These discussion questions are intended to assist with using Coming Out in class.

  1. What do you know about homosexuality in East Germany or in the Eastern bloc?
  2. What does the film convey about the experiences of gay men and lesbians in East Germany?
  3. Consider the legal situation for lesbians and gay men in the GDR and how it changed. Where does the film Coming Out fit in with respect to these legal developments?
  4. How does the film communicate the standard expectations of East German society with respect to gender and sexual behaviour? That is, how is the difference of non-heteronormative sexuality signalled?
  5. Where does one find aspects of community in Coming Out?
  6. What is the significance of Walter’s conversation with Philipp, in which Walter speaks about his past history?
  7. Almost at the end of the film, Philipp stands in front of his class, while he is being observed by fellow teachers, and says simply, “Yes.” How do you interpret this scene?
  8. Where does the film leave each of the main characters?

 

Photo by Nik MacMillan on Unsplash