In his new book With Wittgenstein in a Gay Sauna, published in German translation in 2026 by Karl Rauch Verlag, Czech writer and journalist Vratislav Maňák makes a journey of personal and social experience through the world of gay men in central Europe. In seven texts that straddle the line between literary essay and sociological reportage, he explores gay culture, notions of masculinity, the body and desire, as well as relations with mainstream society. Vratislav Maňák will read from his work at Switchboard, a venue that is part of Frankfurt’s queer past and present. In conversation with Tim Beißwenger of the Frankfurt Book Fair, Maňák will discuss his book, gay spaces and identities, and what these reveal about central Europe today. This is a cooperative event held by Czechia 2026, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and AIDS-Hilfe Frankfurt / Switchboard Café. 

Vratislav Maňák. Moderation: Tim Beisswenger, reading: Stephan Wolf-Schönburg