Der Rosa Platz: Vienna to Get Memorial to Gay Holocaust Victims

It looks as though a memorial to Gay and Transgender victims of the Holocaust is going to be a reality in Vienna, Austria following an international competition to design it. Or perhaps it's already open. I haven't been able to confirm that.

Der Rosa Platz, or "Pink Place" is a shallow pink pool. According to planners, "the water itself will be colored pink."

From the plan: "Stretching across the basin is a relief with the letters 'QUE(E)R' looking out of it. Stepping from letter to letter one can walk across 1the basin... In its coloring The Pink Place is strongly reminiscent of the “Pink Triangle”, the badge those who were victimized and murdered for their sexual orientation during the Nazi era were forced to wear. 'QUE(E)R' is an open place for an open-minded society. The Pink Place is a meeting place, a place of contemplation or simply a place where you can dip your strained feet into the refreshing water on a hot summer day. Like a 'red' carpet, 'QUE(E)R' leads to the Inner City which, at the same time, is reflected on its surface. This temporary reproduction of the city gets overlapped by reflections of the passers-by and invites them to stay, to watch and to remember."

Below, the plaza, situated at the edge of the Inner City at Donaukanal, before and after.

Vienna Life Ball Brings out the Glitter to Fight AIDS

The 15th Annual Life Ball took place in Vienna on Saturday night, drawing 4,000 partygoers and more than 40,000 spectators to its opening ceremony. The Ball, which last year, according to the International Herald Tribune, raised $1.5 million to fight AIDS, featured a fashion show by Heatherette and musical performances by the Scissor Sisters.

Scissor Sisters photographer Kevin Tachman sent us these shots. Above, Lance Bass is kissed by Traver Rains, one half of Heatherette, as he ends his runway walk.

Scissor Sisters' Anamatronic and actor Alan Cumming. Amanda Lepore prepares for her walk-on.

Another Heatherette Life Ball model.

The Scissor Sisters perform. Porn star Jenna Jameson (left) takes the stage.

Jake Shears makes some adjustments.

Seth Kirby and Ana Matronic with musical group The Ones. Heatherette's Richie Rich, Mario Testino, Sharon Stone, Traver Rains. Stone told the crowd: "It's very important for us to remember that the AIDS and HIV situation is a situation that began from love, and it's a situation that will end with love...We have to constantly remind ourselves and others that there is no shame that love cannot cure; there is no hatred, no controversy and no walls that cannot come down when faced with the power of love and dignity."

Amanda Lepore walks the walk.

All photos: Kevin Tachman / WENN