BRAVO – Photo Love Stories

BRAVO Photo Love Stories: Education with heart, pictures and courage – a social milestone since 1972

Looking at today's youth magazines, it seems natural that information about love and sexuality is presented openly, honestly, and with a touch of humor. But that wasn't always the case. Especially in Germany in the early 1970s, one question agitated the minds of politicians, parents, educators, and moral guardians alike: Is the depiction of a bare breast sex education—or is it already an invitation to have sex?

With the introduction of photo love stories in 1972, BRAVO broke new ground in this area – and became a bold pioneer in sex education for an entire generation. For the first time, a magazine in Germany told photographed love stories of teenagers , not as crude sensationalism, but as a sensitive, honest slice of reality. And it did so in several episodes, alongside factual texts.

Education to look at – breaking a taboo

BRAVO did exactly what many parents simply failed to do back then. Whether out of shame, insecurity, didactic incompetence, or a careless trust in "nature" that "will sort it out," parental sex education was often patchy or even completely absent. The love stories became a teenager's best friend, an understanding buddy who answered all the questions that tormented them, especially at night before falling asleep.

The stories were more than just entertainment. They portrayed interpersonal relationships, fears, and insecurities , and offered concrete advice: from the first kiss to dealing with contraception and the correct use of condoms and foam ovula. At a time when sexuality was still a taboo subject, BRAVO created a flipbook of education for its adolescent readership with this series, a complementary program to the more dry, school-based sex education.

Between politics and society – the cultural context

In 1972, the Federal Republic of Germany was undergoing change: Political education by Federal Health Minister Käte Strobel had already laid important foundations with the Sex Education Atlas for classrooms and the educational film "Helga." But while schools and films targeted the masses, BRAVO was the voice of young people, their medium, reaching directly into their bedrooms— building a bridge between politics, society, and the realities of young people's lives .

The topic of sexuality was still a sensitive one in society, and many people preferred not to talk about it. This is precisely why BRAVO created a platform that overcame feelings of shame, closed educational gaps, and encouraged young people to explore their own sexuality responsibly . A social milestone that gave young people self-confidence – and showed parents the importance of open conversations.

The legacy of photo love stories – more than 50 years of enlightenment culture

To this day, the photo love stories remain a staple of BRAVO magazine. They have accompanied generations of young people, enlightened them, and imparted an understanding of love, relationships, and sexuality that often goes beyond the knowledge of their own parents.

They are more than just a journalistic form: they are a piece of contemporary history, a reflection of social development – and a courageous contribution to a more open, honest, and enlightened youth culture.