The historical persecution of homosexuals by the Nazi party in Germany during the Holocaust and the Lavender Scare in the United States during the Cold War both stemmed from the belief that homosexuals were a threat to national and societal values. This belief was fueled by the association of homosexuality with communism in anti-communist rhetoric. Artists and women, who did not conform to traditional gender roles, were also targeted as a threat. The persecution of homosexuals in both cases lacked substantial evidence and instead relied on unsubstantiated claims. This persecution persisted even after the fall of the Nazi regime, as seen in the Lavender Scare orchestrated by U.S Senator Joseph McCarthy for political gain. Overall, the persecution of homosexuals highlights the deep-rooted discrimination and fear of those who do not conform to societal norms.