating they are hard to separate. I'd have found it easier to read the separate stories rather than the mix.
Still fascinating, and as brought together in the last chapter, the tales of hatred and oppression and book burning are so very relevant to what's happening in USA right now.
June 23, 2025
In this US-centric world, this is a breath of fresh air and reminded me that I really need to know more about my own country's queer history.
Since I don't, this was incredibly interesting and moving. The German pronounciation was butchered beyond recognition more than once (why is it not a requisite to be able to pronounce foreign words at least partially right if you're voicing an audiobook with a foreign language in it???), so I'll keep an eye out for a German edition of this and I'm definitely going to look up Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld.
Would definitely recommend, especially because history truly does repeat itself.
Since I don't, this was incredibly interesting and moving. The German pronounciation was butchered beyond recognition more than once (why is it not a requisite to be able to pronounce foreign words at least partially right if you're voicing an audiobook with a foreign language in it???), so I'll keep an eye out for a German edition of this and I'm definitely going to look up Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld.
Would definitely recommend, especially because history truly does repeat itself.
November 2, 2025
This might be the singular most important book published this year. I’ve read 74 books so far — this is the most riveting, shocking and ultimately terrifying.
All LGBTQ+ ….all humans.
This is our history — and per the usual, it’s repeating.
Description:
Through its unforgettable characters and immersive, urgent storytelling, The Intermediaries charts the relationships between nascent sexual science, queer civil rights, and the fight against fascism. It tells riveting stories of LGBTQ pioneers―a surprising, long-suppressed history―and offers a cautionary tale in the face of today’s oppressive anti-trans legislation.
All LGBTQ+ ….all humans.
This is our history — and per the usual, it’s repeating.
Description:
Through its unforgettable characters and immersive, urgent storytelling, The Intermediaries charts the relationships between nascent sexual science, queer civil rights, and the fight against fascism. It tells riveting stories of LGBTQ pioneers―a surprising, long-suppressed history―and offers a cautionary tale in the face of today’s oppressive anti-trans legislation.
January 23, 2026
It felt scattered and spread thin. The author wanted to narrate the rise of fascism in post-WWI Germany, tell the personal stories of both Magnus Hirschfeld and Dora Richter, give a historical account of the development of the field of sexology, and discuss how queerness (or the "intermediaries" mentioned in the title) developed as a social category in Germany. If each of these topics was given the attention and focus they deserved, it would take at least 3-4 books. This was a well-intentioned mess that doesn't even act well as an introduction to this area of history.
Then there was also the unnecessary and disrespectful deadnaming of trans people throughout.
Then there was also the unnecessary and disrespectful deadnaming of trans people throughout.
June 20, 2025
This book is dense but fascinating especially since this era of history is so overlooked and not taught. Parts of the book are academically heavy, the vivid personal stories—especially that of Dora Richter—bring the history to life. I was both struck but sadly unsurprised by how closely the rhetoric of pre-Hitler right-wing politicians mirrors that of today’s U.S. far right, highlighting how little those arguments have evolved, even as science and society have moved forward. Really added to my understanding both of where we’ve come from and what we’re still up against.
June 19, 2025
The book provides a good background in gender/sex studies and the politics that shaped views and policies that continue to be held today. Surprisingly, many ideas held a hundred years ago were more progressive than what you see today.
The book primarily looks at Dr Magnus Hishfeld and his studies on homosexuality and transgender rights. It also tells us stories of people, not famous and some famous, like Oscar Wilde, vilified for their sexual preferences.
A very informative read.
The book primarily looks at Dr Magnus Hishfeld and his studies on homosexuality and transgender rights. It also tells us stories of people, not famous and some famous, like Oscar Wilde, vilified for their sexual preferences.
A very informative read.
August 23, 2025
Being somewhat familiar with this period of history already, what I ended up finding most surprising about this book was just how much wasn't known scientifically until like 100 years ago. I enjoyed the mix of more narrative histories with the back and forth of different theories and developments in the field. The back half of the book was definitely more engaging than the beginning because of the political component and also just being anxious about what would happen next.
October 26, 2025
Fascinating and well- researched account of Magnus Hirschfield and his Institute, as well as a history of early queer identity, medicine and politics. If you think that transgender surgeries are new (as I did), you are wrong!
In addition to the historical value, the parallels between the early 1900s and today’s politics are chilling, including the intersection of anti-queerness and anti-semitism.
In addition to the historical value, the parallels between the early 1900s and today’s politics are chilling, including the intersection of anti-queerness and anti-semitism.
December 3, 2025
Gave a good overarching historical context and perspective on transgender and gay experience and the fight for rights in Germany circa WW1 and WW2. The rhetoric against transgenders and gays are still unfortunately used today.
