German writer and activist Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was BOTD in 1825. Born and raised in the kingdom of Hanover, he had his first homosexual experience at 14 with his riding instructor. He studied law and theology and worked as a civil servant and judge. He was forced to resign in 1854, after a blackmailer threatened to reveal his sexuality. He became a journalist and writer, advocating for sexual tolerance and coining the term “Urning” (Uranian) to describe same-sex male desire. In 1867, he spoke out publicly in defence of homosexuality at the Congress of German Jurists, arguing for the repeal of anti-sodomy laws. Much of his writing was banned and he was frequently in trouble with the law. He left Germany in 1879 and settled in Italy, continuing to write and publish his work. He died in 1895 aged 69. Ulrich’s life and work influenced later generations of sexologists, including Magnus Hirschfeld who referenced him in his own writing, and Volkmar Sigusch who called him “the first gay man in world history“. His birthday is marked each year by a street party and poetry reading at Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Platz in Munich. The International Lesbian and Gay Law Association presents an annual award in Ulrich’s name for distinguished contributions to the advancement of sexual equality.