In a world where every historical figure’s personal life is under the microscope, recent speculation about Anne Frank’s sexuality has stirred up a fresh wave of debate online.
A progressive LGBTQ media outlet recently published an article asking whether Anne Frank might have been lesbian or bisexual, based on passages from her famous diary.
This sparked quite a bit of backlash on social media.
The Controversy Over Speculating Anne Frank’s Sexuality
Pink News, a known LGBTQ publication, ran a piece suggesting that Anne’s diary shows attraction to girls, in addition to boys.
While it’s true that Anne expressed feelings for both genders in her writings, many people found the public discussion uncomfortable or even offensive.
Some comments online were bluntly harsh, with users calling the speculation unnecessary and disrespectful to Anne’s memory.
One angry commenter wrote, “Shut the f**k up. It’s no one’s business and speculating is morbid and crass.”
Others asked for the article to be taken down, saying it did more harm than good to the LGBTQ cause.
Still, there were defenders who argued the conversation is valid, pointing out how openly Anne discussed her feelings in her diary.
Why Some See This Discussion as Important
Supporters of the article pointed out that children’s media often normalizes straight romances but treats non-heterosexual attractions as controversial or “sexual.”
One commenter questioned why it’s accepted for kids to enjoy Disney love stories but not to acknowledge that Anne Frank might have had similar feelings for girls.
Others shared personal anecdotes about how Anne Frank’s potential bisexuality was an inspiring secret among young people exploring their own identities.
This shows how her story continues to resonate across generations, even in unexpected ways.
What Anne Frank Wrote About Her Feelings
In her diary, Anne mentioned feeling romantic emotions toward her close friend Jacqueline van Maarsen, while also having a crush on Peter van Pels, a boy from her hiding place.
These reflections show Anne’s complex, human experience as a teenager navigating her emotions amid unimaginable circumstances.
A Brief Reminder of Anne Frank’s Story
Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who documented her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938, Anne and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam in 1942, concealed in secret rooms behind a bookcase.
Tragically, the family was discovered in 1944 and deported to concentration camps.
Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen, while only their father, Otto Frank, survived.
In 1947, Otto published Anne’s diary, which has become one of the most widely read books in history, touching millions with its testimony of resilience and hope.
Honoring Anne’s Friendship with Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen
Anne’s best friend Jacqueline, who recently passed away in February 2025 at the age of 96, was a classmate at the Jewish Lyceum in Amsterdam.
Their friendship, which lasted until Anne went into hiding, was deeply meaningful.
Anne’s diary contains a farewell letter to Jacqueline, hoping their bond would endure despite separation.
The Anne Frank Museum released a statement mourning Jacqueline’s death and celebrating her lifelong dedication to preserving Anne’s memory and their shared history.