‘Homosexuality was coined by a Hungarian’: the gay-sauna travelogue questioning central Europe’s illiberal image

Vratislav Maňák's book explores the intersection of philosophy and sexuality through a fictionalized encounter of Ludwig Wittgenstein in a gay sauna. The narrative highlights the often-overlooked physicality of human existence in Wittgenstein's philosophical inquiries. Maňák argues that queer subcultures have deep historical roots in Central Europe, countering the narrative of homosexuality as a Western import. He reflects on the rich history of sexual identity development in cities like Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, emphasizing their significance in the evolution of queer culture. The book has inspired contemporary art exhibitions that challenge traditional notions of masculinity, suggesting that transformations in gender identity are not crises but opportunities for growth.