The Lilac People
By Milo Todd
Counterpoint Press, 2025

Brimming with hope, resilience, and the enduring power of community, The Lilac People tells an extraordinary story inspired by real events and recovers an unknown moment of World War II and trans history. Bertie is a trans man employed at the Institute of Sexual Science where he works to improve rights in Germany’s thriving, pre-war queer community. But with Hitler’s rise, Bertie goes into hiding with his girlfriend, first to survive the Nazis and then to evade the Allied forces, who are arresting queer people as they liberate the country.

About the Author
Milo Todd is a Massachusetts Cultural Council grantee and a Lambda Literary Fellow. His work has appeared in Slice Magazine and others. He is Co–Editor in Chief of the literary journal Foglifter and teaches creative writing, with a focus on queer and trans adults. This is Todd’s debut novel.

Purchase the book
Please help support local independent bookstores by purchasing this book at Browseabout Books, official bookseller of the History Book Festival. Online sources and digital versions are tempting; however, supporting local brick and mortar shops helps to preserve our vibrant main streets. Drop by Browseabout, order books online, or call the store at 302-226-2665. You also may purchase a copy at biblion in Lewes.