Beate Uhse-Rotermund

Koestlin beate buecker flugzeugbau rangsdorf 1937

Beate Uhse Hamburger Straße2

Beate Uhse-Rotermund (25 October 1919 – 16 July 2001) was a German pilot during World War II, and later became a successful entrepreneur, founding the first sex shop in the world. Her pioneering work in the field of sexual health and education significantly contributed to the sexual revolution in Germany and beyond.

Early Life

Beate Uhse was born in East Prussia, in what is now Poland. She grew up in a liberal family, with her mother being a physician and her father an agriculturalist. From a young age, Uhse showed an interest in flying, and she earned her pilot's license by the age of 18. During World War II, she served as a stunt pilot and later as a test pilot for the Luftwaffe, making her one of the few female pilots in the war.

Post-War Career

After the war, Uhse's husband, a Luftwaffe pilot, was killed, leaving her a widow with a young son. Facing financial difficulties, she started a business selling pamphlets on family planning titled "Schrift X." This pamphlet, which provided information on contraception, was a response to the many inquiries she received from women about preventing unwanted pregnancies. The success of "Schrift X" led Uhse to open the first sex shop in the world in 1962, named "Institut für Ehehygiene" (Institute for Marital Hygiene). The shop offered sex education materials and contraceptives, marking a significant step towards sexual liberation and education.

Expansion and Legacy

Beate Uhse's business expanded rapidly, and by the 1970s, she had established a mail-order business and opened several more stores. Her company, Beate Uhse AG, went public in 1999, becoming the first sex-related business to be listed on the stock exchange. Uhse's work challenged societal norms and taboos surrounding sex and sexuality, making significant contributions to the sexual revolution in Europe.

Throughout her life, Uhse remained an advocate for sexual education and liberation. She was a controversial figure, often facing legal battles and societal backlash for her work. Despite this, she remained committed to her belief in the importance of sexual health and freedom.

Death and Recognition

Beate Uhse-Rotermund passed away on 16 July 2001. Her legacy lives on through the Beate Uhse AG, which continues to be a leading company in the adult entertainment and sexual health industry. Uhse's pioneering spirit and contributions to sexual education and liberation have been recognized worldwide, making her a significant figure in the history of sexual health.