“Queen of Expressionism”, “Germany’s greatest lyric poet”, and “A Hebrew poet in a foreign language” – these are just some of the titles that the poet Else Lasker-Schüler, one of the most important German poets of the 20th century, has received. In addition to being one of the greatest poets in the German language, Else Lasker-Schüler was also known as an iconic queer figure.
Many of her poems dealt with biblical and Jewish themes, and at the end of her life, she escaped from Germany, settled in Mandatory Jerusalem, and became a well-known figure in the city’s cafes. Lasker- Schüler was known for her extravagant mannerisms and colourful personality. She called herself “Prince Jussuf”, and her exaggerated gestures were known in bohemian circles.