Livia Tresch: From Dark Childhood to Witness in Zurich's Gay Circle

In the 1960s and 1970s, Livia Tresch found herself in the homosexual scene in Zurich, Switzerland. As an illegitimate child, a foster child and a lesbian, her childhood was filled with darkness. However, it was in this community, which was seen as a parallel world, that she found a place for herself and became a witness to the community of her time.

! [Photographer Livia Tresch](https://www.swissinfo.ch/content/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/09/f298fba9a146b3c2e8d1e9fa07780908-liva-tresch -klaus-petrus-4866-data.jpg) *Livia at her home in Zurich. Photography by Klaus-Petrus*

Livia's story epitomizes a difficult journey. Her upbringing was full of challenges: from being put up for adoption, to being abused, to struggling with and accepting her sexuality. In those days, homosexuality was socially unacceptable, seen as "smelly, dirty, perverted and sick". Livia even sought psychotherapy in the hope of becoming "normal". Eventually, she learned to accept herself for who she was.

The turning point for Livia came when she first set foot in Zurich's gay and lesbian club "Blue Sky". There she discovered a completely different world, a community of understanding and acceptance. She was surprised by the courtesy and physicality of the gay men, which was very different from her preconceived notions of what a man should be. It was a revelation for her to realize that she was not alone.

! [Barfüsser Carnival, Zurich](https://www.swissinfo.ch/content/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/09/58ea037ecd22e44ec9985677d6e20f9a-liva_ tresch_insert-data.jpg) * Loud atmosphere, fancy dress, cigarettes and alcohol: Barfüsser, Zurich, 1963. Photographs by Liva Tresch/Sozialarchiv.ch*

Livia's story is not only about the life of the gay community, but also about an individual's journey to find self-identity. Her experiences reflect the prejudice and discrimination against sexual minorities at the time, and how these groups found strength and solidarity in the midst of oppression. Through her photography, Livia has documented the life of this community, and her work has become a precious historical archive, providing a window into the past for future generations.

Livia's story shows us that light and hope can be found even in the darkest of moments. Her life is a testament to the importance of accepting yourself, loving yourself, and having the courage to find and create your own space in the midst of difficulties. Livia Tresch's story is a tale of survival, love and acceptance that is an inspiration and a revelation to all people, especially members of sexual minorities.