Not a fault of the author, but most research and case studies from the institute center around men (either gay men or transgender women - assigned male at birth but identify as female).
Not a fault of the author, but most research and case studies from the institute center around men (either gay men or transgender women - assigned male at birth but identify as female).
December 14, 2025
It covers important history, however I feel it could have been written in a more cohesive and engaging style. Most of the queer experience and history was information I already knew so perhaps someone who is unfamiliar would get more out of it.
Also, I very much disliked the audiobook narrator, they were extremely monotone and butchered the german pronunciations. Would recommend to read with your eyeballs.
Also, I very much disliked the audiobook narrator, they were extremely monotone and butchered the german pronunciations. Would recommend to read with your eyeballs.
July 6, 2025
I’m not the best literary critic, but I really enjoyed the information contained in this book. I so hope we are not headed down the same road of misguided and unscientific influences. All people should love whoever they want, and be who they feel they were born to be. The rest of us should show more kindness.
September 12, 2025
This book is amazing and everyone should read it.
First, it normalizes the variations in sex and gender, and shows they have a long history. And intermediaries is a great term to describe these variations.
Then, it does this in the context of Germany during the world wars, and it's so frightening to see the parallels of what we are experiencing right now in America.
First, it normalizes the variations in sex and gender, and shows they have a long history. And intermediaries is a great term to describe these variations.
Then, it does this in the context of Germany during the world wars, and it's so frightening to see the parallels of what we are experiencing right now in America.
November 14, 2025
I’m leaving the same review as for The Einstein of Sex by Daniel Brook. They both cover Magnus Hirshfeld and the Institute for Sexual Science and the period in which it existed (and after), but the approach and style are different. Both are painfully prescient of where we are today with transphobia, homophobia, racism, and anti-semitism. Both are informative and terrifying reads.
November 30, 2025
An enlightening book where I got to learn about a group of people who tried to understand the fundamental nature of gender back more than 100 years ago through science. The reading was a somber one, and I am really glad I read this book as the parallels between the times of the 1930s in Germany and today in America are far too similar for comfort.
June 26, 2025
Really good overview of the history of endocrinology and what is now considered trans rights.
It's a very timely book to read, as the author points out at the end.
I learned of the book from here: https://www.carasantamaria.com/podcas...
It's a very timely book to read, as the author points out at the end.
I learned of the book from here: https://www.carasantamaria.com/podcas...
May 11, 2025
So much interesting information. I appreciated the inclusion of all of the ways scientists have to get things wrong to get things right. I did find it read a bit dry.
June 26, 2025
Fascinating and timely history. Chilling to read the similarities to events occurring right now in the US. We must do better.
June 27, 2025
Really well written and fascinating delve into the early study of trans and queer identities.
July 1, 2025
review forthcoming
October 20, 2025
A brilliant book with so many parallels to today's world.
November 24, 2025
What a beautiful and timely book.
A must read for anyone interested in LGBTQ or pre-WWII German history
A must read for anyone interested in LGBTQ or pre-WWII German history
April 29, 2025
CW: Homophobia, Transphobia, Nazis/Fascism
Shillace’s work offers both in depth research and a humanizing story as she describes Dr. Magnus Hirshfeld’s work at the Institute for Sexual Science (Institut für Sexualwissenschaft) and, specifically, one of its patients, a transwoman named Dora Richter. As with many books describing turbulent times, sometimes keeping tracks of events, names, and connections I found a little overwhelming – but contextualizing and linking them to Dora made it a much easier read than some history texts. Shillace’s tying of these historical events to the current environment, particularly in the United States, were achingly appropriate. Books like hers that record put the historical reality of queer individuals to paper, to preserve and to spread it, are only more important in such times. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, and especially for those interested in trans and non-binary history, as well as the history of fascism and totalitarianism and how such governments use attacks on “undesirables” to advance their agenda.
Shillace’s work offers both in depth research and a humanizing story as she describes Dr. Magnus Hirshfeld’s work at the Institute for Sexual Science (Institut für Sexualwissenschaft) and, specifically, one of its patients, a transwoman named Dora Richter. As with many books describing turbulent times, sometimes keeping tracks of events, names, and connections I found a little overwhelming – but contextualizing and linking them to Dora made it a much easier read than some history texts. Shillace’s tying of these historical events to the current environment, particularly in the United States, were achingly appropriate. Books like hers that record put the historical reality of queer individuals to paper, to preserve and to spread it, are only more important in such times. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, and especially for those interested in trans and non-binary history, as well as the history of fascism and totalitarianism and how such governments use attacks on “undesirables” to advance their agenda.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews