Leonie Plaar (Frau Löwenherz) mit »Meine Familie, die AfD und ich.« (GEGEN DEN STROM)

Reading & discussion with the historian and activist Ms. Löwenherz / as part of the political series GEGEN DEN STROM

When the family no longer talks to each other - a story of alienation

Leonie is queer, a political activist, a historian - and the daughter of an AfD member. In fact, almost all of her close relatives vote for the Alternative for Germany. So until she pulled the ripcord and broke off contact, she experienced their radicalization process first-hand. She had a front row seat to conversations between AfD members who thought they were among themselves. For years, she listened, analyzed and participated in discussions. Above all, however, she had to experience what it feels like when your own father becomes part of a movement that opposes all the values that Leonie embodies.

In view of the discussions about current political developments and the rise of right-wing conservative ideologies, we sometimes forget that these do not only take place on an academic or public level: The political rifts also run through families. For every point in the election manifesto, for every conspiracy myth and populist election poster, there are personal stories that play out all over Germany. At kitchen tables, at family celebrations, at barbecues or at Christmas.

Leonie tells her own story behind the party narratives. She traces the radicalization of recent years through her personal family history and reveals the private side behind the radicalization of the AfD and its members. Because nothing is as personal as politics.

A social and political analysis and at the same time the touching story of a family rupture.

Leonie Plaar's book will be published by Goldmann Verlag on September 10.

Leonie Plaar was born in Osnabrück in 1992 and studied English, History and American Studies, supplemented by a certificate in Gender Studies. Under the name Frau Löwenherz, she educates people online about historical topics, queerness and feminism, and her authentic and courageous voice has earned her a wide reach. Leonie not only works as an activist, but is also a freelance journalist and advises editorial offices, companies and museums. She lives in Düsseldorf.

The reading is organized by Gegen den Strom. The political series has been promoting political education for over 20 years and offers a free lecture and discussion format in Hagen.

Gegen den Strom - these are: Arbeit und Leben Berg Mark, DGB Region Ruhr Mark, Integrationsagentur des Caritasverbandes Hagen, Kulturzentrum Pelmke, Sozialistische Jugend Die Falken UB Hagen and VHS Hagen.

Supported by Arbeit und Leben Berg Mark.