Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825–1895) was a pioneering German lawyer, writer, and early advocate for the rights of homosexual people. He is often considered one of the first modern gay rights activists. Ulrichs developed a theory of sexual orientation based on innate differences, coining terms such as "Urning" to describe men who are attracted to men. He publicly spoke out against the criminalization of homosexuality in the 19th century, making him one of the earliest known figures to campaign openly for LGBT rights. His writings and activism laid important groundwork for later movements by arguing that same-sex attraction was natural and should not be punished. Ulrichs also attempted to influence legal reforms and is noted for his courageous public speeches, including one in 1867 at a scientific congress in Munich, where he spoke openly about homosexuality, a bold act at the time.
